Eastern District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Grand jury indicts St. Louis County woman accused of stealing packages from private mailboxesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A federal grand jury indicted 40-year-old Sherri Welch on two counts of theft or receipt of stolen mail this week. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the help of the Hazelwood Police Department, arrested Welch on Thursday.
According to the indictment, on or about December 28, 2020, Welch stole a package addressed to another person in the 11000 block of Craig Manor Drive in St. Louis, MO. Also on December 28, 2020, Welch stole a package addressed to another person in the 6800 block of Teson Road in Hazelwood, MO.
For each count, Welch faces a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Hazelwood Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney John Ware is handling the case.
#####
Grand jury indicts two men charged in connection with use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking conspiracy resulting in death of victimRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A federal grand jury indicted 25-year-old Cevone Weeden and 35-year-old Herschell Perkins on one count, each, of discharge of one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime causing death. The same federal grand jury also indicted Weeden on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess, with the intent to distribute, controlled substances, including fentanyl.
According to charging documents, on or about August 20, 2020, Weeden coordinated with an associate to learn the whereabouts of the victim, who had robbed Weeden of a quantity of narcotics two days prior during a drug deal. Upon learning of the victim’s location on North Hampton Avenue near I-64, Weeden contacted Perkins, who drove the two to this location.
Weeden and Perkins proceeded to drive to various parking lots and side streets in the victim’s immediate vicinity. Shortly before the shooting, Perkins removed the license plates from his vehicle and Weeden turned his phone off. Just after 8:00 p.m., Perkins pulled his vehicle onto a side street across from the victim’s location, at which point Weeden emerged from this same location, crossed Hampton Avenue on foot and shot the victim multiple times while he sat in his vehicle. Weeden then returned to Perkins’ vehicle and the two fled the area.
The defendants face a maximum punishment of life in prison, death, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey Ogden is handling the case.
Judge sentences Jefferson County man to statutory maximum of 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Joshua Braman to 120 months in prison today. The 37-year-old Crystal City, Missouri resident previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, specifically a sawed-off shotgun.
In fact, on September 17, 2019, Joshua Braman beat a victim with the sawed-off shotgun and punched her dozens of times, causing her to bleed from her mouth and nose, to black out, and to ultimately need medical treatment. During the course of the assault, Braman bit his victim, keeping her in a stolen Mercury Grand Marquis, as he continued his assault. Braman also threatened to shoot this victim, dump her body in the river, and kill himself.
On October 23, 2019, Braman was apprehended at a residence in Campbell, Missouri. Not only did Braman have the stolen Grand Marquis parked outside the residence, but the sawed-off shotgun used to assault Braman’s victim, a 12 gauge Ever Best shotgun, was inside the vehicle.
“The courage the victim demonstrated during the judicial process is admirable,” said Colonel Mary T. Barton, St. Louis County Chief of Police. “I appreciate the manner in which the United States Attorney’s Office handled this case, and as always, I am extremely proud of the dedication of the officers of the St. Louis County Police Department.”
Sarah Pingsterhaus, Victim’s Advocate for the U.S. Attorney’s Office says, “Felon in possession offenses are often viewed as victimless crimes, but this is not always the case.” Oftentimes, these cases come to fruition as a result of law enforcement responding to a domestic violence call and discovering the abuser is a previously convicted felon who is in possession of a firearm.”
Domestic violence is growing at an alarming rate across the country, enhanced by the current pandemic. Stay-at-home orders were put in place to keep the public safe from the spread of the virus, but it also forced survivors to shelter in place with their abusers.
In June 2020, a representative from the Crime Victim Center reported “in April 2020 there was a 225% increase in domestic violence calls in the county and a 25% increase in the city."
If you are a victim of domestic violence, visit www.startherestl.org, for a list of organizations that can help, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 656-4673.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for threatening to kill a federal law enforcement officerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced W.T. Cortez Lakes to 77 months in prison today. The 34-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of threatening to assault or murder federal officers and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Lakes boarded a MetroLink train, on November 24, 2018, without a valid ticket. Officers from the St. Louis County Police Department removed Lakes from the train for failing to produce a valid ticket. Lakes began acting suspicious while on the train platform and was repeatedly reaching into his pant pockets. As officers tried to do a pat-down search, Lakes turned and ran onto the railroad tracks. He left his backpack behind. A subsequent search of the backpack found a 9mm caliber semi-automatic handgun. It was loaded with 16 rounds and contained a magazine with a capacity for 18 rounds. Lakes, before November 24, 2018, was a convicted felon.
On November 26, 2018, Lakes called his probation officer to report the law enforcement contact. He admitted to her he was in possession of the firearm. This started a series of calls over eight days in which Lakes became increasingly agitated and stated he thought his supervision was going to be revoked. On December 3, 2018, Lakes left a voicemail with his probation officer. He stated he was “not going back to prison.” He warned, “When y’all come for me make sure y’all have your shit locked and loaded,” and “When y’all come don't have y’all guns in your holsters cause I'm shooting, I'm shooting, I swear to God. I'm not playing man cause I'm not going back to prison.”
In making these threats, Lakes was threatening his probation officer and any officers of the United States Marshals Service who may come to arrest him on a supervised release revocation warrant.
“Simply, our office will not tolerate threats or violence directed toward those who have committed their lives to protecting our communities,” said Sayler A. Fleming, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. “Should you engage in such actionable behavior, we will aggressively and relentlessly prosecute you to fullest extent of the law.”
“Today, justice was served in the case of W.T. Lakes. When he made threats to kill federal law enforcement officers for carrying out their sworn duty, it did not deter us from doing our job and he committed a crime in doing so. W.T. Lakes will have ample time to reflect on this mistake while serving out his sentence at the Bureau of Prisons,” John Jordan, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri.
The United States Marshals Service and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dunkel is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced LeVaughn Neal to 156 months in prison today. The 36-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in October, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned, in August 2019, Neal and a co-defendant were involved in significant methamphetamine distribution in the St. Louis area. The United States Postal Inspection Service, at the same time, was conducting surveillance of suspicious packages mailed from Arizona to St. Louis.
On October 17, 2019, postal inspectors intercepted a suspicious package mailed from Scottsdale, Arizona to a vacant home in Jennings, Missouri. The addressee was not associated with the vacant home. DEA agents conducted surveillance on the vacant house and saw Neal parked in a vehicle near the house. The DEA conducted a controlled delivery of the package and left it on the front porch of the vacant house. Agents then watched Neal get out of a vehicle and pick-up the package off the porch.
Agents tried to arrest Neal, but he dropped the package and ran. Agents eventually arrested Neal and executed a search warrant to search the package. Inside the package, agents found zip-lock bags of crystal methamphetamine wrapped in duct tape and a vacuum-sealed bag inside bubble wrap. Neal admitted he chose the vacant address for delivery and the package should contain five pounds of methamphetamine. A forensics lab confirmed the package contained 2,217 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Neal ultimately admitted to being responsible for distributing between 1.5 kilograms and 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man to 10 years for drug trafficking and firearm chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced James Lamont Fields to 120 months in prison today. The 23-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Fields, along with three other co-defendants, was involved in a conspiracy in December 2016 to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
As part of the conspiracy to distribute the fentanyl, a co-defendant maintained multiple cell phones that were passed among members of the conspiracy and which drug customers would call in order to procure fentanyl. At various times, multiple co-defendants and Fields agreed to maintain possession of the phone and distribute fentanyl to the customers on behalf of the conspiracy. During the investigation, federal agents and assisting police officers utilized undercover officers and confidential informants to do controlled purchases of fentanyl from whoever was in possession of the common cell phone. On at least one occasion, Fields answered the cell phone and distributed fentanyl to an undercover officer in the city of St. Louis.
Additionally, Fields kept in touch with his co-conspirators regarding the activities of the conspiracy even during periods of incarceration. On December 3, 2016, Fields placed a call from the St. Louis City Justice Center to a phone number and received updates from co-conspirators regarding drug trafficking and the shooting death of David Bryant.
On April 11, which was after Fields’ release from the St. Louis City Justice Center, officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department received a call for multiple offenders fleeing from police at a high rate of speed in a stolen vehicle. When officers spotted the vehicle, Fields fled from it and led officers on a foot chase in Downtown St. Louis. When officers found Fields, he was in possession of a bag containing a Glock model 23C, .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm and a knotted baggie containing clear capsules totaling 11.68 grams of fentanyl. Fields told officers the firearm was stolen, and he was a convicted felon. Fields agrees he responsible for more than 400 grams, but less than 1.2 kilograms.
This case was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis Division of the FBI, the St. Louis Division of the DEA, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service and the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Richard Enloe, Jr to 125 months in prison today. The 40-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in October, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On September 1, 2019, St. Louis County Police responded to a 911 call regarding a possible drug overdose at a gas station on Butler Hill Road. An officer arrived and found Enloe, Jr. and a woman asleep inside a running vehicle at a gas pump. The officer also noticed drug paraphernalia and controlled substances on the vehicle’s console.
After the officer knocked on the window, Enloe, Jr. and the woman woke up. The officer searched the vehicle and found three pistols, 223 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a scale and multiple plastic bags. Enloe, Jr., a previously convicted felon, admitted possessing the firearms and intending to distribute the drugs.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jen Szczucinski is handling the case as part of the Safer Streets Initiative, which was launched by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri in 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for using online marketplaces to rob victims of iPhonesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge E. Richard Webber sentenced Clyde Jefferson to 120 months in prison today. The 27-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, last October, to five counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The robberies occurred on August 3, September 21, and October 8, 2018, and on January 8 and 29, 2019 in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.
The victims placed ads to sell their iPhones on various online marketplaces including Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Letgo. Jefferson responded to those ads and arranged to meet the victims purportedly to complete the purchase of the phones. When Jefferson and the victims met, Jefferson gave the victims counterfeit currency in exchange for their iPhones and brandished a firearm before stealing their phones.
U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming adds, “While using online platforms such as these is especially convenient for us all, I strongly encourage everyone to take precautions. Consider conducting your transactions in a public place and with a friend or family member, never divulge personal information, and arrange in advance for an e-transfer or instant payment, if possible.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Richmond Heights Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
#####
Grand jury indicts more than a dozen people in drug ring stretching from LA to St. LouisRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Marshals arrested 16 people Tuesday as the result of a federal grand jury indictment returned January 6, 2021, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
For more than a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Jefferson County Municipal Enforcement Group, conducted an investigation targeting a drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of crystal methamphetamine in the St. Louis region, with a network connected to Los Angeles, California.
According to the indictment, on June 18, 2020, investigators joined with the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to execute search warrants at locations associated with Dedrick Jordan, Joseph Holliman and Brandon Thomas. Investigators seized more than $140,000 in cash, crystal methamphetamine and high-grade marijuana, as well as two assault rifles and four handguns. Another gun was seized from a secret compartment in a vehicle, which was stopped on its way to St. Louis, containing 28 pounds of methamphetamine with a purity level of more than 90 percent.
Four of the individuals indicted are from Los Angeles, with the remainder being based in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The defendants are:
Brendon Darnell Thomas, 44, of St. Louis
Joseph Robert Holliman, 46, of St. Louis
Dedrick Deshon Jordan, 32, of Los Angeles
Terry James Williams, 34, of Carson, California
Clifford Dwight Davis, Jr., 40, of Los Angeles
Maria D. Flores-Cervantes, 32, of Los Angeles
Jacqueline Renee Harris, 39, of St. Charles
Thomas William Fogle, 41, of Bonne Terre, Mo.
Richard Leroy Clark, 61, of Farmington, Mo.
Sarah Nicole Reynolds, 36, of DeSoto, Mo.
Joseph Michael Suraud, 41, of Arnold, Mo.
Alexandra Marni Chambers, 27, of Arnold, Mo.
Deidre Denise Medcalf, 51, of Eureka, Mo.
David Michael Nuelle, 34, of St. Louis
Matthew Joseph Aubin, 43, of Imperial, Mo.
Kevin John Karll, 66, of High Ridge, Mo.
Ebony Silinzy, 43, of St. Louis, was indicted separately for obtaining firearms on behalf of Holliman, who is a convicted felon and prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. Thomas and Holliman, who are previously convicted felons, were also charged with unlawful possession of firearms.
“It takes a collective effort with our DEA counterparts to identify and investigate members of these illegal drug trafficking organizations,” noted Marissa Lee, DEA St. Louis Division Acting Assistant Agent in Charge. “As a result, this investigation yielded a successful outcome on the dismantlement of a major criminal enterprise.”
“Criminals who use the U.S. mail to transport illegal and dangerous narcotics into our nation’s communities will be brought to justice,” said William Hedrick, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “With the assistance from our state and federal law enforcement partners, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue its investigative efforts toward targeting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations.”
“HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to keeping criminal enterprises from distributing dangerous narcotics in our communities,” said Greg Paris, Resident Agent in Charge of HSI, St. Louis. “We are proud of the work accomplished with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners.”
“The investigation lasted approximately 15 months and involved nearly a dozen law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “This multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional investigation returned results consistent with the hard work law enforcement in our community demonstrate every day to rid our community of armed drug traffickers.”
The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10 million or both. The money laundering offense carries a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000, consecutive to any other sentence imposed. The defendants charged with being felons in possession of a firearm face a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case. The investigation involved the following law enforcement agencies: DEA, HSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, St. Charles City and County Police, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Arnold Police Department and the Normandy Police Department, all in Missouri.
#####
Jefferson County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO –Tracy Douglas Hyden, 55, of Jefferson County, Missouri, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
According to a plea agreement, in 2018 and 2019, investigators discovered that methamphetamine distributors operating in and around Jefferson County, Missouri, including Hyden and several of his co-defendants, were traveling to the City of St. Louis to obtain large quantities of crystal methamphetamine for redistribution in Jefferson County and elsewhere.
In August of 2019, DEA agents conducting surveillance observed Hyden meeting with a co-defendant who was supplying methamphetamine near the Central West End neighborhood in the City of St. Louis. Following a transaction that occurred near a stash-house utilized by co-conspirators near the 4100 block of Westminster, investigators stopped Hyden and ultimately located approximately 110 grams of crystal methamphetamine in his vehicle.
Hyden faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years and a maximum term of life and/or a fine of not more than $10,000,000.
Judge Limbaugh has set sentencing for April 15, 2021.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Multi County Narcotics and Violent Crimes Enforcement Unit investigated this case.
#####
St. Louis County man pleads guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry accepted a plea, today, from Bernard Toler. The 33-year-old St. Louis County, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to a plea agreement, 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 charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a penalty of not less than five years, and not more than life, in prison and/or a fine of not more than $250,000.
Judge Perry has set sentencing for April 12, 2021.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Geoff Ogden is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences former company Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for stealing nearly $800,000 in company fundsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Lynese Cargill to 21 months in prison and ordered Cargill to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $707,964.35today. The 51-year-old St. Louis County, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in September, to three counts of wire fraud related to her former position as vice president and chief financial officer of Common Ground Public Relations, Inc.
Cargill was one of the two founders of Common Ground and served as the firm’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Beginning in or about 2008 and continuing through in or about March 31, 2020, Cargill devised, and knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud and obtain money from Common Ground by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises in the total amount of $785,615.25.
Cargill issued 80 unauthorized bank checks to herself written on Common Ground’s bank account totaling $198,980.23. In order to conceal this aspect of her fraudulent scheme, Cargill made false and misleading entries in the internal financial and accounting records of Common Ground, purporting to make these unauthorized bank checks appear to be legitimate when, in fact, she knew they were not.
Cargill was issued both a Citibank MasterCard credit card and an American Express credit card by Common Ground to be used to pay for legitimate company expenses, such as necessary travel and other business expenses. Cargill used both of her company issued credit cards to make personal purchases, unrelated to the legitimate business and operations of Common Ground. Cargill's unauthorized credit card charges were for such personal expenses as airfare, hotels, automobiles, clothing, cosmetics, medi-spas, restaurants and miscellaneous retail purchases. These company issued credit card purchases were done by Cargill without the knowledge and authority of Common Ground. During the period of her fraudulent scheme, Cargill made approximately 2,841 unauthorized company issued MasterCard credit card purchases for personal use items and expenses, totaling approximately $351,748.42, and an additional approximately 1,166 unauthorized company issued American Express credit card purchases for personal use items and expenses, totaling approximately $190,200.66.
Cargill applied for and obtained two different $1,000,000 life insurance policies, but instead of naming Common Ground as the sole beneficiary, as required under the shareholder agreement, Cargill named her then husband, B.H., as the sole beneficiary on both policies. Cargill then made premium payments on both policies, totaling $5,244.00, with funds from Common Ground’s bank accounts.
Cargill also used Common Ground bank funds to pay for charges on three of her personal credit cards totaling approximately $38,516.94. None of these charges which was paid for with Common Ground funds was authorized by Common Ground, and was not for the legitimate business or operations of Common Ground.
In order to conceal her fraudulent scheme, Cargill moved funds between Common Ground bank accounts to falsely inflate the balance of the firm’s operating account when she provided financial updates to the president and chief executive officer of the firm. In furtherance of her scheme, Cargill caused unauthorized wire transfers to be made from Common Ground’s bank account to make payments on her personal credit card charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
#####
U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming Recognizes Law Enforcement Appreciation DayRead the Press Release
Each year, the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri observes Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) and this year is no different. On January 9, 2021, the staff will continue celebrating and honoring our brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
Across the nation, these men and women – representing approximately 17,985 law enforcement agencies -- perform demanding and thankless work at the local, state, tribal and federal levels. Many often respond to and witness some of the most tragic events in our communities such as murder, suicide and domestic violence.
“On behalf of myself and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, I want to say ‘thank you’ to all of the men and women in uniform. Please know that we appreciate the sacrifices you make for all of us each and every day you leave your loved ones to selflessly and tirelessly protect our communities,” said Sayler A. Fleming, U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Missouri. “What you do matters, and it should never go unnoticed. Today and always, you have our unwavering support and respect.”
This office encourages everyone to show support for those who serve and protect. We look forward to continuing our partnership together, in 2021 and beyond, to promote justice and public safety.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for heading St. Louis cell of multi-kilogram heroin and cocaine distribution organizationRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Robert Hill to 25 years in prison. A jury had convicted Hill of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and one count of felon in possession of a firearm on September 16, 2020.
The evidence presented at trial proved that on May 23, 2013, officers responded to a call in the 11000 block of Criterion Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Investigators observed signs of a struggle and blood smears and during a protective sweep of the residence located and ultimately seized more than 63 functional firearms, various ammunition, and body armor. Security footage and other evidence linked the residence to Robert Hill, a previously convicted felon. Hill’s fingerprints were found on some of the firearms.
Additional evidence demonstrated Hill’s participation in a long-term, large-scale drug conspiracy involving multiple-kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin from Mexican sources of supply to the St. Louis area. During the investigation, authorities seized hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds from Hill and his various associates. Specifically, on February 19, 2016, a Clayton Police Officer located Hill in a van with its parking lights on and making furtive movements. A records check revealed Hill had an active warrant. Hill fled from the officer who chased him by foot throughout a Clayton residential neighborhood. Hill was ultimately apprehended and was wearing a backpack in which $77,648.30 in currency was located, as well as a drug ledger. Hill was also in possession of four cellular telephones. The cash was seized and forfeited as drug proceeds.
DEA later obtained court-authorized wiretap interceptions over various cellular telephones used by Hill and his associates, during which coded conversations revealed that Hill was negotiating for and obtaining multiple kilograms of heroin on a weekly basis for distribution and sale in the St. Louis area. The Court found Hill was responsible for more than 90 kilograms of heroin and possessed firearms in connection with the offense.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming commended the work of the various law enforcement agencies in bringing this long-term offender to justice. “Robert Hill evaded law enforcement for several years and his drug trafficking activity did untold harm to the citizens of our district. The sentence in this case reflects that.”
“There is no better way to begin a new year than to send the leader of a violent drug trafficking organization to prison,” said Marissa Lee, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “This ensures illegal guns and drugs aren’t on our neighborhood streets. DEA often finds that violence and drugs go hand in hand and the defendant in this case is a perfect example.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, St. Louis County Police Department, and Clayton Police Department investigated the case.
#####
Appellate Chief appointed United States Attorney for Eastern District of MissouriRead the Press Release
Sayler A. Fleming was appointed by Attorney General William P. Barr on December 11, 2020, to replace U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. She assumed office on December 31, 2020.
“Having spent the bulk of my legal career as an Assistant United States Attorney, I am deeply humbled and honored to serve the office and federal judicial district in this capacity,” said Fleming. “I have immense respect for my colleagues, who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and fulfill the mission of the Department of Justice. I look forward to continuing this important and necessary work with our federal, state, and local partners.”
Fleming, as United States Attorney, is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of Missouri. The district serves 49 counties within three divisions – Northern, Eastern and Southern. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
In her time with the office, Fleming gained extensive legal experience prosecuting and supervising violent crime cases. Fleming most recently served as the office’s Appellate Chief.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fleming was an associate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Fleming, who grew up in Charleston, Missouri, also clerked for the Honorable Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. Fleming received her Bachelor’s of Accountancy from Mississippi State University and her law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law.
#####
Grand jury indicts two men on charges of armed robbery and brandishing a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted 21-year-old Malik Dorsey and 20-year old Darrion Gardner, both of St. Louis, Missouri, on several armed robbery and brandishing a firearm charges.
Dorsey faces two counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, and three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Gardner faces two counts of armed robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the indictment, on December 5, 2020, Dorsey and Gardner robbed the T-Mobile phone store in Overland while brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On December 7, 2020, Dorsey and Gardner robbed the Universal Wireless phone store in Breckenridge Hills while brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On December 9, 2020, Dorsey attempted to rob the Boost Mobile phone store in Maplewood while brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. During the attempted robbery, a store employee, who feared for his life, shot Dorsey.
Dorsey and Gardner, both out on bond in connection with another robbery, were wearing GPS ankle-monitoring bracelets as a condition of their release during the charged crimes.
Each count of armed robbery or attempted armed robbery carries a penalty of no more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Each count of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of no less than seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Breckenridge Hills, Maplewood, and Overland Police Departments, investigated this case.
Grand jury indicts four men accused of drug trafficking, firearms violations and committing a narcotics-related murderRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted, Wednesday, four people accused of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, resulting in death.
According to the indictment, beginning in October 2019, Franklin Bell, Arrion Jones and Deoman Reeves conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On October 21, 2019, Bell, Reeves and Deronte McDaniels possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. During this violation, they caused the death of David Anderson by shooting him.
On November 4, 2019, Bell, Reeves and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. Reeves possessed a firearm, which he sold to the ATF, knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony.
On November 18, 2019, Bell possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
On November 19, 2019, Bell and Reeves possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. Reeves again possessed a firearm as a convicted felon before selling that firearm to the ATF.
On December 10, 2019, Reeves possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
On December 13, 2019, Bell and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
On January 6, 2020, Bell and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent of all charges unless and until proven guilty.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the University City Police Department is handling the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Federal prosecutors experience increased workloads relating to child pornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO—Federal prosecutors, within the Eastern District of Missouri, are working an increased amount of cases involving child pornography.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office have indicted 62 defendants who abused children in some way. Those defendants represent a 16% increase from last year.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including those at the field office in Cape Girardeau, handled cases ranging from production of child pornography to human trafficking.
“It is very rewarding to be able to help the most vulnerable victims by being able to prosecute those who prey upon them,” said Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.
In 2019, technology firms flagged more than 45 million photos and videos as child sexual abuse, according to an investigation by The New York Times. That number more than doubled in one year. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a record 18 million tips to its hotline last year. By comparison, the tip line received a total of 565,000 calls during its first 10 years, between 1998 and 2008.
“Our office strives to protect children from sexual exploitation through federal prosecutions, but we need everyone to be vigilant in protecting our children. Please monitor your children’s internet usage so they don’t become victims of those who wish to exploit them,” added Jensen.
District Court Judges have sentenced 28 defendants, this year, to an average of 111 months which means those predators will be unable to harm children for nearly 10 years. The judges have also ordered more than $1,000,000 in restitution.
“Child predators are everywhere. They are men and women, young and old, coming from all races, classes and occupations. Technology has made accessing and grooming children easier than ever,” said Sarah Pingsterhaus, a Victim Witness Specialist for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Members of the Victim Witness Unit stress it is vital to discuss internet safety and encourage parents to monitor their child’s online activity.
“If you notice your child becoming secretive while online, turning off the computer screen when you enter the room, becoming obsessive about being online and angry when they are not allowed or disengaging from their normal circle of friends, it is time to start asking questions,” added Pingsterhaus.
#####
St. Louis County armed drug dealer pleads guilty to several drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge John A. Ross accepted a plea, today, from Lemartrell Smith. The 26-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty 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.
According to a plea agreement, on or about February 28, 2018, St. Louis County Police received information Smith was selling drugs in the parking lot of a bowling alley and 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 a traffic stop, Smith 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 was seriously injured. Officers arrested Smith.
Officers seized the satchel and found a Glock and a loaded 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.
Each charge of being in possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute carries a penalty of no more than 20 years in prison and a fine of no more than $1,000,000. The charge of being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a penalty of no less than five years in prison and a fine of no more than $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of no more than 10 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.
Judge Ross has set sentencing for April 9, 2021.
The St. Louis County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D'Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences Illinois man who fired shots at St. Louis police officersRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge John A. Ross sentenced Conrad Sparkman to 120 months in prison today, the statutory maximum for the offense of felon in possession of a firearm. The 36-year-old Cahokia, Illinois resident pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm on September 24, 2020.
On June 11, 2019, officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department tried to stop a vehicle operated by Sparkman for having a tinted windshield and an expired Missouri temporary license plate.
Sparkman fled from the officers at a high rate of speed. Sparkman drove the vehicle the wrong way down a one-way street, into on-coming traffic and violated an electric signal. The officers discontinued their pursuit of Sparkman. The aviation unit monitored Sparkman’s path until he parked the vehicle in the 4100 block of Shreve. Officers saw Sparkman and a woman exit the vehicle and walk away. Officers tried to detain Sparkman, who ran away. During a foot pursuit, Sparkman removed a firearm from his waistband and fired at an officer.
Officers returned fire at Sparkman. Sparkman was shot in the left arm and right hand, which caused him to drop the firearm. Sparkman continued to run before falling near the sidewalk in the 4800 block of Bessie.
Police recovered numerous items along Sparkman’s path, including a 9mm pistol loaded with one live round in the chamber and a magazine containing eight additional live rounds. Prior to June 11, 2019, Sparkman had been previously convicted of the felonies of Robbery 2nd degree and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
“The Police Department is truly grateful for the partnership it has with the US Attorney’s Office in prosecuting violent felons to the fullest extent of the law,” said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief John Hayden. “This guilty plea is particularly meaningful and timely when you consider the unprecedented gun violence directed at our Officers, just this year alone.”
“Sparkman received the maximum sentence available, appropriately. We will not tolerate shooting at our brave police officers,” said Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys John Bird and Jason Dunkel are handling the case.
#####
United States Attorney Jeff Jensen ResignsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States Attorney Jeff Jensen, 54, of St. Louis, Missouri, has announced his resignation effective midnight December 30, 2020. After his resignation, he plans on joining a private law firm in the St. Louis area.
Jensen, a graduate of St. Louis University School of Law and Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, had previously served as Executive Assistant United States Attorney and as an FBI agent. During his tenure as United States Attorney, he served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.
“Jeff Jensen brought unparalleled experience to the position of United States Attorney as a former FBI Special Agent, Assistant United States Attorney, and private attorney. Since his first day in office, Jeff’s mission has always been the same: to save lives. The extraordinary number of federal prosecutions initiated during his tenure are a testament to that mission. But, Jeff’s efforts were not only limited to the Eastern District of Missouri. Whatever requested of him by the Department of Justice, no matter how big or small, Jeff was always willing to serve. He did so admirably and was the epitome of professionalism. The Department benefited greatly from his sound judgment and broad perspective. It is my pleasure to call him my colleague and friend. I wish him the best moving forward,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.
The Eastern District of Missouri covers 49 counties with staffed offices in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. The office has 76 attorneys and is responsible for conducting all criminal and civil litigation in the district involving the United States government.
#####
Judge sentences armed carjacker three months after sentencing co-defendantRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Terrance Brew to 104 months in prison today. The 24-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Judge Perry sentenced Daquan Sanders, Brew’s 20-year-old co-defendant, to 104 months in September.
On April 1, 2019, Brew and Sanders approached two people in a St. Louis County park. The victims were playing basketball within the park. Brew and Sanders, each armed with a firearm, approached the victims and demanded their belongings. One victim gave his cell phone and the other stated he had only his car keys.
While Sanders held the two victims at gunpoint, Brew reached into the victim’s pocket and removed his car keys. Brew and Sanders then fled the scene in the victim’s car.
Later that evening, St. Louis County Police located the carjacked vehicle. Brew was driving the vehicle and Sanders was in the front passenger seat. Police tried to perform a traffic stop, but Brew failed to pull over which resulted in a 15-mile police chase through St. Louis City.
The vehicle chase ended when Brew crashed into concrete barriers blocking a residential street to vehicular travel. Brew and Sanders then fled on foot and both were taken into custody.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dunkel handled this case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for drug trafficking at Clinton-Peabody Housing ComplexRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Demetrius Tyrese Johnson to 180 months in prison today. The 26-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Johnson was involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl centered on the Clinton-Peabody housing complex on the near south side of the City of St. Louis.
Between September 2014 and July 2018, Johnson acted as a distributor for drug customers seeking fentanyl in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Johnson and other associates used various apartments within the Clinton-Peabody housing complex for purposes of storing and distributing fentanyl, among other things.
On July 18, 2018, investigators conducted a search warrant at Johnson’s residence. Inside Johnson’s bedroom, officers located a Glock 27, .40 caliber firearm with an extended magazine, an Anderson Arms AR-15 rifle and ammunition. Johnson knew he was a convicted felon prior to July 18, 2018.
This case was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis Division of the FBI, the St. Louis Division of the DEA, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service and the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis woman for her role carjacking resulting in death of Gus Gus Fun Bus OwnerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Jana Stowers to 180 months in prison today. The 22-year-old East St. Louis, Illinois resident pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting carjacking resulting in the death of Michael Arnold. Judge Perry sentenced Curtis Alford, Stowers’ co-defendant, to 20 years in prison last week.
On June 16, 2018, Stowers and Alford rushed up to two victims putting money in a parking meter. The victims were in St. Louis attending the ‘Taste of St. Louis’ event downtown. Alford sprayed the victims with pepper spray as he tried to grab their truck keys. Stowers supplied Alford with the pepper spray. While Alford struggled with both victims, he grabbed one by the hair and neck, pulling her to the sidewalk. Alford then pulled the keys from her belt loop and got in her truck. One of the victims then attempted to stop Alford as he started the engine. He shoved her out of the way and began to pull away from the curb.
Michael Arnold, who witnessed the carjacking, was in the street near the truck and taking a picture of the incident. As Alford pulled away, Arnold tried moving out of the way, but Alford drove over him, pinning Mr. Arnold under the truck. Alford then dragged Mr. Arnold across the street, jumped the curb, hit another victim who had been walking on the sidewalk, struck a fire hydrant and then sped off. Alford picked up Stowers around the corner and continued to speed away. As a group of pedestrians and two police officers gathered near the corner of Seventh Street and Chestnut, Alford sped in their direction, eventually crashing the truck. The officers and pedestrians had to scatter to avoid being hit. Officers immediately arrested Alford and Stowers. Mr. Arnold suffered multiple, severe internal injuries and died days later of these injuries. The other victims were treated at the scene for their injuries.
“Whenever we can find a federal violation, all participants in violent crime will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for aggravated identify theftRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Tyrelle Phillips to 24 months in prison today. The 29-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identify theft.
On March 30, 2018, First Community Credit Union alerted one of its cardholders of potentially fraudulent activity on her credit card. Richmond Heights Police investigated and learned the cardholder’s account number had been used to buy electronic equipment valued at $1,275.64 from the Microsoft Store. Through interviews with store personnel and reviewing store surveillance, detectives identified Phillips as the individual who made the fraudulent purchase with a prepaid debit card that had a magnetic strip embedded with the credit union customer’s account number.
In a subsequent investigation, Richmond Heights Police also identified Phillips using a counterfeit card embedded with the account of another person to buy merchandise, food and gift cards from various merchants throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Between March 7, 2019 and March 11, 2019, the actual fraud losses through the other person’s credit card exceeded $1,500.
Because Phillips was serving a three-year term of federal supervision after completing a 39-month term of imprisonment for engaging in similar conduct in 2014, he was also sentenced to an additional ten months of incarceration after Judge Clark revoked his earlier term of supervised release. In total, Phillips was ordered to serve a total of 34 months incarceration.
The Richmond Heights Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Raymond Barrett to 57 months in prison today. The 40-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On February 21, 2019, Barrett was riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle that was the subject of a lawful traffic stop. During the stop, Barrett tried to hide his firearm in the passenger door pocket. Barrett then gave police officers a false name. After police discovered the name was false, Barrett admitted his real name and police determined he had a parole warrant. While Barrett was getting out of the vehicle, police saw and seized the firearm Barrett had placed in the door. Barrett had been convicted previously of burglary in four separate cases, and was paroled from a 12-year sentence for robbery shortly before committing the offense in this case.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dunkel is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Peters man for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanylRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge John A. Ross sentenced Ramon Gonzalez, Jr. to 268 months in prison today. The 48-year-old St. Peters, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
During 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation into a drug trafficking enterprise by several co-defendants. The DEA conducted multiple controlled purchases in July, August and September, from a co-defendant residing in rural Missouri. DEA identified several other co-conspirators, and learned that one of them was in regular telephone contact.
The investigation grew to include targets in Kansas City and California. Investigators used judicially authorized wiretaps to identify co-conspirators and determine their roles. Investigators, in March 2019, intercepted a co-defendant speaking with Gonzalez. The call revealed the co-defendant intended to meet with Gonzalez to pick-up cash from the sales of various controlled substances.
On March 8, 2019, deputies from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department located the co-defendant’s vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 44. During a traffic stop, deputies searched the co-defendant’s vehicle and discovered a box containing $197,660 in drug proceeds.
In March and April 2019, DEA used informants to make controlled purchases of large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl directly from Gonzalez. One of these purchases occurred at Gonzalez’s residence in St. Peters. On April 25, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at that residence, during which they seized 6,386 grams of fentanyl, 5,547 grams of methamphetamine, 5,013 grams of heroin and 3,961 grams of cocaine. In a separate location nearby, they located and seized more than 20 firearms, many of which had been stolen and traded for drugs.
"Big poly-drug trafficking operations like this one require many law enforcement agencies to successfully dismantle," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Erik Smith, head of the DEA St. Louis Division. “Fortunately, DEA's partnership with the St. Charles County Drug Task Force, Police Department and Prosecutor's Office, along with other agencies, helped assemble the evidence to end his illegal business practice."
The Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service and multiple law enforcement agencies investigated this case.
#####
Grand jury indicts two St. Louis men on various charges of carjacking, firearms and felon in possession of firearms and ammunitionRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Jeremiah Couch with two counts of carjacking with the intent to cause death or serious physical injury, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing a stolen firearm.
The grand jury also indicted Joshua Thomas with one count of carjacking with the intent to cause death or serious physical injury, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession a stolen firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to the indictment and other the court documents, on October 21, 2019, Couch carjacked an individual at gunpoint and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers located Couch in the victim’s vehicle and when they arrested him, Couch was in possession of one or more firearms. Also on October 21, 2019, Thomas led St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers on a high-speed chase. When the officers caught Thomas, he possessed of one or more firearms and methamphetamine.
Court records further reflect that on October 19, 2019, Couch and Thomas aided and abetted each other in committing an armed carjacking. On October 17, 2019, Couch and another individual matching the Thomas’s description shot an individual and stole the victim’s bag, which contained the victim’s firearm. Thomas was found in possession of that firearm on October 21, 2019.
Additionally, court records reflect that on September 30, 2019, Thomas shot at a group of individuals multiple times, striking one of them. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers located ballistic evidence at the scene.
Carjacking with intent to cause death or serious physical injury carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of 7 years up to life imprisonment; felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a stolen firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Jen Szczucinski handled the case as part of the Safer Streets Initiative. The initiative was launched by Attorney General Schmitt and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in January of 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis.
#####
Grand jury indicts trucking company employee on embezzlement chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Michelle Serth-Stein on five counts of wire fraud. The 50 year old is a resident of Smithton, Illinois.
According to the indictment, between approximately October 2017 and August 2019, Serth-Stein embezzled monies from her employers to pay for retail expenditures and personal loans. Serth-Stein first worked at St. Louis-based Midwest Systems where she was the company’s driver recruiter. Serth-Stein’s role required submitting invoices for reimbursement of driver recruitment expenses. Serth-Stein, from October 2017 to January 2019, submitted false and fraudulent invoices to Midwest Systems for payments directed to Serth-Stein’s personal bank account. The company fired her on January 24, 2019.
On March 3, 2019, AA Express, Inc. hired Serth-Stein to conduct driver recruitment and oversee driver safety. AA Express, Inc. is also a St. Louis-based trucking company. From approximately March 2019 until August 2019, Serth-Stein made unauthorized Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions from the AA Express, Inc. business bank account and intercepted at least one check made payable to AA Express, Inc. by using her check signing privileges on the AA Express, Inc. bank account. Serth-Stein then directed the funds into her personal checking account. On August 10, 2019, Serth-Stein’s employment with AA Express, Inc. ended.
Serth-Stein embezzled approximately $120,804.57 from Midwest Systems and AA Express, Inc. without the knowledge or authorization of her employers.
For each count of wire fraud, Serth-Stein faces a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
#####
Grand jury indicts pair for stealing money from three St. Louis-area credit unionsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Wendell Bryant, 43, and Ciera Moreland, 34, on one count of bank fraud conspiracy and Bryant on one count of bank fraud.
According to the indictment, beginning in or around September 2019 and ending in or around November 2019, Bryant and Moreland conspired with each other to defraud three financial institutions by submitting fraudulent vehicle loan applications. Bryant and Moreland obtained loans from the financial institutions to purchase vehicles that were not in the custody or control of auto dealer STL Power Motors, operated by Bryant.
Moreland submitted loan applications to Neighbors Credit Union, Together Credit Union, and Vantage Credit Union, including false and fraudulent income verification. Bryant would then fax automobile purchase orders to the financial institutions for vehicles that were not in the possession of STL Power Motors.
Once Moreland obtained the loan proceeds from the credit unions, the funds were dispersed between Bryant and Moreland.
Bank fraud carries a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.000. The same penalties apply to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for carjacking resulting in death of Gus Gus Fun Bus OwnerRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Curtis Alford to 20 years in prison today. The 22-year-old East St. Louis, Illinois resident pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking resulting in the death of Michael Arnold.
On June 16, 2018, Alford and his accomplice rushed up to two victims putting money in a parking meter. The victims were in St. Louis attending the ‘Taste of St. Louis’ event downtown. Alford sprayed the victims with pepper spray as he tried to grab their truck keys. While Alford struggled with both victims, he grabbed one by the hair and neck, pulling her to the sidewalk. Alford then pulled the keys from her belt loop and got in her truck. One of the victims then attempted to stop Alford as he started the engine. He shoved her out of the way and began to pull away from the curb.
“I definitely have animosity towards the defendant because he tried to either cause me serious harm or possibly even kill me, when all I was doing was standing there. I have never witnessed something like that before, somebody being murdered, even as a draftee during the Korean conflict,” said Harry Frye, Jr, who is one of Alford’s carjacking victims.
Michael Arnold, who witnessed the carjacking, was in the street near the truck and taking a picture of the incident. As Alford pulled away, Arnold tried moving out of the way, but Alford drove over him, pinning Mr. Arnold under the truck. Alford then dragged Mr. Arnold across the street, jumped the curb, hit another victim who had been walking on the sidewalk, struck a fire hydrant and then sped off. Alford picked up his accomplice around the corner and continued to speed away. As a group of pedestrians and two police officers gathered near the corner of Seventh Street and Chestnut, Alford sped in their direction, eventually crashing the truck. The officers and pedestrians had to scatter to avoid being hit. Officers immediately arrested Alford and his accomplice. Mr. Arnold suffered multiple, severe internal injuries and died days later of these injuries.
"The loss of Mike is always with us and that will never change. This day is about what the defendant took from all of us. However, now we may be able to move past the criminal aspects of this terrible event,” said Mike Arnold’s wife, Suzanne Arnold. “More than anything, though, I hope we can remember all the beautiful things Mike was to us. Hopefully he gets the justice he deserves."
Arnold’s daughter Molly Arnold states, “My dad was such a major part of this community and of my family. It's been over two years of trying to get past the responsibilities that came along with his death. When the pandemic required shutting down the courts, I felt like we'd been thrown back into uncertainty and this looming last loose end wouldn't get tied up any time soon. It feels now like we can grieve the way we were meant to grieve.” Molly Arnold continues, “Thinking only of Dad and not worrying about whether we will see justice, if our statements are ready, and what our next steps have to be. I appreciate the love and the support that we've received from so many, and I appreciate that I find myself coming across kind words and happy memories even now. It has helped us to get through the hardest parts of this, and I'm so grateful for that. The fact that people still honor him over two years after his death is a true testament to the kind of person my father was. The love that he sowed reaches farther than I could have expected and it continues to grow through the community. It's a legacy that most dream of."
"Our family has forever been changed for the worst and each person in our family has lost an important person to them since we lost Mike," said Michael Arnold’s mom, Barbara Arnold.
U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen says, “My heart breaks for the Arnold Family and I greatly appreciate the cooperation of the other victims. This is a senseless tragedy.” Jensen goes on to say, “Curtis Alford deserves every day of his sentence.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences Jefferson County owner of of mushroom grow lab for possessing and intending to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. sentenced Shawn Tepen to 90 months in prison today. The 32-year-old Cedar Hill, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Tepen was identified, in May 2019, as a suspect who was receiving a large number of suspected narcotics packages at his home on Golden Spring Court in Cedar Hill. Investigators, from the FBI and USPIS, worked with members of the Jefferson County Drug Task Force who advised they also received information Tepen was distributing meth and other narcotics.
On September 3, investigators learned Tepen would be receiving a package containing meth. On September 6, investigators located a package addressed to Tepen’s home with a return address from Los Angeles, California and a fake name listed as the sender. Investigators used a K-9 to sniff the package and the dog indicated a presence of narcotics. Investigators, using a search warrant, searched the package and discovered four pounds and 7.8 ounces of a crystalline substance later determined to be meth.
On September 9, an undercover postal investigator did a controlled delivery of the package to Tepen’s home. Eventually, Tepen left his home, picked up the package and went back into his home. Investigators, using an anticipatory search warrant, searched Tepen’s home and found a firearm with three magazines, 1,983.7 grams of meth and a large mushroom grow lab in the basement.
The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Jefferson County Drug Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nauman Wadalawala is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for carjacking and being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Devion Perryman to 78 months in prison today. The 24-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On February 6, 2019, a victim parked his car behind a residence on McCree Avenue in St. Louis. While the victim was on a cell phone in his vehicle, Perryman approached and pointed a semi-automatic pistol at the victim. The gun had a green laser site, which was illuminated. Perryman demanded the victim get out of the vehicle and walk to the gangway between the buildings. At gunpoint, Perryman told the victim to put his keys and cell phone on the ground. The victim complied. While still pointing the gun at the victim, Perryman picked up the cell phone and keys, got into the victim’s vehicle and drove off.
Officers worked with the vehicle’s manufacturer to get its location. Later that evening, officers spotted the stolen vehicle at the intersection of Labadie and Newstead. Spike strips were deployed causing the stolen vehicle’s tires to deflate. Perryman continued to speed away.
Perryman refused to stop until leaving the roadway and crashing into a residence. Officers saw Perryman run from the vehicle and hide between some buildings. During a search of the area, officers spoke to a resident who told them the person they were looking for was inside a house. Officers found Perryman hiding in the basement and arrested him.
Police found a pistol matching the one used in the carjacking hidden under the porch of a neighboring residence. The gun’s magazine was loaded with a round in the chamber.
The St. Louis City Metropolitan Police Department and FBI investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences Warren County man for drug and firearm chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Jeffery Lynn Canter to 70 months in prison today. The 41-year-old Warrenton, Missouri resident pleaded guilty today to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On September 5, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of Salisbury Street in Montgomery City. Canter was present at the residence when police found an AR-15 pistol with a 100-round magazine in the kitchen. Police also found Canter’s backpack, which contained nine plastic bags of methamphetamine, a 15-round magazine for the AR and a plastic container of 9mm ammunition. Police also found two baggies containing methamphetamine on the kitchen table, various drug paraphernalia in the kitchen and bedroom and a digital scale in the living room.
Canter admitted the 172 grams of methamphetamine, gun and contents of the backpack were his. Canter also acknowledged he intended to sell the methamphetamine and was a felon prior to September 5, 2019.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery City Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Drug Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Warren County man pleads guilty to attempting to kill to federal officersRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig accepted guilty pleas today from 38-year-old Elijah Moore of Warrenton, Missouri. Moore pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to kill a federal officer, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of carjacking.
According to a plea agreement, on July 29, 2019, a Task Force Officer (TFO) with the U.S. Marshals Service went to a residence in Wentzville to assist the St. Charles County Police Department in an attempt to locate a suspect in a Warren County home invasion.
The TFO noticed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle taken during the home invasion robbery. St. Charles County SWAT found two people and made two arrests. One of those arrested told officers Moore had fled from the residence, tried leaving in the stolen vehicle, but it became stuck in the mud.
Later in the afternoon, a nearby homeowner discovered his home had burglarized and reported several firearms, ammunition and a vehicle as stolen. The TFO and a St. Charles County Police Department detective who was assisting in the operation located Moore later that day. Moore was the passenger in a blue Mustang driven by a female. The blue Mustang fled from officers at a high rate of speed until it stopped in a gravel parking lot. Moore jumped from the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the officers.
The TFO and detective prepared to return fire; however, the driver of the blue Mustang screamed that there were children in the vehicle. Fearing injury to the children, the officers did not return fire, allowing Moore to escape through the woods while continuing to shoot at officers. Moore then stole a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from a nearby business, firing shots to ward off law enforcement and others. Moore once again fled, shooting at pursing officers. He eventually crashed, at which time a gun-battle ensued with Moore continuing to fire at officers. Officers returned fire, striking Moore in the legs. He was taken into custody and crime scene investigators found nearly two dozen bullets and a revolver containing three fired cartridges and three unfired bullets.
Each charge of attempting to kill a federal officer carries a penalty of no more than 20 years in prison and a fine of no more than $250,000. The charge of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of no more than life with a fine of no more than $250,000. The carjacking charge carries a penalty of no more than 15 years with a fine of no more than $250,000.
“Today, Elijah Moore entered a plea of guilty from an evening of terror he perpetrated in St. Charles County during the summer of 2019,” said U.S. Marshal John Jordan. “The men and women of area law enforcement including members of the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force are to be commended for their unwavering bravery of capturing this dangerous felon and bringing him to justice.”
“There is simply no place whatsoever in our society for shooting at law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. “Those who engage in these violent acts against our officers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Judge Fleissig has set sentencing for February 25, 2021 at 10:00 am. The plea agreement provides that Moore will request a sentence of 25 years and the government will request a sentence of 35 years.
The St. Charles County and Wentzville Police Departments and United States Marshals Service investigated this case.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man for being a felon in possession of ammunitionRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Keyshawn Brown to 45 months in prison today. The 23-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition.
On December 2, 2019, officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were informed someone was driving a stolen car in the area of Goodfellow and St. Louis Avenues. The officers pursued the car and deployed spike strips, which caused the car to stop in the middle of the street. Brown, who was the driver, got out of the car and fled the scene. Brown was detained a short distance away by officers.
After interviewing others in the stolen car, officers went to a residence in St. Ann. After further investigation, officers seized two boxes of Federal Ammunition 300 Savage. During an interview with Brown, he told officers that he and two others bought the two boxes of Federal Ammunition 300 Savage from the Cabela’s in Hazelwood, Missouri. Brown stated he then took the ammunition to the residence in St. Ann and tried to load it into a double drum magazine for a “chopper,” but realized he had bought the wrong ammunition.
Investigators learned Brown is a previously convicted felon.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
#####
Grand jury indicts Northeast Missouri City Clerk for her role in stealing city moneyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Tracey Ray, on November 5, 2020. The 48-year-old Center, Missouri resident is charged with wire fraud and federal program theft. Ray was arrested on November 17, 2020 and had her initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge David D. Noce on November 18, 2020.
According to the indictment, Center is a city located in Ralls County, in northeast Missouri. Ray was the City Clerk of Center, Missouri. In her position, Ray was responsible for collecting and receipting all monies received by the city, paying the bills for the city and had full access to the city’s several bank accounts. Ray was authorized to sign checks on the city’s bank accounts. She received and reconciled the monthly bank statements on those accounts. She was also responsible for posting the city’s financial transactions to its computerized accounting system and preparing financial reports for the Board of Aldermen.
Beginning in or about January, 2015 and continuing through on or about July 3, 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 GM 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. On approximately 39 occasions, defendant 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 checks into her own personal bank account. On 49 occasions, Ray issued checks on one or more City bank accounts, in the total approximate amount of $35,546.85, to directly pay for the purchases of personal items and services unrelated to the legitimate business and operations of Center. 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, unrelated to the legitimate business and operations of Center 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.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a maximum fine of $250,000. The charge of federal program theft carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Missouri State Auditor’s Office and Ralls County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case.
#####
Judge sentences man for armed robberies and firearm offensesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Deandre Wings to 168 months in prison today. The 32-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, three counts of armed robbery and two counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Wings conspired with others from July 2018 through September 2018 to commit armed robberies at commercial establishments. On September 3, 2018, Deandre Wings served as the get-away driver; while his co-defendant (who Wings knew was armed) went into the store, showed a handgun, jumped over the counter and demanded employees open the safe. Wings’ co-defendant, who knocked over an elderly woman while jumping the counter, took off with $269.
On September 9, 2018, Deandre Wings, along with co-defendants, robbed a Metro PCS store on DaBaliviere Avenue. Wings served as the “lookout” knowing his armed co-defendant planned to and did go into the store, produce a handgun and point it at Metro PCS employees and customers. The co-defendant demanded money, produced a bag and the employee complied by putting money in the bag.
Again on September 9, 2018, Deandre Wings along with co-defendants, robbed another Metro PCS, this one on Page Avenue. Deandre Wings, who was waiting in one of the getaway cars, drove off after the robbery with the other defendants. During the robbery, Wings’ co-defendant entered the store, pointed a handgun at an employee, and ordered the employee to remove the cash from the register. The employee complied and provided $150 in U.S. currency from the register.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Judge Sentences St. Louis Man Who Tried Taking Officer's Weapon During Arrest AttemptRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Darryl Maxie to 60 months in prison today. The 45-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty on August 5, 2020 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 17, 2019, officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were investigating an assault in the 4000 block of Labadie. The victim identified Maxie as the shooter.
On July 30, 2019, officers were aware Maxie was wanted for the assault and learned he was in the 2200 block of Newstead. At that location, officers spotted Maxie who started running after he saw the officers. During the pursuit, Maxie tossed a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol and continued to run. After an officer tackled Maxie, a struggle ensued during which Maxie attempted to gain control of the officer’s firearm. After several minutes, officers were finally able to take Maxie into custody. Maxie told officers he carried the semi-automatic pistol every day.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
United States Attorney Announces Operation LeGend 12-Week ResultsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO— In response to the staggering level of violent crime in May, June and July of this year, St. Louis implemented Operation LeGend. The goal of the operation is to provide additional federal and state law enforcement resources and support to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and to combat aggressively the rising rates of gun violence in our community.
Federal law enforcement personnel from the Department of Homeland Security, United States Marshal’s Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Drug Enforcement Administration, and state law enforcement at the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Attorney General’s Office have all effectively joined forces with local authorities to attack violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office has dramatically increased the volume and speed of federal prosecutions to support the Operation.
Operation LeGend is working. As of November 5, 2020, Operation LeGend has resulted in 828 arrests, including 43 homicide suspects, and 259 guns seized. The arrests and seizures of crime guns were conducted by units supported by Operation LeGend agents and funding.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri has federally charged 357 defendants in St. Louis City and County. The federal prosecutions include firearms offenses, drug crimes, and sex crimes against children.
During this same 12-week period, crime in St. Louis City alone has been reduced from the extraordinarily high levels seen in the 12-week period preceding Operation LeGend as demonstrated below.
CRIME
BEFORE LeGEND
(May 21-Aug. 12)
DURING LeGEND
(August 13-Nov. 5)
LeGEND CHANGE (Total)
LeGEND CHANGE %
Homicide
111
53
-58
-52.25%
Rape
29
27
-12
-41.38%
Robbery
341
331
-10
-2.93%
*Carjacking
96
97
1
1.04%
Aggravated Assault
1417
991
-426
-30.06%
*Aggravated Assault with Firearm
1041
723
-318
-30.55%
Total Crimes Against Persons
1898
1392
-506
-26.66%
*Subcategories do not add to totals
As was the case after eight weeks, comparing the 12 weeks after Operation LeGend was fully implemented, crime has dropped. These numbers are based on the Uniform Crime Reports gathered by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. These reports are publicly available at https://www.slmpd.org/crime_stats.shtml
Judge sentences armed St. Louis drug dealer for possessing and intending to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanylRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Melvin A. Willis to 120 months in prison today. The 50-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
On July 12, 2018, members of the St. Louis County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force arrested Willis on an outstanding warrant. Willis had, in his pocket, a bag with several individually wrapped chunks of crack cocaine, a phone and $1,672 in cash.
That same day, officers conducted a search warrant at a home in the city of St. Louis that Willis shared with his girlfriend. In the master bedroom, officers found a plastic bag with several clear capsules containing a brown powder along with a plastic bag containing a black tar substance, a bag with an off-white powdery substance, Xanax, 9mm ammunition, a loaded 9mm High Point Rifle and a magazine loaded with five rounds ammunition.
In a second bedroom, officers found a Ruger, a semi-auto-automatic rifle, a plastic back with multiple empty clear capsule and a black grinder with a powder residue. In the kitchen, officers found a shoebox with a .22 caliber Sierra Six shot revolver with 41 live rounds of ammunition.
Willis possessed 6.92 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and heroin, .12 grams of heroin and .77 grams of marijuana.
The St. Louis County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and FBI investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Grand jury indicts another individual for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire schemeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against James Timothy Norman, Terica Taneisha Ellis, Waiel Rebhi Yaghnam and Travell Anthony Hill. Norman, Ellis and Hill are charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and murder-for hire resulting in the death of Andre Montgomery. Norman and Yaghnam are charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and Yaghnam is charged with five counts of aggravated identity theft all in connection with Montgomery’s murder-for-hire.
According to the indictment and other court documents, James Timothy Norman conspired with Terica Ellis, Travell Anthony Hill and others to use a facility of interstate commerce, namely, a cellular telephone, to commit a murder-for-hire in exchange for United States currency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1958. In 2014, Norman obtained a total of $450,000 in life insurance proceeds on his 20-year-old nephew, Andre Montgomery, on which Norman was the sole beneficiary.
In the days leading up to Montgomery’s murder, Ellis, an exotic dancer residing in Memphis, Tennessee, communicated with Montgomery and informed him she was planning to be in St. Louis. On March 13, 2016, the day before Montgomery’s murder, Norman flew to St. Louis, Missouri from his home in Los Angeles, California. On March 14, 2016, Ellis and Norman communicated using temporary phones activated that day. Ellis also used the temporary phone to communicate with Montgomery and learn his physical location for the purpose of luring Montgomery outside. Immediately after learning Montgomery’s location, Ellis relayed the address to Norman and Hill. On March 14, 2016, at approximately 8:02 p.m., Montgomery was killed by gunfire at 3964 Natural Bridge Avenue in the City of St. Louis. Ellis’s phone location information places her in the vicinity of the murder at time of the homicide. Immediately following Montgomery’s murder, Ellis placed a call to Norman and then began travelling to Memphis, Tennessee. In the days after the murder, Ellis deposited over $9,000 in cash into various bank accounts. On March 16, 2016, Hill received a cash payment of $5,000 at the direction of Norman. That same day Hill engaged in recorded phone conversation with an individual in jail and discussed Montgomery’s murder and his payment. On March 18, 2016, Norman contacted the life insurance company in an attempt to collect on the life insurance policy he had obtained on his nephew.
The indictment alleges prior to Montgomery’s murder, Norman conspired with Yaghnam, his insurance agent, to fraudulently obtain a life insurance policy on Montgomery. Beginning in October of 2014, Norman and Yaghnam submitted five separate life insurance applications, all containing numerous false statements regarding Montgomery’s income, net worth, medical history, employment and family background. In the life insurance policy that ultimately issued, Norman obtained a $200,000 policy, as well as a $200,000 accidental death rider that would pay out in the event that Montgomery died of something other than natural causes, and a $50,000 10 year-term rider that would pay out if Montgomery died within 10 years of the policy’s issuance in 2014.
“This murder-for-hire cold case from 2016 demonstrates once again the power of law enforcement partnership and persistence,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “By combining resources and expertise, the FBI and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department overcame numerous challenges to uncover the details of this plot.”
The arrests of Norman, Ellis and Hill are part of Operation LeGend which is a federal partnership with local law enforcement to address the increase in homicides and violent crime in St. Louis in 2020. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. Additional federal agents were assigned to the operation from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Section and Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating these current charges.
If convicted of the conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire or murder-for-hire resulting in death, the penalty is life imprisonment or death and a fine of $250,000. Conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Aggravated identity theft carries a minimum sentence of imprisonment of two years. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
As is always the case, the charge in an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
Judge sentences St. Louis County woman for providing material support to terroristsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Sedina Unkic Hodzic, 41, of St. Louis County, Missouri, appeared today before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry. Hodzic was sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and providing material support to terrorists. Based on the offenses for which Hodzic was convicted she is subject to deportation and removal from the United States.
According to court documents, between May 2013 and continuing to February 5, 2015, Sedina Hodzic and her husband Ramiz Zijad Hodzic conspired with others to support the activities of Abdullah Ramo Pazara and others, including a conspiracy to commit outside the United States an act that would constitute the offense of murder or maiming if committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Ramiz and Sedina Hodzic intended to and did provide support and resources to Pazara, knowing that they and their co-conspirators would use the support and resources in furtherance of their combat against Syrian government forces and others. The support consisted of money, which was used by her co-conspirators to purchase supplies such as U.S. military uniforms, rifle scopes, combat boots, tactical gear, clothing, firearms accessories, range finders, and other supplies useful to fighters engaged in combat in Syria and elsewhere.
Co-defendants Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, Nihad Rosic, Mediha Medy Salkicevic, Armin Harcevic and Jasminka Ramic were sentenced to 96, 96, 78, 66 and 36 months in prison, respectively.
The St. Louis Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments investigated this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorneys David Smith and Danielle Rosborough, of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
#####
Judge sentences St. Louis man who left behind trail of blood during armed robbery at Vincent’s Jewelers in Creve CoeurRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig sentenced Michael Gladney to 112 months in prison today. The 44-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty, in January, to one count of armed robbery affecting interstate commerce and one count of brandishing a firearm in the furtherance of a crime of violence.
On March 19, 2018, Gladney and three other men entered Vincent’s Jewelers in Creve Coeur. Gladney and the others ordered the workers to the back of the business at gunpoint. Gladney and two others were armed with firearms and a fourth person was armed with a pipe.
One man discharged a firearm into the case and Gladney and another man used the pipe to smash the glass to gain access to and ultimately take several pieces of jewelry.
During the robbery, Gladney shot himself and left blood near a glass case as he ran away. A trail of blood led investigators outside to where a get-away vehicle was parked.
The Creve Coeur Police Department, St. Louis County Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski handled the case as part of the Safer Streets Initiative. The initiative was launched by Attorney General Schmitt and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in January of 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis.
#####
Armed St. Louis dealer pleads guilty to several drug chargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge E. Richard Webber accepted a plea from Alonzo Williams. The 26-year-old St. Louis, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone, one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to a plea agreement, on September 18, 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and St. Louis County Police worked with a confidential source (CS) to buy narcotics from Williams. The CS and Williams arranged to meet at the Dellwood Market and Willams’ home. The CS exchanged $100 with Williams for 15.25 grams of marijuana. Williams, who possessed an assault rifle, as well as another armed individual, were in the home during the deal.
On October 2, 2019, Williams sold the CS 2.95 grams of marijuana and .20 grams of oxycodone. Guns were again present inside the home.
On October 8, 2019, another individual directed the CS to meet at Williams’ home. The CS contacted Williams, who was waiting in a vehicle, and bought .20 grams of hydrocodone pills for $20.
Each of the charges to which Williams pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Judge Webber has set sentencing for February 8, 2021.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.
#####
Grand jury indicts former Ferguson police officer accused of assaulting suspectRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted former Ferguson Police Officer Jackie Matthews, 63, of Florissant, Missouri on one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and one count of Making a False Record for an incident occurring on March 13, 2020.
According to the indictment, on March 13, 2020, Officer Matthews while with the Ferguson Police Department deprived the victim of his right to be free from unreasonable force. In so doing, Matthews assaulted the victim while handcuffed and not posing a physical threat to anyone. The indictment further alleges Matthews’ falsified the police report claiming the victim resisted arrest.
“I want to commend the Ferguson Police Department for swiftly bringing this matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “By doing so, it demonstrated its commitment to accountability that all professional law enforcement organizations strive for in order to maintain the public’s trust.”
If convicted on both counts, Matthews faces a maximum punishment of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
#####
Former Missouri State Representative pleads guilty to using campaign funds for his own personal use and expensesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Stephen Clark accepted a plea, today, from Courtney Curtis. 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.
According to the plea agreement, beginning on or about January 1, 2016 and continuing through on or about December 31, 2017, Curtis devised, intended to devise, and knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud and to obtain money from donors to the “Curtis for MO” campaign committee by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Curtis misled donors by falsely representing, and causing to be falsely represented, 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 reelection 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; paying for restaurant and bar bills; withdrawing funds from the account through substantial cash withdrawals; 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 reelection 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 reelection 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.
“If it weren’t for the diligent work of the Missouri Ethics Commission, this federal felony may not have come to light,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “While the Commission can only impose fines on candidates who lie on campaign finance reports, the FBI will bring to justice those who serve themselves instead of their constituents.”
Total funds obtained by Curtis through his scheme to defraud his donors was approximately $47,867.69.
The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of no more than 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of no more than $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
Judge Clark has set sentencing for February 5, 2021. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
#####
Grand Jury Indicts St. Louis Man for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted Najee Neal today on one count of carjacking, one count of brandishing a firearm in the furtherance of a crime of violence and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The 29 year old is a resident of St. Louis, Missouri. The indictment charges Neal with the February 27, 2020, armed carjacking of victim’s 2017 Nissan Altima.
Neal faces a maximum punishment of 15 years’ imprisonment on the carjacking count; seven years imprisonment on the count of brandishing a firearm in the furtherance of a crime; and 10 years maximum for each count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Neal faces a fine of up to $250,000.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Jen Szczucinski is handling the case as part of the Safer Streets Initiative. The initiative was launched by Attorney General Schmitt and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in January of 2019 as an unprecedented state and federal partnership to prosecute violent crime in St. Louis.
Judge sentences armed bank robber who caused car crash while fleeing from policeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Darvell Wharton to 144 months (12 years) in prison for his role in an armed bank robbery. The 39 year old is a resident of St. Louis, Missouri.
On December 28, 2018, Wharton robbed the U.S. Bank located in the 3800 block of Gravois and brandished a firearm in a crime of violence.
Wharton pointed a loaded .45 caliber pistol at multiple bank employees and demanded money. Wharton succeeded in taking more than $2,000 in cash during the robbery.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to an all-points bulletin and pursued Wharton as he drove at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour, disregarded traffic signals and caused a three-car crash. Officers arrested Wharton, recovered a loaded Colt 1911 .45 caliber pistol, a loaded .380 caliber pistol, cash taken in the bank robbery and clothing worn during the bank robbery.
Wharton caused damage to a bystander’s vehicle during the pursuit.
“Wharton deserves every day of this sentence. He terrorized bank employees by pointing a large firearm at them,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen. “He recklessly endangered innocent members of the community and law enforcement officers when he fled.”
U.S. Attorney Jensen commended the quick and effective response by SLMPD officers resulting in the arrest of Wharton and the recovery of evidence. U.S. Attorney Jensen further commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their support of the investigation and prosecution.
#####
Judge sentences St. Peters man for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Rico Willis to 60 months in prison today. The 23-year-old St. Peters, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Officers from the St. Peters Police Department answered a ‘shots fired’ call at a home on Spencer Trail on October 31, 2018. A woman, identified as Willis’ girlfriend, was shot in the leg. Willis witnessed the shooting. After the shooting, Willis ran from the scene with a firearm. Willis thought the shooters was pursuing him. As Willis approached a cul-de-sac, he turned and fired at the car following him.
The bullet struck the street in front of the car. Willis dropped the gun in a nearby park, but officers recovered it. Surveillance video captured Willis firing the gun. He admitted firing the gun in the direction of the car. Police recovered a spent bullet from the street. The shooting of Willis’ girlfriend remains under investigation.
The St. Peters Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa handled the case.
#####