Eastern District of Missouri

ST. LOUIS – Lloyd Wings, 41, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to seven counts of armed robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of armed robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Wings appeared today before United States District Court Judge Ronnie L. White and admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to commit armed robberies and committed a series of armed robberies.

Beginning in July 2018, Wings and five co-defendants conspired to commit a series of armed robberies in the City of St. Louis. Wings and his co-conspirators would choose a location to rob and drive to the location in separate cars. Once there, the conspirators would enter the business armed with firearms and demand the employees provide the contents of the safe and/or cash registers. The conspirators would take U.S. currency from the businesses by the threatened use of deadly force. Wings and his co-conspirators would also forcibly steal the personal property of customers or employees. They would then flee in their respective vehicles, meet elsewhere, and divide the proceeds of the robberies.

On August 31,2018 Wings and two co-conspirators robbed a Domino's pizza restaurant on Lindell Boulevard. Wings and one of the co-conspirators entered the business through an unlocked employee entrance. Both tried to disguise their identities. They demanded an employee remove money from the cash registers. As he demanded the money, Wings brandished a handgun. A co-conspirator then demanded an employee open the safe. After the safe was opened, the co-conspirator took all of the U.S. currency and fled with Wings and another co-conspirator who drove the getaway car.

On September 3, 2018 Wings and a co-conspirator robbed a Subway sandwich restaurant on South Kingshighway. Wings went into business, produced a purple handgun, jumped over the counter, and demanded employees open the safe. The employees indicated they did not know the safe’s location, so Wings demanded they give him the money from the registers. Wings, while jumping the counter, knocked over an elderly customer causing her physical injury. After getting money from the registers, Wings jumped back over the counter, knocking over an employee, and left. The co-conspirator, who remained in the car during the robbery, drove the getaway car. He knew Wings was armed with a gun and intended to rob the Subway. The co-conspirator drove himself and Wings away from the scene.

On September 9, 2018 Wings and three co-conspirators robbed a Metro PCS store on DeBaliviere Avenue. Wings went into the store, produced a purple handgun, and pointed it at a Metro PCS employee and customers. He demanded money and produced a purple Crown Royal bag. An employee complied and took U.S. currency from the cash register to put into the Crown Royal bag. Wings left the store. One co-conspirator stood outside the store. A co-conspirator drove a getaway car. A third co-conspirator drove a second getaway vehicle.

On September 9, 2018, approximately an hour after robbing the Metro PCS on DeBaliviviere, Wings along with three co-conspirators robbed the Metro PCS located on Page Ave in St. Louis County. After dropping off Wings outside of the business, three co-conspirators waited in the getaway vehicles. Wings entered the Metro PCS store and pointed a handgun at a store employee. While brandishing the firearm, Wings ordered the employee to open the cash register. The employee complied and took U.S. currency from the register. Wings then fled the store with the money, jumped inside one of the getaway vehicles and all co-conspirators fled.

On September 7, 2018 Wings along with one co-conspirator robbed the Family Dollar in the 5900 block of Delmar Boulevard. Wings, armed with a mini-Draco (AK-47 styled assault weapon), entered the store and demanded access to the safe. Wings held multiple customers and employees at gunpoint for almost ten minutes while waiting for the safe to open. He demanded an employee empty the cash drawers and then the safe. He then tried to rob the employee. He fled on foot after the robbery.

On September 10, 2018 Wings, along with his accomplices robbed the Family Dollar located in the 5300 block of Virginia Avenue. Armed with a semiautomatic handgun, Wings entered the store and brandished the gun. He demanded money from the cash register and also robbed an employee.

Judge White has set sentencing for September 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Pagedale Police Department, North County Cooperative and St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – Brandon Phillips, 35, of Florissant, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Phillips appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark.

On May 23, 2019, officers were conducting surveillance of Phillips as part of a narcotics investigation.  Officers located Phillips parking a car at a home in the 2700 block of Blue Heron Drive in Florissant. Phillips was driving his co-defendant, was in the front passenger seat. Officers approached Phillips and the co-defendant, and placed Phillips under arrest for a warrant for violating his parole. Officers found, after searching Phillips, two bags containing suspected controlled substances. In a bag Phillips was carrying, officers located a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun and three bags containing suspected controlled substances.

During interactions with Phillips and his co-defendant, officers observed multiple bags containing pills, powders, and rock-like substances, believed to be controlled substances, sitting on the center console of the car. During a thorough search of the car, officers located a bag tucked partially under the driver’s seat. The bag contained a loaded 9mm handgun, multiple bags containing suspected controlled substances along with Phillips’ identification and credit cards. Laboratory analysis revealed the suspected controlled substances were methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.

Judge Clark has set sentencing for August 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. 

The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced David M. Foston to 125 months in prison today. The 49-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. 

Foston was indicted with 14 others in St. Louis, Missouri, in May 2019 for conspiring to distribute more than 25 kilograms of cocaine, 10 kilograms of heroin, and three kilograms of fentanyl. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $2,036,981 from drug payments and profits, luxury jewelry, and vehicles.

Investigators from of the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division uncovered a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution organization transporting kilogram quantities of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl from Mexico, through Texas and Florida, to the St. Louis Metropolitan area. The higher echelon of the conspiracy served federal prison sentences for prior controlled substance violations in the Federal Correction Institution in Florence, Colorado beginning in the late 2000s. 

Throughout 2018, Foston and his co-conspirators utilized drug couriers and vehicles with concealed compartments to ship multi-kilogram amounts of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to a residence in Spanish Lake, Missouri from Houston, Texas and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Foston and his co-conspirators unloaded the drugs at the residence and distributed them throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area. The proceeds from the sale of those controlled substances were stored at residences in St. Louis City and County and loaded into the concealed compartments of vehicles for transportation back to Texas and Florida. 

On March 17, 2018, DEA special agents and task force officers located and seized $1,304,804.00 in drug payments from the St. Louis-based distributors in Phelps County, Missouri as a courier was traveling back to drug suppliers in Texas. On April 20, 2018, the DEA intercepted a courier in possession of 25 kilograms of cocaine destined for the St. Louis drug distributors. In July 2018, investigators seized three kilograms of fentanyl and $263,000 in drug payments from a courier’s vehicle in Oklahoma. On September 8, 2018, investigators searched the Spanish Lake residence and seized 10 kilograms of heroin.

In October 2018, the St. Louis based distributors attempted to purchase $385,000 worth of cocaine during a sting operation in a suburb of Houston. DEA investigators intercepted the courier and seized the United States currency belonging to the other St. Louis based distributors.  The currency was to be a partial payment for 25 kilograms of cocaine, which the organization intended to distribute.

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration offices in St. Louis, Houston (Texas), Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Detroit (Michigan), the United States Marshal’s Service, St. Charles County Police, St. Louis Metropolitan Police, Bridgeton Police, Phelps County Sherriff’s Department and Cleveland, Texas Police.

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ST. LOUIS – Jelanie Reeves, 26, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of making false and fictitious statement in order to acquire firearms. Reeves appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel.

On December 12, 2019, Reeves went with a group of people to High Country Shooting Sports in Jefferson County. One of the people accompanying Reeves was his cousin, a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by in excess of one-year imprisonment and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. Reeves knew and later admitted to law enforcement that he knew his cousin was a prohibited person and could not purchase a gun himself. Reeves went to High Country Shooting Sports with the intent to purchase a firearm for his cousin.

While at High Country Shooting Sports, Reeves’s cousin pointed out various firearms to Reeves. Eventually, his cousin selected a Springfield model XD40, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. While purchasing the firearm, Reeves counted out money to pay for the gun as his cousin waited nearby. Reeves completed a Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Form 4473 Firearms Transaction Record. In the Form 4473, Reeves identified himself as the "actual buyer" of the firearm. This was a false statement.

In May 2019, Reeves contacted the St. Louis County Police Department and reported nine of his guns had been stolen from the trunk of his car. Reeves later admitted this was a false report.

In August 2019, Reeves admitted to ATF agents that he had been purchasing firearms for his cousin and others and that he knew his cousin was a convicted felon and could not legally possess firearms. Reeves also admitted he and his cousin would split the proceeds after Reeves purchased the firearms and gave them to his cousin to sell.  

In January 2020, the ATF arrested Reeves’s cousin following his indictment for various narcotics and firearms offenses, which occurred between 20l9 and 2020. The ATF obtained consent to search the residence where the cousin was living with his girlfriend. Agents seized the Springfield model XD40 in the cousin’s bedroom, along with the box it came in and the receipt from High Country Shooting Sports showing Reeves’s name as the purchaser. The gun was loaded with a round in the chamber. The cousin made a false statement to ATF agents, denying he had been with Reeves during the gun purchase. Further investigation revealed Reeves had purchased at least 18 firearms from businesses between March and September of 2019.

Judge Sippel has set sentencing for August 17, 2021.

The St. Louis County Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Matthew T. Schelp sentenced Garrick B. Madison to 57 months in prison today. The 25-year-old Cape Girardeau, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

On June 7, 2020, an officer with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety made a traffic stop on a vehicle for having a defective license plate lamp.  Madison was a passenger in the vehicle.   During a consent search of the vehicle, the officer located a black Remington pistol concealed underneath the passenger seat where Madison was sitting.  The officer asked the occupants who the gun belonged to.  At this point, Madison turned around and placed his hands behind his back and began walking toward the officer.  The officer took this as a non-verbal admission that the gun belonged to Madison.  

Madison’s criminal history includes felony convictions for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Resisting Arrest by Fleeing in Scott County, Missouri, and he is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.

This case was investigated by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hunter handled the prosecution.           

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ST. LOUIS – Tracey Ray, 48, of New London, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of federal program theft. Ray appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel.

Ray was the City Clerk of Center, Missouri for many years. Beginning in January 2015 and continuing through July 2019, Ray engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain money from Center, Missouri in an approximate amount of $317,325.59, by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.

As part of her fraudulent scheme, on approximately 30 occasions, Ray used Center bank funds to pay for charges on her personal credit card. Center funds used to pay for personal charges on Ray’s GM credit card totaled approximately $206,342.53 and were for such personal expenses as retail vendor charges, entertainment, lodging and travel, hair salons, restaurants and grocery store charges. These personal credit card payments were made either by Ray’s issuance of Center bank checks, or by Ray’s wire transfer of Center bank funds. Further, through these unauthorized credit card charges and payments, Ray earned and spent an additional approximately $1,911.00 in reward funds. Further, on approximately 39 occasions, Ray issued Center bank account checks in the approximate total amount of $62,537.76 to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to pay for the premiums on a family health insurance policy, as well as on life and disability policies for her and her family members.    

As a further part of her scheme, Ray issued five additional Center payroll checks to herself in the total amount of approximately $3,580.00, depositing each of those unauthorized checks into her own personal bank account. On 49 occasions, Ray issued checks on City bank accounts, in the total approximate amount of $35,546.85 to directly pay for the purchases of personal items and services. Ray issued these Center checks to make personal purchases at a number of retailers, such as Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby, as well as to pay for her personal residential mortgage and personal insurance policies. She also issued one or more of these Center checks to her family members, unrelated to the legitimate business and operations of Center. Further, Ray, as Center’s City Clerk, received cash payments from Center residents for various city charges, but Ray failed to deposit those cash receipts into the appropriate Center bank account. Instead, Ray used those cash proceeds, in the total amount of approximately $7,407.45 for her own personal use, without the knowledge and authority of Center and its Board of Aldermen.

In order to conceal her scheme from Center and its Board of Aldermen, Ray falsified the cash balances of one or more Center bank accounts on financial reports she prepared for monthly Board of Aldermen meetings. Ray also prepared false and incomplete lists of bills to be paid which she submitted for monthly Board of Aldermen meetings. Further, Ray falsified internal Center financial accounting records to make it appear that the unauthorized checks and wires she issued from Center bank accounts were made to legitimate third party vendors who had purportedly provided actual services or materials to Center.

During the period of her scheme, the City of Center received federal grant funds in excess of $10,000 into its bank accounts. 

Judge Sippel has set sentencing for August 17, 2021. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Missouri State Auditor’s Office and Ralls County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Maurice Woodson to 276 months in prison today. The 34-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime resulting in death and one count of witness tampering. 

Woodson was a member of a large-scale and long-term cocaine trafficking conspiracy between 2012 and 2016. Woodson and others bought large quantities of cocaine from convicted drug trafficker Adrian Lemons and Lemons’ associates in the St. Louis area. The investigation into Woodson and his associates developed evidence of a well-defined distribution network with a direct Mexican source of supply for cocaine. During the course of investigation, agents seized more than 70 kilograms of cocaine and well over one million dollars, among other things.

In furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, Woodson was recruited to kill a person. Woodson agreed to commit the murder. On December 5, 2013, Woodson intentionally shot and killed the person as that person tried to enter his vehicle in the 3500 block of Kossuth. Woodson received both drugs and money as compensation for the murder. Similarly, Woodson was recruited to kill another victim in furtherance of the cocaine trafficking conspiracy. On November 28, 2014, Woodson lured the other person to a meeting. When the person arrived in the 900 block of Harlan, Woodson intentionally shot and killed him. He died as a result of his gunshot wounds. Two others who accompanied the victim were also shot and injured. 

In January 2016, Woodson was indicted in federal court for his roles in the drug conspiracy and December 2013 murder. Woodson was ordered detained by a magistrate judge pending trial.  While detained in a local holding facility, Woodson initiated a murder-for-hire scheme. As part of the scheme, Woodson recruited an individual to murder a potential witness to the December 2013 murder committed by Woodson. Utilizing female companions, Woodson arranged meetings with and payments to the individual recruited to murder the potential witness.  Unbeknownst to Woodson, the individual recruited by Woodson to commit the murder-for-hire was an undercover law enforcement official.

“The purchase of a firearm intended for someone else, is straw purchasing and it is illegal. Doing so circumvents background checks and record keeping requirements that are intended to keep the public safe and impede access to firearms by prohibited and often violent criminals," said Frederic Winston, Special Agent-in-Charge for the ATF St. Louis Division. "Firearms trafficking is not a victimless crime; It is illegal and puts firearms in the hands of said prohibited and violent criminals. These investigation are a priority for ATF in our mission of reducing violent gun crime. “

Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; Kennett Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. 

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Justin A. Williams to 270 months in prison today. The 29-year-old Cape Girardeau resident pleaded guilty, in December, to one count of receiving child pornography.   

Williams admitted using the internet to solicit sexually explicit material from a 14-year old female from the state of Washington in December 2019. At the time he committed the offense, Williams was already required to register as a sex offender because of his 2015 state conviction for first-degree child molestation from the Circuit Court of Scott County. According to court records from that case, Williams sexually abused a six-year old female relative in 2014. Williams was released from the Missouri Department of Corrections just months before committing the federal offense.

After serving his 270-month federal sentence, Williams will be placed on supervised release for the rest of his life. Williams will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester is handling the case. 

ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Christen Diane Schulte to 80 months in prison today. The 35-year-old Washington, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, last year, to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud and one count of money laundering.

Schulte was a former bookkeeper and office manager of a farm and trucking companies based in New Haven, Missouri. Between January 2018 and February 2020, Schulte knowingly and intentionally devised and executed a scheme to defraud, and to obtain moneys from, her former employer and others by means of material false and fraudulent representations in that the she, without the knowledge and authority of her former employer, diverted funds for her own personal use. The total loss from this scheme is approximately $727,000. 

As part of her scheme, Schulte fraudulently and without permission used the companies’ credit cards for personal expenditures. Schulte also fraudulently caused American Express and FirstBank to issue her new credit cards in the names of the companies. Schulte fraudulently charged more than 1,800 transactions totaling more than $532,000 on these credit cards. Schulte also forged the signatures of the owner and several employees of companies, on checks from several different bank accounts, including personal accounts of the employees. Several of these checks were made payable to Schulte, but some of them she made payable to the companies in order to conceal the lost funds related to her credit card scheme.  

Other forged checks were drawn from a bank account held by the Berger Levee District of Franklin County, which is a taxpayer funded levee district responsible for creating flood control projects in Franklin County. Schulte forged the treasurer’s signature of the Berger Levee District on checks she made payable to the companies in order to conceal the lost funds related to her credit card scheme. Schulte used the fraudulently obtained funds for her own personal gain, including purchasing jewelry, a travel trailer, vehicles, and vacation travel.    

“White collar crime is not a victimless crime. The court sent a clear message during sentencing that the schemes undertaken by Schulte will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “The case was a cooperative effort by many law enforcement agencies, all working together to obtain justice for the many victims affected.”

“Christen Schulte was caught an sentenced to prison yet again for defrauding others who trusted her,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “The victim employer uncovered the theft after an internal audit before Schulte caused irreparable damage to the business. This case highlights the value of having robust internal controls.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – Lorenzo Young, 21, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Young appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge John A. Ross.

On June 7, 2020, Young and a co-defendant approached a victim in the 7300 block of Hazelcrest in St. Louis County to take a 2013 Chrysler 200 at gunpoint from that victim. Young was armed with a loaded Charter Arms .38 caliber firearm as he and the co-defendant approached the victim. Young brandished the firearm and demanded the victim’s car keys. The victim complied with the demand. Young and the co-defendant entered the Chrysler and drove away.

The victim called Hazelwood Police to report the carjacking. As the victim talked with police at the scene, the victim observed the stolen Chrysler drive past the 7300 block of Hazelcrest and the victim alerted police. Officers from multiple jurisdictions pursued the stolen Chrysler at high speeds for approximately 10 miles. Young was driving the stolen Chrysler.

Young crashed the vehicle while fleeing police near the intersection of New Halls Ferry and Riverview in the City of St. Louis. Officers took Young and his co-defendant into custody, and recovered the firearm used in the carjacking.

Judge Ross has set Lorenzo Young’s sentencing for August 25, 2021. 

Young’s co-defendant is awaiting trial and is presumed innocent of the charges.

The Hazelwood Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Keith Delmas Thomas to 70 months in prison today. The 30-year-old St. Louis County, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

In February 2020, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information from a source that Thomas, a Bureau of Prisons’ inmate, and his brother (Leonard Thomas) were attempting to purchase fully automatic firearms. The brothers negotiated a deal to purchase multiple firearms and Glock switches from undercover ATF agents in exchange for cash and methamphetamine. Thomas arranged a deal via telephone and his co-defendant met with agents. Both were arrested and multiple firearms and drugs were seized. Leonard Thomas pleaded guilty, last week, to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“The ATF has no greater mission than keeping firearms out of the hands of violent criminals. This case not only demonstrates the lengths to which criminals will go to acquire firearms, but more importantly, ATF’s expertise and commitment to investigating such violations of federal law,” said Frederic Winston, Special Agent in Charge, Kansas City Field Division, ATF. “In partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office, we will continue to work tirelessly to bring those who disregard the safety of our communities to justice.”  

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Behrens is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – A jury found Ramsey Windsor, 39, of St. Charles, Missouri guilty on two counts of assisting in the preparation of false tax returns following a four-day jury trial. United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig presided over the trial.

The evidence during the trial proved Windsor was the owner of a St. Louis County company that produced mass mailers for its customers. During the years 2013 and 2014, large sums of money, which were business receipts, were deposited into Windsor’s personal bank account. These funds were payments from only one client. All other business receipts from other company customers were deposited in Windsor’s business account. A majority of the sales which were deposited into Windsor’s personal account were not reported on his tax returns. This methodology caused the gross receipts to be underreported on Windsor’s tax documentation in years 2013 and 2014. Thus, Windsor assisted in the preparation of personal tax returns that were fraudulent.

"Windsor’s guilty verdict is a reminder to all of us that every individual must report all income and file an accurate tax return to the Internal Revenue Service,” said David Talcott, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the St. Louis field office. “IRS Special Agents will continue to serve the American public by investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes.”

The Internal Revenue Service investigated this case.

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ST. LOUIS – Lashawn T. Clayburn, 19, of  Pine Lawn, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking resulting in death and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a carjacking resulting in death. Clayburn appeared, today, before United States District Court Henry E. Autrey.

On the evening of January 5, 2019, Naomi Miller left her home in the 2500 block of Arden to get into her vehicle to go to her job, where she worked as a healthcare nurse. Clayburn approached Miller, shot her and stole her vehicle from the driveway of her Pine Lawn home. Police were not called until approximately an hour later. When they arrived at Miller’s home, she had died from the gunshot wound.

Clayburn spent the next several hours driving around in Miller’s vehicle and picking up friends of his for the purpose of going “Joyriding." About an hour and a half after the homicide, Clayburn pulled up to a Steak N' Shake off of Jennings Station Road with two friends and was captured on surveillance video. Clayburn was also captured on surveillance at a Taco Bell location where he met with two relatives to discuss disposing of the vehicle. 

The following day, Clayburn met with a group of his friends at a residence in the 8800 block of Alva to trade Miller’s vehicle for another stolen vehicle, since the vehicle Clayburn was driving was associated with Miller’s homicide. Clayburn and his friends, claiming to be part of a gang calling themselves "Murdaa Gang," took the license plate off of Miller’s vehicle and disposed of it in a neighboring back yard before replacing it with a license plate from another stolen vehicle.

On March 13, 2019, after being interviewed by federal agents relative to the carjacking and Miller’s murder, Clayburn placed a recorded jail call to his cousin in an attempt to secure a false alibi for the night of January 5, 2019. Clayburn used another inmate's PIN number and told his cousin to "delete the call" in an effort to destroy evidence of the conversation.

“Naomi Miller was a phenomenal woman. She was kind, humble and generous. She valued family and friends and never met a stranger. My aunt was the type of person that would have given you the last dollar in her pocket. What happened to her was not fair, but I believe my aunt would forgive the people that did this to her,” said Shanna Wakefield, Miller’s niece. ”My family is so thankful for all of the hard work that law enforcement put into this investigation, and the work of the US Attorney’s Office in getting the case prosecuted. While my family knows that nothing can bring our wonderful aunt back, we find comfort knowing that the guilty individuals will be held responsible for their actions, and hope this will make others think twice before taking another innocent life.”

“Ms. Miller’s death was a senseless tragedy, and this case highlights our office’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation to achieve some measure of justice on behalf of victims’ families,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “The agencies involved in this investigation showed tireless dedication in exhausting every lead until they found the perpetrator.”

Judge Autrey has set sentencing for August 19, 2021. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, North County Police Cooperative and Major Case Squad investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Angie Danis is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Carron Primus to 38 months in prison today and ordered Primus to pay more than $87,000 in restitution. The 41-year-old Maryland Heights, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking.  

On November 25, 2018, Primus met his victim through an online application installed on his and her phones. At the time of meeting Primus, the victim was physically located at a Panera Bread Company restaurant in St. Louis County.  

Primus planned, through communications on the app, to meet his victim at the Panera Bread and for her to travel with him to Farmington, Missouri where Primus had to complete a drug test for his federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) supervision requirements. During the drive to Farmington, Missouri, Primus and his victim talked about the victim engaging in prostitution. Specifically, they discussed the victim would need a phone number, advertisements, and a location.

Upon return from Farmington, Missouri, Primus stopped at his mother’s house to get a cell phone. Primus then took his victim to a local AT&T store to activate the cell phone. Primus informed his victim the cell phone would be used to talk to her clients. An advertisement for sexual services to be performed, by the victim, was posted online. Primus learned his victim was currently on her menstrual cycle and discussed with his victim oral sex with clients. Primus then drove his victim to Walmart to purchase tampons.

After Walmart, Primus drove his victim to hotels around the Saint Louis Lambert International Airport to check nightly prices. Primus selected the St. Louis Airport Inn located in St. Louis County. Primus put the hotel room in his name, but informed his victim he had no intention of staying in the room because he was on federal BOP location monitoring.

Primus left his victim alone in the hotel room where she was going to provide sexual services to clients. In Primus’ absence, the victim ultimately left. The St. Louis County Human Trafficking Task Force was later alerted to this matter and responded.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis County Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge E. Richard Webber sentenced Jordan Perry to 60 months in prison today. The 32-year-old St. Louis County, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

On July 9, 2019, officers from the St. Louis County Police Department tried arresting Perry because he was wanted on several outstanding felony warrants. Perry fled and led officers first on a vehicle pursuit and then on a foot chase. While fleeing from police, Perry drove through a backyard causing an officer to take immediate action to avoid being struck. During the vehicle pursuit, Perry drove at high rates of speed and failed to stop at multiple stop signs. A tire on Perry’s vehicle eventually deflated, so Perry abandoned the vehicle and ran from police. Officers eventually caught and arrested Perry.

Officers saw on the passenger seat of Perry’s vehicle, a.22-caliber High Standard Double-Nine revolver and three bags containing cocaine base. During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers located a fourth clear bag containing a cocaine base and 91 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition.

Prior to July 9, 2019, Perry was a convicted of a felony.

The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Anderson is handling the case.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, this week, directed the establishment of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance enforcement efforts against COVID-19 related fraud.

“The Department of Justice will use every available federal tool—including criminal, civil, and administrative actions—to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud. We look forward to working with our federal government colleagues to bring to justice those who seek to profit unlawfully from the pandemic,” wrote Attorney General Garland in a memo announcing the Task Force.

The federal government responded to the far-reaching economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with critical COVID-19 relief to workers and businesses affected by the pandemic. There has already been extraordinary vigilance, across the federal government, to help ensure that those much-needed public funds make it to Americans who are depending on them to feed their families and keep their businesses open. While it is impossible to keep all those intent on carrying out illegal COVID fraud schemes from doing so, the Department of Justice and its partner agencies have already been working to hold hundreds of bad actors accountable.

The Task Force will augment and incorporate the existing coordination mechanisms within the Department and will continue to work in close coordination with other efforts underway throughout the federal government. It will work closely with the Department’s interagency partners to share information and insights gained from prior enforcement experience, in order to reduce the potential threat to the American people and COVID-19 relief, and will help agencies tasked with administering these significant relief programs increase their fraud prevention efforts by providing any appropriate information law enforcement learns about fraud trends and illicit tactics. Additionally, it will also bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminals, prevent the exploitation of government assistance for personal and financial gain, and recover stolen funds.

Organized and led by the Deputy Attorney General, the Task Force includes several entities within the Department of Justice, including the Criminal and Civil Divisions, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Key interagency partners, such as the Department of Labor, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, the Small Business Administration, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Relief (SIGPR), the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC), and others, have been invited to be part of the Task Force.

The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh sentenced Steven Edmonds to 214 months in prison today. The 36-year-old Cape Girardeau, Missouri, resident pleaded guilty, in February, to two counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and two counts of Possession and Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.

On April 24, 2020, at around 4:30 p.m., Steven D. Edmonds walked into the Domino’s Pizza restaurant located at 1028 North Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Edmonds pulled a silver handgun from his waist, pointed it at store employee, and demanded money from the cash register. The employee opened the register, took the cash out and gave it to Edmonds, who then walked out of the store. The employee gave the money to Edmonds because he was afraid of being shot if he refused. The amount of cash taken in the robbery was approximately $60.        

On April 25, 2020, at around 11:55 a.m., Steven D. Edmonds walked into the CVS Pharmacy located at 1550 Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville, Missouri. Edmonds shopped for a while, then approached the store cashier.  Edmonds pulled a small black handgun from his waistband and displayed it to the clerk. Edmonds demanded money from the register. The cashier reached in the register and gave approximately $216 in cash to Edmonds. The cashier did so because he was afraid of being shot if he refused. Edmonds walked out of the store after receiving the cash.

This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell handled the prosecution.

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ST. LOUIS – A jury found Bryan Kimble, 32, of St. Louis, Missouri guilty, Wednesday, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and three counts of distribution of cocaine base following a three-day jury trial. United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark presided over the trial. 

The evidence during the trial proved Kimble distributed cocaine base to an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent on three separate dates. Kimble also conspired with others to distribute cocaine base. In October 2019, ATF Special Agents received information from a confidential informant that Kimble was selling cocaine base. On October 11, 19, and 22, 2019, ATF successfully conducted controlled purchases of cocaine base from Kimble using an undercover agent. Kimble would drive to a location to meet the undercover agent on each date and use a female passenger to complete the drug transactions. In all, Kimble sold more than 30 grams of cocaine base to the undercover agent. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Rodney H. Holmes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ashley M. Walker handled the case. 

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Brandon Shell to 155 months in prison today. The 22-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of armed carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

On October 12, 2019, Shell approached four people who had just exited a Kia Optima near the 3700 block of Juniata in St. Louis. Shell brandished a handgun and demanded the four victims give him all their money. The victims complied. After they did so, Shell further demanded “That’s not all you have, give me the keys!” One of the victims handed Shell the keys to the Optima. Another victim threw several items back in the Optima.

Shell then drove away in the Optima. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department detectives were able to locate Shell driving the Optima shortly after the carjacking. Shell pulled over in the 5300 block of Oriole in St. Louis. When Shell saw detectives, he ran away from them, but was eventually taken into custody.

Detectives found a loaded .380 caliber Kel-Tec semiautomatic pistol on Shell’s person. He was then arrested and charged. 

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Andre McIntosh to 72 months in prison today. The 48-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Just before midnight on January 7, 2020, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers patrolling the Jeff Vander Lou neighborhood discovered the license plate of an unoccupied vehicle was registered to McIntosh, who was a non-compliant sex offender on parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections. McIntosh also had several outstanding traffic warrants.

Officers canvassed the area and, after locating McIntosh, asked McIntosh to stop. McIntosh refused the officers’ requests for him to stop, and instead ran from the officers as they approached him. While running away from officers, McIntosh pulled a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson firearm from his pocket and threw it. McIntosh was ultimately detained by police. A post-arrest computer inquiry of the Smith & Wesson firearm thrown by McIntosh revealed it had been reported stolen. A post-arrest search of McIntosh’s person revealed him to be in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Prior to January 7, 2020, McIntosh had been convicted of one or more felony crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Missouri Department of Public Safety investigated this case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Marcus Mays to 37 months in prison today. The 37-year-old Canton, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On August 17, 2018, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department was investigating Mays. The sheriff’s department obtained a search warrant for Mays’ residence to look for items related to child abuse and drugs. During the execution of the warrant, the sheriff’s department found two stolen firearms, a box of 9mm ammunition, a box of sandwich baggies, two bags containing methamphetamine, marijuana and $1,100 in U.S. Currency in an ottoman in the living room.

Prior to August 17, 2018, Mays was convicted of at least one felony crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney J. Christian Goeke is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Bryant Willingham to 60 months in prison today. The 40-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking.

On April 8, 2020, Willingham approached a postal employee, inside a postal vehicle, delivering mail in the 5900 block of Tara Lane in St. Louis. Willingham tried to open the front passenger door, but the door was locked. However, the window to the door was down. Willingham climbed into passenger seat through the open window.

The postal employee began to drive away to keep Willingham from getting into the vehicle. Once he got inside, Willingham told the postal employee to keep driving. The postal employee, fearing for his life, slowed the vehicle and jumped out. Willingham climbed into the driver's seat and drove the postal vehicle away.

A few minutes later, Willingham crashed the postal vehicle at the intersection of Jennings Station and Lewis and Clark Roads. Willingham fled and boarded a Metro bus. The bus driver, a short time later, flagged down a St. Louis County Police Officer who boarded the bus and arrested Willingham.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney John Ware is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

“Our law enforcement partners in the Eastern District of Missouri routinely face challenging and dangerous situations, risking their personal safety for the safety of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Fleming. Men and women on the local, state, and federal level have worked tirelessly, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. Every single day, the law enforcement community protects us from violence and helps enforce the rule of law. This week and always I am honored to thank our courageous members of law enforcement for their sacrifice.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the Eastern District of Missouri, three officers died in the line of duty.  

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website. 

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net.    

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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ST. LOUIS – Tyson Rutledge, 48, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Rutledge appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.

On July 22, 2019, Rutledge sent a message to an undercover FBI agent participating in a social media chat room. Rutledge and the undercover FBI agent began to talk about children. Rutledge asked the undercover FBI agent if the undercover FBI agent had sex with kids. Rutledge said he likes “young” and has “no limits.” Rutledge sent the undercover FBI agent a graphic image showing a minor female and her genitals.

FBI agents, after securing a federal search warrant, searched Rutledge’s home on January 15, 2020. Agents seized a laptop, three iPhones, a DVD, a CD, a HTC cell phone and iPod. During the search, Rutledge was not home, but an FBI agent spoke with him by cellphone and he agreed to meet at Rutledge’s place of employment later in the morning. Rutledge met with agents and went to the St. Francois Sheriff’s Department and participated in a recorded interview.

Agents, after examining the seized laptop and phones, discovered child pornography images. Agents also discovered histories for downloads, web searches, website visits and chats concerning the sexual exploitation of children.

Judge Fleissig has set sentencing for August 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Francois Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Lonzo Patrick to 228 months in prison today. The 56-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in September 2019, to three counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in connection with the armed store robberies committed in October 2017. 

During the evening of October 21, 2017, Patrick entered the O’Reilly Auto Parts located in the 1100 block of N. Kingshighway. After inquiring about purchasing items, Patrick pointed a firearm at the store clerk and instructed the clerk to open the cash register. Patrick took money from the register drawer.

During the evening of October 25, 2017, Patrick entered the Phillips 66 located in the 4200 block of Lindell Boulevard. He approached the store clerk in order to purchase an item.   When the cash register drawer opened, Patrick reached over the counter to remove money from the drawer. When the clerk attempted to close the register drawer, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the clerk.  Patrick then took money from the register drawer.

During the afternoon of October 30, 2017, Patrick entered the Walgreens store located in the 2900 block of S. Kingshighway.   Patrick approached the counter to purchase some candy. During the transaction, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the store clerk. The clerk ran from behind the counter, and Patrick took money from the cash register.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney John Bird is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Jacquez Staples to 15 months in prison today. The 26-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

ln 2019, an investigative team that included agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Louis County Police Department's Intelligence/Gang Unit began an investigation of individuals who belonged to the "Four Corners Gang." Members of this gang were known to law enforcement as street-level distributors of firearms and narcotics, primarily in Dellwood. Investigators identified Staples and his co-defendant as members of the gang.

On August 15, 2019, the investigative team utilized a confidential informant and an undercover ATF agent to arrange the purchase of narcotics from Staples and his co-defendant. Under the direction and surveillance of investigators, the confidential informant and the undercover agent purchased from Staples and his co-defendant 73 capsules and a baggie which contained an off-white powder for $800.The crime lab determined the powder contained fentanyl. Staples was the driver of the vehicle when the controlled purchase occurred.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Harry Hamm to 68 months in prison today. The 79-year-old Chesterfield, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in February, to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of access with intent to view child pornography.

On April 19, 2019, officers from the St. Ann Police Department, obtained a search warrant to search Hamm’s premises and conducted the search on the same day. Police then contacted the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A special agent obtained a federal search warrant to search the items seized by St. Ann Police from Hamm, his home and Hamm’s employer, including two iPhones, an Acer laptop computer, an iPad and a Toshiba laptop. The items were then searched by a forensic examiner.

A forensics examiner located on Hamm’s iPhones deleted web history showing the phones were used to search for and view child pornography. The examiner also found images of child pornography.

The examiner found deleted images of child pornography on Hamm’s Acer laptop, deleted web history showing searches for a viewing of child pornography on Hamm’s iPad and computer search terms consistent with child pornography on Hamm’s Toshiba laptop computer.

The special agent obtained, through Canada’s legal process, Hamm’s Shoebox account, which revealed images of child pornography. Hamm used his iPhone and the internet to access his Shoebox account between March 1, 2018 and April 18, 2019.

Altogether, Hamm possessed 57 images of child pornography. Some included prepubescent minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, sadistic or masochistic conduct or other acts of violence.

The FBI and St. Ann Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS - The U. S. Attorney’s Office stands with all victims during the 40th anniversary of ‘National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.’ The men and women, working cases in the Eastern District of Missouri, are united in a commitment to making sure all crime victims feel heard, respected and remembered.

Last year, in an effort to make our city safer, federal prosecutors worked 716 illegal firearms cases, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department seized 2,612 guns. The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to prioritizing the prosecution of those who illegally possess firearms and the protection of those victimized by violent actors.

The office’s Victim Witness Unit continues to support victims of child exploitation, violent crime, white collar crime, identity theft, drug overdoses, human trafficking and civil rights violations.

The VWU, so far this year, is helping 376 victims. The unit estimates 18% of those victims are under the age of 17. In 2020, the VWU helped 549 victims with about 10% percent of those victims under the age of 17.  

Victims don’t suffer only physical harm. Many fall prey to scammers.

The office’s Financial Litigation Unit collected $2,195,239.90 in restitution, fines and special assessments for crime victims in March 2021 alone. The total, so far in 2021, is $2,743,369.38. The FLU collected, in all of 2020, $20,309,605.20 for victims.

“Protecting the community and vindicating the rights of victims are paramount.” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming, “I am proud of the tireless efforts of our office and our law enforcement partners undertake to prevent crime and support victims.”

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Matthew Schelp sentenced Bobby Black to 77 months in prison today. The 46-year-old Caruthersville, Missouri, resident pleaded guilty, in November, to six counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. One of the counts being conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Beginning on January 22, 2020 through March 11, 2020, Black conspired with others and sold methamphetamine through several controlled buys with an undercover agent. Black would agree to meet with the undercover agent at different locations and sell the methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell handled the prosecution.

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ST. LOUIS – Nicholas Trueblood, 26, of St. Charles, Missouri, pleaded guilty to four counts of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine. Trueblood appeared today before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White.

Trueblood and his co-defendant were primarily distributing narcotics in the St. Charles County area. They were arrested and charged after selling narcotics to an undercover detective with the St. Charles County Regional Task Force.

In total, Trueblood admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, more than six grams of heroin and more than four grams of fentanyl.

Judge White has set sentencing for July 22, 2021. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Charles County Regional Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – Darryl Lennell Moore, 32, of St. Louis Missouri, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, one involving fentanyl, the other involving methamphetamine. Moore also pleaded guilty to an additional count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Moore appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Ronnie L. White.

Beginning in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis County Police Department were actively investigating the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Moore conspired with members of the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 50 grams of almost pure methamphetamine.

At the height of the conspiracy, nine co-conspirators were involved and would distribute more than 20,000 doses of fentanyl per week. Distribution occurred using "runners" who also provided armed protection for the co-conspirators. Moore was primarily responsible for supplying the drugs for the conspiracy.

Judge White has set sentencing for July 22, 2021. 

The St. Louis County Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Bernard Toler to 72 months in prison today. The 33-year-old St. Louis County, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in January, to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On or about February 20, 2019, officers from the St. Louis County Police Department saw a vehicle with no visible license plates make a turn without signaling. Officers turned on the emergency lights to make a traffic stop, but Toler evaded police at a high rate of speed. Toler continued to flee police through a residential area while refusing to stop at multiple stop signs.

Officers eventually turned off their lights and sirens but maintained visual observation of Toler’s vehicle. Officers saw Toler park the vehicle in the parking lot of a business, at which time officers turned on their lights again and positioned their vehicles to prevent Toler from fleeing.

Officers approached Toler’s vehicle and noticed a revolver-style firearm in the middle compartment of the vehicle. Officers removed Toler from the vehicle and took him into custody. Officers seized the firearm, which was loaded with six live rounds, along with two digital scales, a marijuana grinder, a plastic bag containing 24 grams of marijuana and three cellular phones. The seized paraphernalia, drugs and phones are indicative of drug trafficking.

Toler admitted he intended to distribute some or all of the marijuana in his possession to one or more persons and he possessed the seized firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity.

The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Geoff Ogden is handling the case. 

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge John A. Ross sentenced Randy Clark to 77 months in prison today. The 34-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On October 25, 2019, Clark was driving a vehicle with expired tags when officers from the North County Police Cooperative stopped him. At the time of the stop, Clark had a bag strapped to his torso. Police learned Clark was wanted as a suspect and asked him to exit the vehicle. Clark was initially non-compliant, but finally exited the vehicle after multiple requests.

Officers found a .40 caliber semiautomatic firearm in the bag around Clark’s torso. The firearm was loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. 

The North County Police Cooperative investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dunkel is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge John A. Ross sentenced Lemartrell Smith to 120 months in prison Friday. The 26-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty in December to two counts of being in possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime and one count being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On or about February 28, 2018, Florissant Police received information Smith was selling drugs in the parking lot of a bowling alley and was armed with a gun. Officers pulled up to Smith’s vehicle to investigate but could not see inside due to the dark window tint. Smith refused to open the car door, so police smashed the window and removed Smith. Officers noticed from the center console, in plain view, a handgun with an extended magazine. Officers also seized 18 grams of fentanyl.  

On or about March 13, 2019 St. Louis County Police learned Smith was selling fentanyl. Using an undercover detective, investigators placed a call to Smith and arranged to buy $60 worth of fentanyl. Smith instructed the undercover detective to meet at a specific location. Smith met the undercover detective, reached into a leather satchel and removed 12 capsules. Smith exchanged the capsules for $60 and drove away.

As officers attempted to stop Smith, he ignored all commands to pull over and started to speed away. Smith continued to evade police even after driving over a spike strip. Smith crossed into an opposite lane of traffic at a high rate of speed and crashed into another vehicle.  The driver of the other vehicle was seriously injured. Officers arrested Smith. Charges related to the crash remain pending in St. Louis County Circuit Court.

Officers seized a satchel and found a loaded Glock pistol with one round inside the chamber. Officers searched Smith’s vehicle and seized $2,870 in U.S. currency, another pistol, the $60 used by the undercover detective, five cell phones and 10.34 grams of fentanyl.    

The St. Louis County Police Department, Florissant Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D'Agrosa is handling the case.

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. sentenced Jimmy Warf to 144 months in prison today. The 46-year-old Sikeston, Missouri, resident pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine in January.

On August 18, 2020, Warf sold 55 grams of methamphetamine to a DEA confidential informant at a parking lot in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and was arrested.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, SEMO Drug Task Force and Cape Girardeau Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tim Willis handled the prosecution.

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ST. LOUIS – Montell Keith, 23, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Keith appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark.

On December 8, 2019, officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were notified a white Toyota Camry, reported stolen on December 3, was parked at an apartment complex in the 5700 block of Goodfellow Place. While canvassing, officers located the Camry parked on the south parking lot, parked and exited their patrol car. Keith, identified by officers as the driver, drove away from the parking lot. The officers got back in their patrol car to follow and observed Keith running from the Camry. While running, the officers watched Keith throw a pistol on the ground. 

Officers chased Keith and eventually arrested him. An officer returned to where he saw Keith throw the pistol and found a loaded 9mm pistol. The officer discovered the pistol had been reported stolen on December 2, 2019.           

Prior to December 8, 2019, Keith was convicted of at least one felony crime.

Judge Clark has set sentencing for July 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS –United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Demetrius Burns-Jackson to 60 months in prison. The 24-year-old St. Louis City, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

In November 2018, Drug Enforcement Administration investigators received information from two sources that Burns-Jackson was a multi-pound methamphetamine distributor known to carry a firearm. One source confirmed buying methamphetamine, daily, from Burns-Jackson over a six-month period. The other source confirmed buying methamphetamine from Burns-Jackson over a two-month period. Both sources confirmed Burns-Jackson had a firearm during those transactions.

Investigators used a confidential source to buy methamphetamine from Burns-Jackson twice in December 2018. On December 21, 2018, agents arrested Burns-Jackson in a St. Louis hotel where they seized 428 grams of methamphetamine belonging to him.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Fairview Heights Resident Office investigated the case with the United States Marshals Service and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Sara Koppenaal is handling the case.

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. sentenced David Paul Wood to 120 months in prison today. A jury convicted the 37-year-old Kewanee, Missouri man of being a felon in possession of a firearm in September 2020. 

The evidence at trial revealed Wood was in possession of two firearms, one of which was stolen, and he committed an armed robbery while in possession of a firearm. The 120-month sentence was the statutory maximum sentence Wood could receive for this conviction.

This case was investigated by the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell handled the prosecution for the Government.

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ST. LOUIS – Tiffany McAllister, 44, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to three counts of tax fraud. McAllister appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Ronnie L. White.

McAllister began operating a tax preparation service in 2009 and continued the business through the 2019 tax year.

During that period, McAllister registered two companies with the Missouri Secretary of State and obtained employer identification numbers for them through the Internal Revenue Service even though she never transacted business nor employed anyone through either company. Nevertheless, between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016, McAllister prepared fraudulent tax returns claiming that she and some of her clients received wages and had taxes withheld with respect to the fictitious companies.

McAllister also knowingly prepared tax returns for clients that fraudulently claimed wages and withholdings from other fictitious businesses, self-employment business losses, and educational expenses in order to increase the federal tax refunds her clients obtained. 

An investigation by the Internal Revenue Service revealed McAllister received payment for assisting in the fraudulent preparation of 39 tax returns for the tax years of 2014 through 2017. 

McAllister admits her false representations for the tax years of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 created tax losses to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $920,854.

Judge White has set sentencing for June 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

“Today, Ms. McAllister admitted to preparing and submitting fraudulent returns to the IRS where she blatantly ignored the tax laws,” said David Talcott, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation division in the St. Louis Field Office. “IRS CI Special Agents will continue to ensure that all tax preparers and others in the tax preparer profession adhere to professional standards and follow the law.”

The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Courtney Curtis, today, to 21 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $47,867.69 to the victims. The 39-year-old Ferguson, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud relative to his theft of funds from his “Curtis for MO” campaign account.  Curtis served as Representative of Missouri District 73 from 2013 until 2019. Most recently, Curtis served as an assistant to St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days.   

Beginning on or about January 1, 2016 and continuing through or about December 31, 2017, Curtis misled donors by falsely representing that money contributions to the “Curtis for MO” campaign committee would be used for campaign and reelection purposes, when, in fact, he used a substantial portion of the money contributed by donors to the “Curtis for MO” campaign committee for his own personal use and expenses. 

After fraudulently convincing constituents to donate money to the “Curtis for MO” campaign committee, Curtis knowingly used monies in the “Curtis for MO” campaign committee bank account for his own personal benefit, unrelated to any legitimate campaign or re-election purpose in various ways, including but not limited to: using money in the account to pay for his apartment rental and utility bills; paying for hotel, airfare and travel expenses for himself and companions; paying for restaurant and bar bills; withdrawing funds from the account through substantial cash withdrawals, including at area casinos; and, using money in the account to purchase retail items for his personal use. 

Additionally, from time to time, Curtis deposited campaign donation checks into his personal bank account and used those funds to pay for personal living expenses unrelated to any legitimate campaign or re-election purpose. Curtis acted to conceal his scheme by failing to file required reports with the Missouri Ethics Commission, or by filing false reports with the Missouri Ethics Commission, which failed to identify his cash withdrawals from the “Curtis for MO” campaign committee bank account, failed to identify payments made directly from the “Curtis for MO” campaign committee bank account which were made for his own personal use, unrelated to any campaign or re-election purpose, and failed to identify campaign donation checks received and deposited to his personal bank account. Curtis wire transferred funds from the “Curtis for MO” campaign account to pay for personal expenses and to make cash withdrawals.

Total funds obtained by Curtis through his scheme to defraud his donors was approximately $47,867.69.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Dominic Young to 90 months in prison Monday. The 27-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm.

On December 10, 2019, Young robbed T.K. Beauty Supply located in the 8500 block of Airport Road in Berkeley. As a T.K. Beauty Supply employee was on the way back inside the store, from taking out the store’s trash, Young tried to have a conversation with the employee. The employee re-entered the store, but Young brandished a firearm by pointing it at the employee and another employee. Young demanded one of the employees give him the money from two cash registers.

Young ordered both employees on the ground before taking more money from one of the employee’s purse. Young left the store, got into a vehicle and left the area. Young’s actions were captured on security surveillance footage inside of the store.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Geoff Ogden is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Sherod Tucker to 80 months in prison today. The 32-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

Beginning in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis County Police Department were actively investigating the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Tucker conspired with members of the conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute in excess of 400 grams of fentanyl.

At the height of the conspiracy, nine co-conspirators were involved and would distribute more than 20,000 doses of fentanyl per week. Distribution occurred through the use of "runners" to include Tucker.

On January 31 and on August 9, 2018 Tucker sold fentanyl to a cooperating source working on behalf of the DEA. Tucker also assisted members of the conspiracy by cutting up the raw fentanyl with Dormin, before the drugs were pressed into capsules for sale. The indictment alleges the conspiracy involved committing violence in furtherance of drug trafficking to include committing two murders and another shooting. Tucker was not charged with the violence.

The St. Louis County Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – Nathaniel Hill, 39, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Hill appeared, today, before United States District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.

In November 2017 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspectors Service (USPIS) initiated an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking led by Hill and involving nine co-defendants. Beginning in or about May 2017, Hill and a co-defendant purchased kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from a San Diego source of supply. Initially, Hill arranged for packages of methamphetamine to be sent to St. Louis through the mail. Two of those packages were intercepted by law enforcement: one containing 1.336 kilograms on August 7, 2017; and, one containing 4.4 kilograms on April 9, 2018.  

Investigators also applied for and received authorization to wiretap Hill’s cellular telephone. On the wiretap, investigators heard Hill talk to co-conspirators regarding methamphetamine shipments, proceeds, and methods of transportation. The conspirators traveled between San Diego and St. Louis and used hotel rooms and rental cars to facilitate and hide their activities from law enforcement.

During the investigation, a confidential source made several controlled purchases of methamphetamine directly from Hill including 450 grams on December 12, 2017, 223 grams on January 18, 2018, and 224 grams on February 28, 2018.

On June 13, 2018, Hill was present at his residence in the 11000 block of Cadigan expecting a large shipment of methamphetamine. Agents executed a search warrant where they seized 25.064 kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigators also seized multiple firearms, $29,850 in cash, multiple items of jewelry and a BMW sedan, all of which were either derived from proceeds of the sale of methamphetamine or possessed in furtherance of the drug activity.

Based on the intercepted packages, the controlled purchases, the seizures on June 13, 2013, the intercepted calls and other evidence gathered by law enforcement, Hill admitted being responsible for at least 45 kilograms of methamphetamine and consented to the forfeiture of various assets seized by agents.

Judge Fleissig has set sentencing for June 29, 2021.

The St. Louis County Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – A jury found Marcus Nelson, 39, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine following a two-day jury trial on March 23, 2021.  He appeared before the United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. 

The evidence during the trial proved Nelson conspired with others to bring 45 pounds of methamphetamine from Texas to Missouri between December 2018 and March of 2019.  On March 19, 2019, SEMO Drug Task Force Officers received information a subject who lived in Ripley County near Doniphan, Missouri was expecting a large shipment of methamphetamine. Officers traveled to the residence and were speaking with the subject in the driveway when someone threw a duffle bag off a side deck of the residence. Officers recovered the duffle bag and discovered approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine and eight ounces of heroin inside. Further investigation determined Marcus Ray Nelson brought the bag to the residence and threw it out upon learning police arrived. Nelson, Matthew Wade Stoutt and Gino Wells Sr. were indicted and charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Nelson was also charged with possession of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of more than 100 grams of heroin with intent to distribute.

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, SEMO Drug Task Force and Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Keith D. Sorrell and Julie A. Hunter handled the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Demarko Nelson to 46 months in prison today. The 23-year-old Berkeley, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in December, to three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On March 2, 2020, Nelson ran a stop sign at the intersection of Clara and Etzel Avenues in the City of St. Louis, while driving a Pontiac G6. Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department stopped the vehicle. After identifying Nelson, a convicted felon, officers found two handguns. They seized the loaded gun on Nelson’s side of the vehicle and released a purple handgun located on the other side of the vehicle to the registered owner in the passenger seat.

On April 9, 2020, Nelson was riding in his friend’s Dodge Challenger on Interstate 70. Nelson’s friend was driving approximately 100 miles per hour when a tire blew, causing the friend to lose control. The car left the road, ripped through a chain-link fence, struck a streetlight and overturned on Bircher Boulevard in St. Louis. At the hospital, officers found two clear baggies of marijuana and more than $6,000 in the friend’s fanny pack. Back at the scene, an SLMPD accident investigator found a loaded purple handgun near a storm sewer just feet away from the Challenger. The firearm was later confirmed to be the purple gun from the original incident.

On August 20, 2020, the United States Marshals Service apprehended Nelson at his home in St. Louis County. While clearing the house, the U.S. Marshals discovered two bags containing 9.64 grams of fentanyl. U.S. Marshals also found a stolen handgun in Nelson’s bedroom.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Zack Bluestone is handling the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge John A. Ross sentenced Ramonte Willey to 17 years in prison today. The 24-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and one count of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Willey committed two carjackings in the City of St. Louis.  On December 7, 2018, Willey approached a victim’s Chevrolet Impala, which was parked in a Family Dollar parking lot in the 5000 block of Enright Avenue.  Willey demanded the victim’s money.  Brandishing a handgun with an extended clip, Willey then forced his victim out of the vehicle, saying “Get out of the f**king car!” Willey took the Impala from his victim, driving away from the scene of the crime.

On January 27, 2019, Willey arrived at a gas station in the 2000 block of N. Florissant in a stolen Kia Optima. Willey then got out of the Optima, approached a victim who was pumping gas, and put a gun in the victim’s side.  Willey then took the victim’s car, a Toyota Camry.  As the victim fled, Willey fired shots at him.  Willey drove off in the Camry.  The driver of the Optima also drove off, following Willey.

The next day, St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers saw a Kia Optima consistent with the vehicle used in the carjacking. Willey was driving the Optima. When detectives tried to pull over the vehicle, Willey sped off.  Even after detectives deployed spike strips. Willey continued to drive recklessly, throughout the City of St. Louis, violating stop signs and endangering others. Ultimately, the Optima became disabled in the 2900 block of Marcus.

Detectives demanded the occupants of the vehicle place their hands in the air. Willey, the driver of the vehicle, opened the door of the vehicle and placed his hands in the air, before reaching back into the vehicle. Willey ultimately exited the Optima and laid on the ground with a bag strapped to his torso. The bag contained two boxes of ammunition.  Detectives also recovered two firearms, including a handgun with an extended clip and another handgun, and a box of ammunition from the vehicle.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Teran Martin to 120 months in prison today and ordered Martin to forfeit $23,488 and the several firearms law enforcement seized in the course of investigating the crimes charged. The 27-year-old Ferguson, Missouri resident had previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possessing one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On January 7, 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration investigators executed a federal search warrant at Martin’s residence and seized a firearm along with quantities of fentanyl, cocaine base, and heroin. Investigators searched two more locations and seized additional items belonging to Martin, including eleven more firearms, additional quantities of fentanyl, cocaine base, and methamphetamine, and approximately $23,488. Martin has admitted the $23,488 seized by law enforcement are proceeds he obtained by selling controlled substances.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Redd prosecuted the case.

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced David Kramer to 24 months in prison today. The 42-year-old Parkland, Florida resident pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud.

In his role as a Risk Manager with a Florida-based branch of Enterprise Holdings, Inc., Kramer would request checks from the accounts payable team for various expenditures related to E.H.I.’s business functions.

Beginning in 2009, Kramer began requesting checks for fictitious and fraudulent expenses. Kramer, to support his check requests, would create false and fraudulent requests for payment from various entities in the south Florida area including the sheriff’s offices, the Florida Department of Transportation and judicial courts among others.

Once Kramer received the check, he would deposit the money into his personal bank accounts. Kramer then used the fraudulently obtained funds for personal purchases and expenses including luxury vacations, expensive watches and jewelry, and designer clothing. Kramer submitted at least 694 false and fraudulent check requests resulting in an actual loss to E.H.I. of $1,457,247.82. As a part of the sentencing, Kramer is ordered to pay full restitution to E.H.I.

“This case is a perfect example of how getting the FBI involved sooner rather than later can lead to the most successful outcome possible,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to build an effective investigative strategy and hold criminals accountable.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case.

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. sentenced Shederic Anderson to 35 years in prison today. The 46-year-old Poplar Bluff, Missouri, resident was found guilty, in November 2019, on two counts of aggravated sexual abuse. Anderson also pleaded guilty, in December 2018, to escape from custody. 

On July 26, 2018, Anderson escaped from the Cydkam Center in Neelyville, Missouri. Anderson signed out of the facility to go to work and never returned. Anderson was arrested and detained in the Dunklin County Jail. While in the Dunklin County Jail, he sexually assaulted another inmate. A jury found Anderson guilty, on November 15, 2019, for committing the assault on another inmate.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell handled the prosecution for the government.      

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CAPE GIRARDEAU – United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. sentenced Antron F. Ramey to 15 months in prison today. The 22-year-old Batesville, Arkansas resident pleaded guilty, in August, to one count of mail fraud and three counts of wire fraud.

On March 28, 2018, the Arkansas Securities Commission issued a Cease and Desist Order against Ramey and AFR Brokerage LLC, ordering Ramey and AFR to cease soliciting financial investments from individuals.          

In 2018, Ramey began soliciting investment funds from individuals for investment purposes. Ramey told those individuals that he would invest their money in cryptocurrency investment accounts or foreign currency investments with investment firms, including one legitimate investment firm known as Grand Capital. Ramey held himself out to the individual investors as a financial investment advisor working on behalf of Grand Capital. Ramey provided investors with a Financial Services Agreement which outlined Ramey’s investment services and the investments to be made on behalf of the investor. However, Ramey was not affiliated with any investment services firm and was merely taking the individuals’ money and converting it to Ramey’s own benefit.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell handled the prosecution for the government.    

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