9 charged in Chicago-NW Indiana heroin trafficking operation

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WLS) -- Nine people are facing federal drug and conspiracy charges for allegedly running a drug operation since 2009.

Prosecutors claim the operation trafficked heroin between Chicago and LaPorte and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.

They identify Antwon Willis, a.k.a. "Yellow," as the main source of much of the heroin. The 44-year-old man from Richton Park is expected in court on Thursday in South Bend, Ind.

Eight other individuals are named in the indictment and are due in court on Tuesday:

Tyquin Dinkins, 35, of Chicago

Tracy West, 33, of Chicago

Jordan Gutkowski, 28, of Michigan City, Ind.

Brandon Heuer, 28, of Michigan City

Nathan Mougros, 26, of Michigan City

Derrick Penwell, 31, of Michigan City

Brittany Lemond, 26, of Michigan City

James Jones, 26, of Westville, Ind.

Penwell, Lemond and Jones were previously arrested in Porter County and are also facing drug charges there.

The U.S. State's Attorney's Office is expected to request all defendants held without bond.

Chicago police, Michigan City police, the Porter County Drug Force and the DEA assisted in this investigation.