Show-Me State Times

Two residents of Independence, Missouri, April Henderson and Donnell Timley, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms violations.

The indictment alleges that Henderson, 46, and Timley, 51, conspired to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. They are also charged with possession of these substances with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Additionally, Timley faces an indictment for being a felon in possession of firearms.

Federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at the defendants’ home on August 28, 2025. Authorities reportedly discovered over one kilogram of cocaine, more than 300 grams of powder fentanyl, 100 fentanyl pills, approximately ten pounds of marijuana, and eight ounces of suspected liquid PCP. Five firearms and more than $66,000 in cash were also seized during the operation. Both Henderson and Timley were arrested following the search and appeared in federal court the next day.

"The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence," according to information provided by authorities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele is prosecuting the case. The investigation was led by the DEA with support from several agencies including Kansas Highway Patrol, Internal Revenue Service, and Independence Police Department.

This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America. The initiative aims to coordinate resources from various Department of Justice programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) to combat illegal immigration activities tied to cartels and transnational criminal organizations as well as violent crime nationwide.