Plea in violent drug ring case may allow man to avoid prison

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A man who authorities say headed a large and violent Indianapolis-based drug trafficking ring has reached a plea agreement that could allow him to avoid prison time.

The Indianapolis Star reports 28-year-old Richard Grundy III pleaded guilty Tuesday to dealing in marijuana. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop charges including criminal gang activity and conspiracy to commit murder. He faces sentencing Sept. 21.

If a judge accepts the agreement, he'll get credit for about 1ˆ½ years spent in jail and serve probation. Prosecutors earlier dismissed murder charges he faced.

The newspaper says evidence problems plagued the case since Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry filed a 2015 complaint targeting the so-called Grundy Crew.

Grundy was among three people shot and wounded last month when an Indianapolis funeral procession came under fire.

___

Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com