Eastern District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Attempting to Possess with Intent to Distribute Approximately 8 Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Kaylin Robinson, 22, of St. Louis, to 60 months in prison for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 400 grams of fentanyl.
According to the plea agreement, on Friday, January 18, 2019, the United Parcel Service (UPS) attempted to deliver a package addressed to “Robert Anderson” at 2110 McLaran Avenue, Jennings, Missouri. The UPS driver went to 2110 McLaran but did not deliver the package because the house appeared to be vacant. The driver went back to the truck and Robinson approached the driver to request delivery of the package. Robinson said that he was picking the package up for his grandfather from 2110 McLaran. The driver asked for Robinson’s identification and he said he did not have any. The UPS driver returned the package to the Earth City customer service center.
On Monday, January 21, 2019, UPS security personnel opened the package in an effort to determine the correct address for delivery of the package. A plastic tote was inside the cardboard box and there were several bundles that were wrapped in green and clear cellophane with lotion, coffee grounds, and dryer sheets. Because the wrapping was suspicious, UPS security contacted the St. Louis County Police Department narcotics unit. The St. Louis County Police Department took custody of the package and found it to contain 7.99 kilograms of fentanyl.
On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Robinson went to the UPS Earth City customer service lobby and identified himself as “Robert Anderson.” A UPS employee told the defendant that he would need to present photo identification showing that he was “Robert Anderson.” He declined to present identification at that time.
Officers prepared an imitation package that looked like the original package to deliver to Robison if he returned to UPS. On January 23, 2019, Robinson went to the UPS customer service center in Earth City and again identified himself as “Robert Anderson.” Robinson presented a false Missouri Department of Revenue Temporary Driver License with his picture on it. The license was in the name of “Robert Anderson” with an address of 2110 McLaran Avenue, Jennings, Missouri. The issue date purported to be January 19, 2019. A UPS employee made a copy of the identification and informed Robinson that the package was out for delivery.
On January 23, 2019, Robinson returned to the UPS customer service center where he was given the imitation package. He placed the package in the trunk of a car waiting in the parking lot, got into the passenger seat, and then left the area. Officers attempted to stop the car, but the car fled at a high rate of speed and went the wrong way down a one-way street. Officers were unable to locate the car, however, they did locate the imitation package which had been discarded in the 12000 block of St. Charles Rock Road.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case, with the cooperation and assistance of the United Parcel Service.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Altonio Steeples, 37, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark.
According to the plea agreement, on June 23, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers responded to a reported disturbance in the 5800 block of Lotus. When Officers arrived, they observed Steeples and an unidentified male standing outside of a Nissan sedan. Upon seeing the marked police vehicle, Steeples and the unidentified male left the Nissan engine running, ran to a nearby porch and began knocking on the door. As Officers exited their patrol car to approach the two men on the porch, both men ran from Officers down a gangway.
While Steeples was running, a chasing Officer observed him reach into his waistband and remove a firearm. The Officer commanded Steeples to drop the firearm. Steeples then threw the firearm down in the gangway and continued to run. The Officer eventually took Steeples into custody and recovered the loaded Springfield Armory .45 caliber semiautomatic firearm Steeples had thrown while fleeing. The Springfield Armory firearm had been reported stolen, and Steeples was serving a term of supervised release for a prior federal felony conviction at the time of arrest.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 13 Months in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Mark Harris, 25, of St. Louis, Missouri was sentenced to 13 months in prison on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, on May 27, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers received a call for suspicious person/drugs in the 4000 block of Blow Street. Upon responding to that area, Officers observed three occupants of a vehicle smoking cigarillos, and the Officers smelled marijuana. Officers knocked on the vehicle’s driver’s window and when the driver, later identified as Mark Harris, rolled down the window, the Officers observed a bag of marijuana on Harris’ lap. When the Officers asked if there were any more illegal drugs in the vehicle, the backseat passenger stated that she had more marijuana in her bag, which she handed to the Officers. Officers removed Harris from the vehicle and patted him down, at which time the Officer immediately felt a firearm in Harris’ shorts pocket. The firearm was a loaded Hi-Point, 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Harris has prior felony convictions for a 2015 Stealing of a Motor Vehicle and a 2016 Forgery.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Felon Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Possessing Approximately 240 Grams of Methamphetamine for Distribution While Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Justin Newkirk, 41, of Raytown, Missouri, to 96 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine while possessing a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on August 14, 2018, Justin Newkirk and co-defendant Stephen Flynn arrived in the St. Louis area from Kansas City with an amount of methamphetamine intended for distribution. Newkirk employed Flynn as protection, and to drive him to and within the St. Louis area in order to distribute the methamphetamine.
On that date, officers from the Arnold Police Department made contact with Flynn and Newkirk after seeing their vehicle illegally parked in a handicap parking spot near a hotel in Arnold, Missouri. Flynn was in the driver’s seat, and Newkirk was seated behind him. Officers detected an odor of marijuana, and Flynn appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was concealing his hands from officers. Flynn and Newkirk were asked to exit the vehicle and the vehicle was searched.
Officers found drugs and firearms in multiple locations within the vehicle. Flynn had a Jimenez make, JA380 model, .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun in his waistband, loaded with six rounds of ammunition. On the front passenger seat next to Flynn was a money bag that contained plastic baggies, a digital scale, and 27.88 grams of methamphetamine. There also were additional rounds of ammunition that matched the caliber and brand of ammunition in Flynn’s firearm found on the front seat and in the cup-holder next to Flynn.
Newkirk sat in a rear passenger seat. On the floor next to his feet was a Taurus make, G2C model, 9mm semiautomatic handgun loaded with 12 rounds. Behind Newkirk was a black pouch containing three baggies containing a total of 42.17 grams of methamphetamine, numerous empty plastic baggies, and a digital scale.
Police then lawfully searched Flynn’s and Newkirk’s shared hotel room. Inside the hotel room, police seized a Bostich bag containing personal items belonging to Newkirk, and a single round of ammunition matching the ammunition in Newkirk’s firearm. The bag contained a locked pouch, which contained 168.85 grams of methamphetamine.
Prior to August 14, 2018, Newkirk was convicted of at least one felony crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. At the time he possessed the aforementioned firearm, he knew he had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
Co-defendant Flynn previously pled guilty, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 5, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Arnold Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security.
Felon Arrested in Stolen Vehicle Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Ramon Thompson, 28, of St. Louis, Missouri was sentenced to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.
According to the plea agreement, on July 19, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers responded to reports of a stolen Chrysler 300 traveling near Belt Avenue and Natural Bridge. The Officers initiated a curb stop of the stolen vehicle, and made contact with two male subjects, including Ramon Thompson in the passenger’s seat. Thompson refused the Officers’ verbal commands to exit the vehicle. Instead, Thompson pushed the driver out of the driver's seat, climbed over the center console toward the driver's seat, and attempted to put the vehicle's transmission into drive. Thompson was ultimately arrested after a physical struggle, and the vehicle was disabled. In the course of being arrested, a 9mm semiautomatic firearm fell from Thompson’s waistband.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –United States District Judge Ronnie L. White sentenced Leavie Morris, 30, of St. Louis, to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on August 24, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers received a radio assignment regarding an armed man with a black shoulder bag, who was firing shots in the area of 11th Street and Salisbury in the City of St. Louis. When officers arrived in the area, they saw Morris in a nearby Phillip 66 parking lot with a black shoulder bag.
When officers asked Morris to show his hands, he turned away from the officers and fled. An officer pursued him. Morris continued to ignore multiple commands from the officer. Eventually, the officer tased Morris but he continued fleeing and resisting. When Morris finally fell to the ground, he again continued resisting and reaching toward his bag. After handcuffing Morris, officers recovered a .40 caliber Glock 23 Gen 4 semi-automatic pistol with an extended twenty-two round magazine from the black shoulder bag. There was a round in the chamber of the pistol. The extended magazine was also loaded.
At the time defendant possessed the aforementioned firearm, he knew he had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Florissant Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Making False Statement in Attempted Firearm Purchase as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Johnny Sesson II, 47, of Florissant, Missouri, to 60 months in prison for making a false statement on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Form 4473 in order to acquire a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on April 13, 2019, Sesson attempted to purchase a shotgun from federally licensed firearms dealer Quincy Farm & Home Supply in Cottleville, Missouri. In completing the Form 4473, Sesson made a false written statement to the effect that that he had never been convicted of a felony crime. Sesson admitted to knowingly making this false statement, and that the false statement regarding his status as a convicted felon was capable of influencing the federally licensed firearms dealer into believing a firearm could lawfully be sold to him. Sesson also admitted to making the false statement with the intent to acquire the shotgun and to deceive the firearms dealer into selling him the shotgun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.
Felon Sentenced to 24 Months After Threatening Former Employer and Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Christopher McKinney, 28, of St. Louis, to 24 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on June 24, 2019, officers from the St. Ann Police Department were called to the Freeman Foundation at 8499 Lackland Road for a former employee threatening management after having been fired. McKinney was leaving the facility in a tan Infinity sedan with an expired plate when officers stopped the vehicle at 8316 Charlack Road. When asked what happened, McKinney stated there was a verbal argument before he left the business. Officers asked him if there was anything he had on him or in the vehicle that could hurt anyone. McKinney stated there was a pistol on the front passenger seat and gave consent for officers to retrieve the pistol. In plain view on the front passenger seat was a Ruger SR 45, which officers retrieved.
At the time defendant possessed the aforementioned firearm, he knew he had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Dowd handled this case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – United States District Judge E. Richard Webber sentenced Justin Moore, 31, of St. Louis, to 60 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to the plea agreement, Moore was driving a silver Infiniti SUV when officers of the St. Louis County Special Operations/Special Response Unit noticed that plates on the vehicle belonged to a Chevrolet vehicle. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop but Moore attempted to conduct evasive maneuvers, and then sped off at a high rate of speed. Officers followed the Infiniti when it drove down a dead-end street. After coming to a stop at a concrete barrier, Moore jumped out of the car, ran into a wooded area, and was apprehended. Officers detained a female passenger, Moore’s girlfriend, after she attempted to start the Infiniti and drive off. A child was in the back seat.
A search of the Infiniti revealed a plastic baggie of fentanyl in the driver’s door handle. On the driver’s side floorboard, police found a leather satchel, which contained 33 capsules of fentanyl, Oxycodone, four baggies of marijuana and Moore driver’s license. He was searched and found in possession of a clear baggie with methamphetamine and some marijuana, which was found during the search of his person.
A search of the female passenger revealed a large plastic baggie with methamphetamine. Both Moore and Moore’s girlfriend told police that the drugs found in the car belonged to him, including the methamphetamine found on his girlfriend’s person. His girlfriend had taken the methamphetamine from defendant in an attempt to hide it from police. Moore admitted that he intended to sell some of the drugs to another person.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa handled this case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Today, U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“Seniors are valuable members of our community. Unfortunately, they are often vulnerable to devious forms of abuse and fraud. Our goal is to stop such abuse before it happens and, when it does, to pursue the stiffest penalties and restitution amounts possible,” U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
St. Charles Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Steven Carson, 32, of St. Charles, to 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that crime.
According to the plea agreement, on July 17, 2019, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers observed a vehicle near Union Boulevard and Bircher Avenue matching the description of a truck that had been reported stolen. As officers attempted to further investigate, the truck sped onto the on-ramp of I-70 East and entered Illinois. A police helicopter successfully tracked the truck as it re-entered St. Louis. The truck then became stuck in a traffic jam near McCree Avenue and South Kingshighway Boulevard, at which point Officers were able to deploy spike strips and disable the truck as it attempted to plow through two nearby passenger vehicles. Carson exited the truck’s driver seat and was detained after a brief foot chase. Carson was arrested in possession of 5.8 grams of methamphetamine and a stolen semiautomatic firearm loaded with an extended ammunition magazine.
This case was diligently investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Redd handled this case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Pharmacist Indicted for Presenting Forged Prescriptions for Opioid and Anti-Malaria PrescriptionRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Tamara Jo Nyachira, 40, of Pittsburg, Kansas, was indicted today with three felony charges of obtaining anti-malaria and narcotic opioid prescription drugs with forged prescriptions.
According to the Indictment, Nyachira was a pharmacist for a large pharmacy chain, and worked at various pharmacies throughout Missouri, including one in Farmington, Missouri. During March of 2020, Nyachira used several forged prescriptions to obtain two drugs, amoxicillin clavulanate potassium (sometimes marketed as Augmentin®) and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (sometime marketed as Plaquenil®). Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (sometime marketed as Plaquenil®) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to treat malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, and can also be used on an emergency basis for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Further, the Indictment alleges that Nyachira used a forged prescription to fraudulently obtain Codeine/butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine (sometimes marketed as Fioricet® with Codeine), which is an opioid drug and Schedule III controlled substance.
“Nyachira is charged with forging prescriptions and fraudulently obtaining opioids and other drugs, thereby limiting availability of medications to patients legitimately reliant on these drugs,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We are dedicated to working with local, state, and federal officials to hold accountable individuals who engage in such illegal activities.”
If convicted, the anti-infection prescription drug charges each carry a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the controlled substance charge carries a maximum penalty of 4 years. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Pittsburg, Kansas Police Department, the Branson, Missouri Police Department, and the Farmington Police Department, with assistance from the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri Pharmacy Board, the Eastern District of Missouri OPIOID Task Force, and the Eastern District of Missouri COVID-19 Task Force, a multi-agency working group committed to fighting COVID-19 frauds and scams that is operated under the leadership of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Secret Service.
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.
East Saint Louis Man Sentenced to 216 Months in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Parris Guyton, 48, of East Saint Louis, IL, was sentenced to 216 months in prison for receipt of child pornography. Guyton appeared in federal court today before United States Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
On December 14, 2018, the North County Precinct of the St. Louis County, Missouri Police Department contacted the St. Louis Child Exploitation Task Force in reference to a sexual assault and production of child pornography. The victim, age 15, was taken to the St. Louis County, Missouri Police Headquarters by her parents. The victim identified Guyton as an individual who had sexual intercourse with her and subsequently attempted to have her prostituted.
Guyton began chatting with the victim through an online social media application (Tagged), in September 2018. From September to December 2018, Guyton had numerous instances of sexual contact with the minor victim including instances that involved one or more adult persons and sexual contact involving force. During this time frame, Guyton successfully persuaded the minor victim to send him numerous videos showing the minor victim in various sexual poses and engaged in sexual activity.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Saint Louis County Police Department and the Saint Louis Child Exploitation Task Force diligently investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney's Office Statement Concerning June 2, 2020 IncidentRead the Press Release
St. Louis – The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice and the FBI are aware of the situation regarding a Florissant police detective who hit a man with his unmarked vehicle and will review all available evidence to determine what federal response is warranted. Experienced prosecutors and agents have been assigned to review the matter for potential federal civil rights violations.
St. Louis County Man Faces a Federal Firearms Charges in Connection to the Burglary of the Southside Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Devante Coffie, 19, of Valley Park, Missouri, was charged by a federal complaint with stealing 32 handguns and two long guns at the Southside Pawn Shop. Coffie will appear in court on June 4, 2020, for his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Patricia Cohen.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 31, 2020, Coffie and another individual entered the Southside Pawn Shop via second story window after climbing onto the roof of a parked minivan. The two individuals broke the glass of an elevated window in order to gain entry into the pawnshop. While inside the shop, Coffie and the other individual fired their guns into multiple glass enclosures in order to get access to the firearms inside and removed them.
Coffie cut himself on the broken glass of the window that had been used to enter the building. Investigators identified Coffie after monitoring social media in attempt to find information about the burglary. Not only was he trying to sell the firearms on social media, but also a video showed Coffie’s hands had multiple bandages on them. At the time of his arrest, Coffie had in his possession one of the stolen firearms from the burglary.
If convicted of the theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, Coffie faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce is handling this case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
St. Louis City Man Charged with Federal Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Christopher Thomas Gaston, 40, of St. Louis, Missouri, was charged by a federal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gaston will appear in court on June 4, 2020 for his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Patricia L. Cohen.
According to the criminal complaint, during an ongoing investigation into the shooting of four St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers during the late night hours of June 1 and early morning hours of June 2, 2020, Gaston was determined to live in a condominium complex adjacent to the scene of the shooting. Witnesses reported seeing him with a firearm the evening of the shooting. Security camera footage confirmed the witnesses’ statements and showed Gaston carrying a long gun partially concealed by a blanket.
A search warrant was conducted at Gaston’s residence and agents found two firearms – a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun. The handgun was loaded with five rounds of ammunition and a box of 45 additional rounds of .380 caliber ammunition for the handgun were seized. Gaston admitted to being a convicted felon and knowing he could not possess firearms.
If convicted, Gaston faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dunkel is handling this case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Nicholas Simmons, 37, of St. Louis, MO, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Simmons appeared today before U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber who accepted his plea and set sentencing for August 31, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, FBI Special Agents received information during December, 2018 that Simmons was selling capsules of fentanyl in the St. Louis area. Beginning on January 17, 2019 and continuing to April 25, 2019, the FBI made nine undercover purchases of fentanyl from Simmons, purchasing 16 – 20 capsules of fentanyl each time. On May 13, 2019, FBI Special Agents conducted surveillance of Simmons, and observed him make what appeared to be a sale of illegal drugs to another individual. As the Agents approached Simmons’s vehicle, Simmons attempted to flee the area. Simmons crashed his vehicle, at which time the Agents were able to apprehend him. The Agents located a loaded .45 caliber pistol in Simmons’ waistband, as well as 19 capsules of fentanyl in his pants pocket, and an additional 152 capsules of fentanyl in a black plastic bag in his possession. FBI Special Agents obtained a search warrant for 2 residences associated with Simmons. At one residence the Agents recovered drug paraphernalia and several firearms. At the second residence, the Agents recovered 3 additional firearms, approximately 2 kilograms of marijuana, 46 grams of cocaine, and 12 grams of crack cocaine. Drug paraphernalia and hundreds of rounds of miscellaneous ammunition were also recovered from the residence.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum possible penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 or both imprisonment and a fine. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sara Koppenaal is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
Overland Woman Sentenced for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –Emily Stephan, 19, of Overland, Missouri, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute just under 100 grams of methamphetamine. Stephan appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr.
According to court documents, on March 8, 2019, Stephan was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Overland Police Department for traffic violations. Stephan was arrested for outstanding warrants and transported to the Overland Police Department. Arresting officers found six baggies of marijuana and crystal methamphetamine on Stephan’s person. Stephan admitted that she possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute some or all of it to another person.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Overland Police Department, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa handled the case.
Two Brothers Indicted on Federal Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Keith D. Thomas, 29, of St. Louis, and Leonard Thomas, 35, of St. Louis, were each indicted by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Both were previously charged by federal complaint and appeared in court on May 21, 2020 for their initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge David D. Noce.
According to court documents, in early February 2020, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information from a source that Keith Thomas, a Bureau of Prisons’ inmate, and his brother Leonard Thomas were attempting to purchase fully automatic firearms. Keith and Leonard negotiated a deal to purchase multiple firearms and Glock switches from undercover ATFE agents in exchange for cash and methamphetamine. Keith arranged a deal via telephone and Leonard met with agents. Both were arrested and multiple firearms and drugs were seized.
If convicted, the charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or both. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Behrens is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
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.
Former Velda City Treasurer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $400,000 in City Funds, and Stealing $150,000 from a CharityRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Venita Sedodo, 32, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for wire fraud related to her former position as Treasurer of Velda City, Missouri, and mail fraud related to her former position as Trust Secretary for the Travelers Protective Association of America, Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired. She appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark, Sr. who also ordered Sedodo to pay $552,443.83 in restitution to the victims.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sedodo served as the Treasurer for Velda City, Missouri. From November, 2015 through October, 2018, Sedodo schemed to steal approximately $400,000 from the city. During that time, Sedodo issued approximately 90 unauthorized Velda City checks to herself, which she deposited into several of her personal bank accounts. Sedodo spent the stolen funds on personal items and services such as clothing, automobile payments, as well as making numerous cash withdrawals. Sedodo also issued unauthorized Velda City checks directly to a number of businesses to pay for personal items and services. Further, Sedodo made numerous unauthorized ACH wire transmissions of funds from Velda City bank accounts to pay for personal items and services at businesses such as BMW, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Commerce Bank to pay off charges on her personal credit cards. Altogether, Sedodo’s fraud scheme netted her approximately $400,000 in funds stolen from Velda City.
Sedodo was also employed as the Trust Secretary for the Travelers Protective Association of America, Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired (“TPA Scholarship Trust”). This is a charitable organization which provides financial aid to individuals with deafness or hearing deficiencies. From June, 2014, through January, 2019, Sedodo submitted false and fraudulent grant applications for her family members and friends to the charity’s Board of Trustees. These grant applications falsely claimed that the individual applicants suffered from deafness or hearing impairment, and Sedodo created and submitted along with the applications false audiograms and audiological evaluations. Sedodo did not advise the Board of Trustees that the individual applicants were her family members and friends. Once the Board of Trustees unwittingly approved the grant applications, Sedodo processed and issued checks to the individual applicants, who then cashed the checks and split the proceeds with Sedodo. None of the grant funds were used for legitimate health care or treatment related to deafness or hearing impairment, but were used by Sedodo and her family and friends for their own personal use and expenses. The charity was unable to fund many legitimate grant applications during the period of Sedodo’s criminal scheme due to the lack of funds as a result of Sedodo’s conduct. Sedodo obtained approximately $156,100 from TPA Scholarship Trust through her fraudulent scheme.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, with the assistance of the Velda City Police Department. The Board of Trustees for the Travelers Protective Association, Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired also provided substantial assistance and cooperation during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Carjacker Sentenced to 186 Months in Prison for Six CarjackingsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Deandre Moore, 26, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 186 months in prison for six armed carjackings. Moore appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
According to court documents, Moore and co-defendant Deron Mitchell committed six carjackings – one on September 6, 2018; two on November 4, 2018; and three on November 5, 2018. Both were caught with firearms while occupying a stolen car which contained personal property taken in other carjackings. Moore and Mitchell were arrested on November 6, 2018, and confessed to the carjackings.
Moore pleaded guilty in February to six counts of carjacking and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Co-defendant Mitchell, who was 17 years of age at the time of the carjackings, pleaded guilty in February to six counts of carjacking and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. His sentencing date is pending.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Maplewood Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa handled this case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Woman Sentenced to Two Years' Imprisonment for Identity Theft and Credit Card TheftRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Laronda Louis, 32, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to a mandatory term of twenty-fourth months in prison and 1 year of supervised release in prison for aggravated identity theft in connection with credit card theft. Louis appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey.
According to court documents, Louis and her co-defendant, Deandre Dugger, worked together to steal credit cards from staff at local boutiques and retail stores. Louis would distract the boutique staff as Dugger stole personal credit cards from staff members. Louis and Dugger then used the stolen credit cards to make purchases at various area stores, all without the knowledge of the victims. Louis was ordered to pay $35,865.98 in restitution for the losses she and Dugger caused through their theft.
The case was investigated by the Secret Service, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Carlos O’Connor, 22, St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. O’Connor appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to the plea agreement, on June 20, 2019, O’Connor was a passenger in a speeding Mustang. An officer with the Maryland Height Police Department observed O’Connor throw a firearm from the vehicle. After the officer conducted a traffic stop, two firearms were located in the rear seat of the Mustang, a 9mm Taurus pistol and a .22 caliber Beretta pistol.
Officers recovered the gun that O’Conner was seen throwing out the window, a stolen Colt .32 pistol. O’Conner admitted to possession of the stolen Colt .32 pistol.
This case was investigated by the Maryland Heights Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Two Men Charged with Federal Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Patrick Fitzgerald Franklin, 21, of St. Louis, and Jacquez Trayvon Love, 22, of St. Louis, were charged by a federal complaint today. Franklin was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. Love was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the criminal complaint and other court documents, on May 13, 2020, investigators with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) Anti-Crime Unit observed a stolen silver 2020 Volkswagen Passat parked at a QuikTrip gas station. Franklin and Love were identified as the occupants in the stolen vehicle. Franklin and Love proceeded to depart the QuikTrip in the vehicle, and traveled to the 3900 block of Potomac in St. Louis. Both Franklin and Love approached a house in the 3900 block of Potomac.
An officer attempted to contact the men, yelled “stop” and “police,” and observed each man to be in possession of an assault-style firearm. Both men proceeded to flee on foot into a residence in the 3900 block of Potomac.
The complaint further alleges that police took Franklin and Love into custody, recovered the assault-style firearms, and recovered suspected controlled substances, later determined to be fentanyl, in each man’s possession. The complaint alleges that the quantities of controlled substances are consistent with the intent to distribute.
Franklin and Love are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
These charges are being investigated by the Anti-Crime Unit of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Angie Danis is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
Drug Enforcement Administration and United States Marshals Service Arrest Man Charged in Fentanyl and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Gerald Fitzgerald Hunter, 54, a fugitive in a fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy in St. Louis, was arrested in Los Angeles this week.
A federal complaint filed in April 2017 alleges that the Drug Enforcement Administration was conducting an active investigation of a fentanyl and cocaine distribution organization in St. Louis. Agents identified Hunter of Los Angeles as an out-of-state source of supply for the St. Louis organization. On April 27, 2017, DEA agents seized approximately 27 kilograms of fentanyl in Florissant, Mo. The complaint further alleges that Hunter was holding bags containing the suspected controlled substances before he successfully evaded agents and avoided arrest.
A grand jury indicted Hunter and 10 other individuals for their involvement in the fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy and related charges. Hunter is also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Although Hunter’s co-conspirators were apprehended, Hunter successfully evaded arrest since April 2017 until his arrest in Los Angeles this week by the United States Marshals Service. Over the course of the investigation, agents seized over 27 kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, United States currency, firearms, and hydraulic drug presses.
United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “This is but one example of DEA’s outstanding operational work, which in this case prevented an enormous amount of the dangerous drug fentanyl from reaching the streets of St. Louis.” Jensen further stated, “During National Police Week, it is fitting to recognize not only DEA’s outstanding operational work, but their tremendous partnership with the United States Marshals Service. The skill and determination of the United States Marshals Service directly resulted in the apprehension of this fugitive from justice in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Fentanyl drug trafficking organizations based on the west coast pose a great public safety threat to our community through the distribution of deadly drugs and the associated drug violence in the St. Louis Metro,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan, head of the DEA St. Louis Division. “This investigation revealed a sophisticated drug trafficking and money laundering network with tentacles stretching from Los Angeles to the streets of St. Louis. I believe these violators felt they could safely avoid being held accountable for their activity. However, for the past three years, the DEA, along with our partners at the United States Marshal’s Service and with the support of the United States Attorney, pursued this defendant in an effort to make St. Louis safer.”
John Jordan, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri, stated that “The United States Marshals Service is a proud member of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. The fugitive case regarding Gerald Hunter, who has been on the run since 2017, exemplifies the bloodhound mentality of the men and women of the United States Marshals Service. We will always pursue fugitives like Hunter who do their best to become ghosts to avoid justice. I am especially proud of the U.S. Marshals Service personnel in this case for their relentless pursuit of this fugitive and am proud of our longstanding partnerships in the law enforcement community.”
The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the United States Border Patrol. Deputy Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Chief Erin Granger and Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Casey are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen would like to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment in keeping our communities safe. As the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, and local law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation, we are proud to prosecute their cases,” stated United States Attorney Jeff Jensen.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including two officers here in the Eastern District of Missouri.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.
U.S. Attorney Jensen announced the release of three video public service announcements (“PSA”) honoring the service of our law enforcement officers across the country.
Supporting Law Enforcement During Police Week 2020
https://youtu.be/3bHlVOi3NJI
Police Week 2020 – Honoring Law Enforcement for their Service and Selflessness
https://youtu.be/U2vnTUVCvHA
Honoring the Sacrifices of Law Enforcement during Police Week 2020
https://youtu.be/cFG52fcUIZc
St. Louis City Man Sentenced for Stealing Bank Funds from an Elderly CoupleRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Ojay Smith, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. who also ordered Smith to pay $22,327.80 in restitution to the victims.
According to court documents, Smith obtained the personal bank checking account number of the two victims, who were both above the age of 70. Between March 13, 2018 and September 20, 2018, Smith used the victims’ account number to electronically transmit funds from the victims’ account to pay his own creditors and the creditors of others. In exchange for paying the debts of others, the debtors paid Smith a percentage of the bill that was to be paid. More than $22,000 in fraudulent transactions were made or attempted to be made, from the victims’ bank account.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative.
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes targeting older adults. The Eastern District of Missouri Identity Theft Task Force is a group of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat identity theft and its related crimes across the St. Louis Community.
Missouri Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – A federal grand jury in Cape Girardeau, Missouri indicted Nicholas J. Proffitt, 42, for his conduct in connection with the April 24, 2020 fire at the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center. The indictment charges Proffitt with damaging religious property because of the property’s religious character, using fire to commit a federal felony, and damaging a building used in interstate commerce through the use of fire.
An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Missouri State Fire Marshal Office, the Perryville Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.
Missouri Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in Cape Girardeau, Missouri indicted Nicholas J. Proffitt, 42, for his conduct in connection with the April 24, 2020 fire at the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center. The indictment charges Proffitt with damaging religious property because of the property’s religious character, using fire to commit a federal felony, and damaging a building used in interstate commerce through the use of fire.
An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Missouri State Fire Marshal Office, the Perryville Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.
St. Louis City Man Sentenced for Striking a Guard at the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – After having served approximately 26 months in pretrial detention, Slaven Nedic, 28, of St. Louis, was sentenced to three years of probation. Nedic appeared today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross.
According to court documents, on March 9, 2018, Nedic entered the lobby of the Crestwood office of the Social Security Administration and punched an armed guard in the face. He also attempted to obtain control of the guard’s firearm during the ensuing physical confrontation. An unarmed employee of the administrative agency heard the altercation, and came to the guard’s aid. The two were able to restrain Nedic until local law enforcement officials arrived. Nedic has been in custody since his arrest on March 9, 2018.
The case was handled by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Accused Dog Abuser Sentenced to Ten Years on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Paul “Paco” Garcia, 40, of Barnhart, MO, appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry, who sentenced him to ten years in the Bureau of Prisons for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, law enforcement agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Garcia in August, 2018 for trafficking in methamphetamine in an around Jefferson County.
On September 14, 2018, a Jefferson County police officer stopped Garcia for speeding near Highway MM at the Old Highway 21 interchange in Jefferson County, Missouri. The officer asked Garcia to step out of the vehicle and subsequently observed Garcia appearing to reach for a baseball bat located in the car. When officers searched the car they located a silver baseball bat and a firearm in the glove compartment. The firearm was a Rock Island Armory .38 SPL revolver. A further search of the car revealed a small black bag containing metal knuckles and additional .38 caliber bullets. Garcia admitted he kept the revolver in his glove box for protection in connection with his methamphetamine trafficking activities
This case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Garcia remains charged in Jefferson County by the State of Missouri with Animal Abuse in the Second Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Those charges stem from allegations that Garcia threw a Dachshund from his car window after binding its muzzle and legs with tape during February, 2019. Those charges are mere accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. That case is being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis City Man Pleads Guilty to Impersonating a Foreign DiplomatRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Antuan S. Ward, a/k/a Ari’al Ban Yashar’al, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, plead guilty to one felony count of impersonating a foreign diplomat. Ward appeared today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted his plea and sentenced him to time served, approximately 13 months in federal custody, and two years supervised release.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2018, Ward was driving a 1998 Ford pickup truck when he was lawfully stopped by an Ellisville Police Department officer for displaying fictitious temporary tags on the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the officer asked to see Ward's driver's license and proof of insurance. Ward gave the officer a laminated “Lawful Diplomat Sovereign and Self Determination Hebrew Israelite American National Republic Universal Dual National Identification" card that displayed a photograph of Ward and the name "Ari'al Ban Yashar'a1." Ward told the officer that he was not a ward of the state and refused to provide his full legal name. In doing so, Ward pretended to be a diplomatic official of a foreign government duly accredited as such to the United States, and did so with the intent to deceive or defraud the officer in an attempt to avoid receiving a traffic citation from the Ellisville Police Department. At the time of the vehicle stop, Ward was a fugitive from the State of Massachusetts, where he had been released on bond pending felony charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm. Ward has been detained in custody since the time of his April 25, 2018 arrest.
This case was the result of outstanding police work by Officers of the Ellisville Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of State. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Missouri Man Charged with Federal Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Nicholas J. Proffitt, 42, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was charged by a federal complaint with maliciously damaging a building by means of a fire. Proffitt will appear in court on April 30, 2020, for his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Abbie Crites-Leoni.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 24, 2020, at approximately 4:50 a.m., a fire was discovered at The Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, 298 Northwest End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Center’s video security system for the time of the fire observed Proffitt throwing multiple objects through a glass window, causing it to break. Proffitt threw two containers into the Center through the broken window and stepped through to enter the Center. Proffitt then picked up the containers and splashed liquid inside the Center. Proffitt ignited the fire with some type of fire starter. The blaze began immediately and appeared to be accelerated by the liquid that was poured in the building.
“To people of faith in our nation, houses of worship are sacred places,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Attacks against houses of worship are attacks against people of faith and their right to exercise their religion freely and without fear. The Justice Department will defend the right of all people in our country to exercise their religion, no matter the creed.”
“I extend my sincere thanks to all law enforcement agencies involved for their quick and effective response to this serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri.
“The fact this fire damaged a place of worship during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is especially harmful,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of color or creed, is one of the top priorities of the FBI.”
“ATF has a long tradition of fire and arson investigation,” Marino Vidoli, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division. “In no case is that expertise more critical than a fire such as this. When a house of worship is intentionally damaged by fire, it is not only that congregation that suffers, but the entire community. Religious centers, churches and mosques are often at the center of our neighborhoods, offering sanctuaries of peace and caring to those in need. Today’s complaint is an example of local, state and federal law enforcement coming together to support our communities.”
This is an ongoing investigation.
Proffitt is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Missouri State Fire Marshal Office and the Perryville Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice are prosecuting this case.
U.S. Attorneys Say Strike Force Combats Drugs, Violence in the St. Louis Metropolitan AreaRead the Press Release
St. Louis – A new St. Louis Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Gateway Strike Force is combatting drug traffickers and violent criminals on both sides of the Mississippi River, Adam Cohen of the DOJ OCDETF Executive Office, U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft in the Southern District of Illinois (SDIL), and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in the Eastern District of Missouri (EDMO) announced today.
The St. Louis OCDETF Gateway Strike Force represents an incredible investigative force to address major drug trafficking organizations, gangs and associated violence, including murders, in the St. Louis Metropolitan Region. The Strike Force brings together under one roof federal investigative agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the St. Louis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), United States Postal Investigation Service (USPIS), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS), and the United States Secret Service (USSS) along with State and local law enforcement offices including the St. Louis County Police Department, St. Louis City Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Charles County Police Department, St. Charles City Police Department, Chesterfield Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Webster Groves Police Department, Woodson Terrace Police Department, and the Missouri National Guard.
A satellite office located in Illinois will include members of the DEA, FBI Springfield, Illinois State Police, and the aforementioned agency partners along with prosecutors from the SDIL and the EDMO who will pursue criminal charges in federal court. Although the Strike Force is designed to generate federal prosecutions, it is anticipated that some Strike Force cases will be suitable for prosecution in state courts in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. The ongoing cooperation of the Circuit Attorney’s Office of the City of St. Louis and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of St. Louis County is a significant and appreciated factor in the Strike Force’s ongoing efforts.
This unique entity brings to bear the investigative experience and expertise of these various law enforcement agencies and equips them with additional resources to investigate and dismantle, through federal and state prosecution, criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, murders, other acts of violence, and other criminal activity.
The Director of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Adam Cohen, wanted to be here to celebrate the announcement of this newest OCDETF Strike Force, but the restrictions related to the current public health crisis prevented his traveling to St. Louis from Washington. He released the following statement:
“The OCDETF co-located Strike Forces Initiative provides for the establishment of permanent prosecutor-led, multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same office space where they partner to conduct intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against priority targets and their illicit financial networks. With the addition of the St. Louis Gateway Strike Force, OCDETF now has 19 Strike Forces operating throughout the country.
“The OCDETF Program is the keystone of the U.S. Attorney General’s strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics throughout our nation using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. The role of OCDETF is to facilitate joint operations by focusing its partners on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
“The St. Louis Gateway OCDETF Strike Force is a joint effort led by the United States Attorneys in the Eastern District of Missouri and the Southern District of Illinois. This newest OCDETF Strike Force features agents from at least seven federal agencies and two state and local law enforcement agencies. These U.S. Attorneys’ offices are working together, across state lines and judicial districts, in a regional approach to combat criminal organizations and the violence they inflict on the community. Criminals do not recognize state boundaries or county lines and neither will we.
“As illicit drug production, transportation, and distribution continue to plague our nation and the safety of our citizens, OCDETF remains the targeting, coordination, and intelligence platform for combatting high-level drug trafficking and its attendant violent crime.
“It is a privilege to acknowledge the multi-agency effort demonstrated today by the announcement of the opening of the St. Louis Gateway OCDETF Strike Force. This new Strike Force team doesn’t just join 18 other Strike Forces, it joins the largest anti-crime task force in the country – OCDETF is made up of over 550 federal prosecutors, 2,000 federal agents, 40,000 state and local law enforcement officers from almost 1,200 police agencies, and an intelligence fusion center.”
In conclusion, Mr. Cohen stated that, “I offer my sincerest congratulations to U.S. Attorneys Jeff Jensen and Steve Weinhoeft as they formally open the St. Louis Gateway Strike Force which will serve and protect the community for years to come with a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combating the command and control elements of organized criminal networks.”
Chief Jon Belmar, St. Louis County Police Department, stated that, “This Strike Force designation will provide additional resources as our Law Enforcement community works together to provide a safer St. Louis region. Removing the most violent criminals from our streets is our top priority, and I am proud of the collaboration that exists between Local Law Enforcement, our Federal partners and the United States Attorney’s Office. Congratulations to all who have worked so diligently to move this forward in the effort of a safer St. Louis.”
“Mark Twain once famously described the Mississippi River as a ‘lawless stream’ that cannot be tamed. Today, the challenge we face isn’t the water itself but the flow of illegal drugs that cross the river each day. That flow of illegal drugs fuels violence, overdoses, addiction, and countless other societal harms. We remain committed to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and through the formation of this joint strike force, we now have important new resources at our disposal to stem the tide,” stated U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Illinois.
Jensen stated that, “The new Strike Force will have a major impact in reducing the trafficking of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area and the Midwest. The Strike Force is a powerful tool to target those organizations involved in many of the murders and other violent acts in our region. These groups are organized, compartmentalized, secretive, and often ruthless. Therefore, it takes a powerful tool, a Strike Force, to dismantle these predatory organizations.”
Jensen extended his thanks to Attorney General William Barr and the DOJ OCDETF Executive Office for designating St. Louis as a Strike Force location.
Jensen further stated, “I am particularly honored to formalize our Gateway Strike Force partnership with our counterparts in the Southern District of Illinois. Steve Weinhoeft, federal prosecutors, and officers and agents in the Southern District are strong and effective law enforcement partners. Organized and violent drug traffickers do not recognize state lines. Our combined resources will enable us to dismantle criminal organizations that impact both sides of the river.”
ST. LOUIS JOINS OCDETF STRIKE FORCES NATIONWIDE
The Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) oversees the Strike Force initiative. St. Louis joins OCDETF Strike Forces in major cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, North Texas, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Juan, Southeast Michigan, and Tampa.
MISSION: DISRUPT, DISMANTLE CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS
The goal of the Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations, including gangs, cartels, and others that are trafficking in drugs and firearms, or engaging in money laundering.
Participating agencies have agreed to assign full-time personnel to the Strike Force. Police officers, federal agents, and prosecutors are working together under one roof. For security reasons, the location will not be made public.
An FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge and a DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge manage the Strike Force’s teams: a major crime squad, a major threat squad, and a fugitive squad. A Strike Force Executive Council, whose members include both U.S. Attorneys, will oversee the Strike Force.
CASES FILED
Some of the law enforcement agencies comprising The St. Louis OCDETF Gateway Strike Force started working together over the last several years as a prelude to the formation of the Strike Force. Examples of their work include:
U.S. v. Velazquez, et al: Thirty-four defendants were indicted for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy or related offenses. Agents seized approximately $1.3 million dollars, and more than sixty kilograms of cocaine. The indictment alleges that members of the organization committed multiple murders as part of the drug trafficking enterprise. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against one of the members of the organization alleged to have been involved in murders. Many of the defendants in this case have pled guilty in federal court.
U.S. v. Goolsby, et al: Fifteen defendants were indicted in this drug trafficking conspiracy involving the seizure of approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine, 10 kilograms of heroin, 3 kilograms of fentanyl and over $2,000,000 in currency.
U.S. v. Starr, et al: Nine defendants were indicted in a multi-kilogram methamphetamine conspiracy. Investigators seized approximately 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine as well as quantities of cocaine, over $50,000 in currency and two firearms.
U.S. v. Johnson, et al: Approximately twenty-one defendants were indicted for their various roles in the trafficking of heroin and fentanyl in and around the Peabody Housing Complex just south of downtown St. Louis. Investigators seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 9 ounces of fentanyl, 27 firearms, and approximately $70,000.00. The indictment alleges that the members of the conspiracy committed a homicide and are responsible for two overdose deaths. Many of the defendants (approximately 15) have pled guilty in federal court.
The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
The prosecutions announced in this release were brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s OCDETF Co-located Strike Forces Initiative or as the prelude to the designation of the Strike Force. The Strike Force will build upon this work and bring even more resources to bear in identifying and dismantling other large criminal organizations involved in the flow of drugs to our community and associated murders and other violence. The Strike Force, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location, will only strengthen successful prelude partnerships. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led, co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.
OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s illicit drug reduction strategy. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
STATEMENTS FROM PARTNERS
Agency officials who are working with the Strike Force made the following statements:
FBI Special Agent in Charge, Springfield, Illinois Division, Sean M. Cox stated, "The Springfield Division of the FBI is proud to collaborate with FBI St. Louis as well as our federal and state law enforcement partners to combat the most prolific criminals operating between St. Louis and East St. Louis. It is only by way of focused law enforcement operations and prosecutorial relationships that we can make a positive impact in our communities and hold these criminals accountable for their actions."
"This Gateway Strike Force will use increased funding and expanded partnerships to target violent gangs engaged in drug trafficking, homicides, carjackings, and armed robberies," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "By joining forces with our brethren across the river, it will also make it much more difficult for criminals to exploit geographic and jurisdictional boundaries to evade justice."
“The St. Louis Gateway OCDETF Strike Force will place a special emphasis on the region’s most serious drug and drug violence threats,” said Special Agent in Charge William Callahan, head of the DEA St. Louis Division. “The DEA will bring significant investigative resources, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to target the command and control of drug trafficking organizations in the St. Louis Metro and worldwide. We expect the Gateway Strike Force to identify and seize drug-related assets associated with these criminal networks for a well-rounded, targeted approach to their dismantlement.”
Katherine Greer, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge, Kansas City stated, “The creation of the St. Louis Strike Force provides a collaborative effort, serving as a force multiplier to effectively protect the public, by targeting the command structure of major international criminal organizations. HSI brings a unique expertise to combatting violent crime utilizing over 400 federal statutes involving narcotics smuggling, weapons violations, money laundering and immigration enforcement.”
“Our citizens have heard me say on numerous occasions that at least 50% of our City’s homicides and gun violence is drug-related; not to mention the fact that drug overdoses in our City have ravaged through our community as well. The Drug Strike Force will be a regional effort which promises to have a meaningful impact on the City’s gun violence and overdose rate. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate on the Strike Force and I am looking forward to reaping the benefits of its presence in our region,” stated Police Commissioner John Hayden, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
“The United States Marshals Service serves as the United States Government’s primary fugitive investigation and apprehension agency. As a charter agency within the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Marshals Service stands ready to help the Strike Force destabilize and disrupt the most serious crime organizations through joint and collaborative fugitive investigations. The Marshals Service in St. Louis has a dedicated group of Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers embedded at the St. Louis Gateway Strike Force as a fugitive team. Leveraging the 94 Marshals Service district offices across the country, and proud 230-year history of the U.S. Marshals, this fugitive team will support the Strike Force in investigating, locating, and apprehending the country’s most serious fugitives. We are proud to be a partner agency in this endeavor and commend the work of the United States Attorney’s Office and all other partner agencies that make up the OCDETF Strike Force,” stated John Jordan, United States Marshal, Eastern District of Missouri.
Postal Inspector in Charge Bill Hedrick, of the Chicago Division Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Field Office, stated, “The United States Postal Inspection Service proudly partners with the agencies involved in the task force to better coordinate investigations. These relationships facilitate communication and data sharing that enable the identification of drug trafficking organizations, which would not be possible without interagency cooperation. This allows the Postal Inspection Service to advance its mission to enforce the laws that defend the nation’s mail, and protect the American public from criminal drug and gang activity which destroys so many lives.”
Karl Stiften, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, stated, “IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI) is a proud participant of the St. Louis OCDETF Strike Force. CI special agents contribute our financial investigative skills to track and seize proceeds of illegal activities from the criminals involved. Pooling the skills and resources of each agency makes a formidable team.”
“The United States Secret Service is proud to join forces with our local, state, and federal partners as a member of the St. Louis Gateway OCDETF Strike Force. This collaboration will serve to strengthen our capabilities to directly target major international criminal organizations operating in the St. Louis metropolitan area and around the world,” stated Thomas Landry, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service - St. Louis Field Office.
Chief Kurt Frisz of the St. Charles County Police Department stated, “The St. Charles County Police Department has long valued interagency collaborations and we are happy to support this initiative. The Strike Force will play a vital role in dismantling the very complex and transient criminal networks that are plaguing our region, which will increase our ability to solve heinous crimes that have threatened the community’s sense of peace.”
U.S. Attorney's Office and IRS-CI Warn Taxpayers against Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRSCI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account, or a paper check delivered via U.S. mail. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned, “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
- If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
- Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Do not become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong; tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
“We are working closely with our law enforcement partners like IRS Criminal Investigation to protect zealously the public from fraudsters who try to take advantage of a vulnerable time for our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jensen. “We need the public to partner with us by following the simple IRS guidance for protecting privacy and guarding against fraud.”
"IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacydisclosure/report-phishing
Saint Louis City Man Indicted on Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Markquis Bryant, aka “Two”, 48, of Saint Louis, MO, was indicted by a federal grand jury with charges of being a felon in possession of one or more firearms; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bryant was previously charged by federal complaint and appeared in court on March 27, 2020 for his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Nannette A. Baker.
According to court documents and statements made in court, investigators with the Florissant Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit began an investigation into a fatal narcotics overdose which occurred on March 7, 2020. The investigators were able to determine that the victim had purchased illegal narcotics from Markquis Bryant on March 6, 2020. During the week of March 9, 2020, investigators conducted an undercover operation where an amount of suspected heroin and/or fentanyl was purchased from Bryant at his residence in the 5300 block of Queens Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. On March 26, 2020, a federal search warrant was executed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florissant Police Department, with assistance from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, at that same residence. While executing the search warrant, law enforcement located five (5) firearms, including a Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Sig Sauer .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Rohm GMBH .22 magnum caliber revolver, a Mossberg International, .22 LR caliber firearm, and an Intratec AB-10 Model .9 mm caliber firearm, as well as an extended firearm magazine and ounce quantities of suspected heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. Investigators also seized items of drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a pill press, an N-95 respirator mask, multiple scales and blenders with residue. Investigators also located in defendant’s wallet an EBT card belonging to the victim of the March 7, 2020, fatal overdose investigation. Markquis Bryant has prior criminal convictions for Murder Second Degree, Assault First Degree and Armed Criminal Action from 1990. He also has prior criminal convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance in 2009, and Assault in the Second Degree and Armed Criminal Action in 2011.
“DEA will target and arrest violent repeat offenders that cause overdose deaths with their poison,” said DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge William Callahan. “We need to keep hospital beds open during the COVID-19 epidemic. Keeping illegal drugs off the streets is one way DEA is helping our medical professionals during this crisis.”
If convicted, the charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000 or both; felon in possession of one or more firearms carries a penalty of not more than10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or both; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime carries a penalty of not less than five years and no more than life and a maximum fine of $250,000 or both. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Florissant, Missouri Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
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.
Saint Louis City Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Markquis Bryant, aka “Two,” 48, of Saint Louis, MO, was charged by a federal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; being a felon in possession of one or more firearms; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bryant will appear in court on March 27, 2020 for his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Nannette A. Baker.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators with the Florissant Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit began an investigation into a fatal narcotics overdose which occurred on March 7, 2020. The investigators were able to determine that the victim had purchased illegal narcotics from Markquis Bryant on March 6, 2020. During the week of March 9, 2020, investigators conducted an undercover operation where an amount of suspected heroin and/or fentanyl was purchased from Bryant at his residence in the 5300 block of Queens Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. On March 26, 2020, a federal search warrant was executed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florissant Police Department, with assistance from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, at that same residence. While executing the search warrant, law enforcement located five (5) firearms, including an AR-15 style pistol, a Glock .40 caliber firearm, and a Tech- 9 .9 mm firearm, as well as ounce quantities of suspected heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. Law enforcement also seized an extended firearm magazine, pill press, multiple scales and blenders with residue. Markquis Bryant has prior criminal convictions for Murder First Degree, Assault First Degree and Armed Criminal Action from 1990. He also has prior criminal convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance in 2009, and Assault in the Second Degree and Armed Criminal Action in 2011.
“We appreciate these continued, proactive law enforcement efforts despite the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Bryant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Florissant, Missouri Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis – U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by contacting the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
“My office will continue to work with federal, state and local law enforcement to protect zealously the public from fraudsters who try to take advantage of a vulnerable time for our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jensen. “A national crisis is in no way a safe harbor for criminal activity.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In connection with a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19 by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, the United States Attorney’s Office has appointed a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the Eastern District of Missouri on matters relating to the Coronavirus, and to direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes. Anyone with such information concerning such matters is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office immediately.
St. Louis Woman Sentenced for Aiding in the Robbery of the Richmond Heights Post OfficeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Arielle Steed, 27, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for aiding and abetting the robbery of a United States Postal employee. Steed appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, in early December 2018, Steed and co-defendant Dywane Upchurch planned to rob the U.S. Post Office in Richmond Heights located on Big Bend Boulevard. Steed was a teller at the post office and was in a relationship with Upchurch.
On December 6, 2018, after the post office closed to the public, Steed retrieved all the cash from the registers, sorted it, and placed it in a stack on the counter. At this time, there was only one other employee present at the post office. Upchurch, dressed in all black and wearing a surgical mask, entered the rear door of the post office. He was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. Once inside, Upchurch brandished the firearm and forced Steed and the other employee into a restroom. Upchurch then went to the counter and stole approximately $8,800 in cash.
Upchurch pled on October 4, 2019 to felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a U.S. Postal employee while committing a robbery. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison on January 16, 2020.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond Heights Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware handled the case.
Former Manager of Heating and Cooling Company Sentenced for EmbezzlingRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Tracy Lee Cernicek, 48, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for wire fraud. Cernicek appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark.
According to court documents, Cernicek formerly worked as a credit and collection supervisor for Nortek Global HVAC and Nordyne Distributing. Between September 2016 and April 2019, Cernicek devised and executed a scheme wherein she fraudulently diverted company funds to herself. As one part of her scheme, she altered company systems in a manner that caused company refund transactions, which were properly due and owing to customers, to be paid to her own bank account. As another part of her scheme, she directed third parties to include her name on checks that were properly payable to the company, and thereafter, deposited those checks into her own personal bank account. As part of her effort to conceal the scheme, Cernicek thereafter manipulated company accounting software to write off the transactions as bad debt. In total, Cernicek attempted to embezzle almost $180,000 from her employer and their customers, and successfully embezzled approximately $136,000.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Clair County Man Indicted for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Keyshaun Jenkins, 19, of St. Clair County, Illinois, Missouri, on multiple criminal counts stemming from a February 28, 2020 carjacking.
According to court documents, on February 28, 2020, C.X. and C.G. were looking at the backup camera of C.X.’s Volkswagen Passat. While standing outside the car, Jenkins and another individual were wearing masks, all dark clothing and approached carrying handguns. One of the men struck C.X. in the side of the head with a gun and demanded his car keys, cell phone, and the password to his cell phone, which C.X. turned over. The other man pointed a gun at victim C.G. and demanded her cell phone and password. C.G. complied. The men got into C.X.’s Passat and drove away.
At the time of the carjacking, Jenkins was on supervised release at time for his prior conviction of possession of a stolen firearm. At the time of his arrest on March 4, 2020, Jenkins was carrying a bag which contained the key to C.X.’s Volkswagen Passat and other belongings of C.X.
Jenkins has been charged with one felony count of carjacking and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. 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.
If convicted, carjacking carries a penalty of not more than fifteen years and a fine of $250,000 and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime carries a penalty of not less than seven years and no more than life and a fine of $250,000.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation jointly investigating the case.
North Carolina Man Indicted for Extorting a St. Louis CorporationRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Gregory Clark, 54, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on one count of Interstate Extortion; one count of Interstate Activity in Aid of Racketeering; and one count of Interference with Commerce by Means of Extortion.
According to the Indictment, Clark was employed by a St. Louis company. Following Clark’s termination, he sent an email to his former employer saying that he had stolen the company’s confidential business information and threatening to divulge that information to the company’s business associates unless the company either rehired him or paid him $200,000 not to release the information.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case.
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.
St. Louis Mail Handler Sentenced for Stealing Medication Parcels for His Own Personal UseRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Aaron Hiner, 55, Ferguson, MO, was sentenced to a five year term of probation and six months home confinement for stealing prescription medicine from the United States Mail. Hiner appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Henry A. Autrey.
According to court records, Hiner was an employee of the United States Postal Service and assigned to the St. Louis Metro Annex in Hazelwood, Missouri between 2004 and March 2019. On January 15 and March 5, 2019, Hiner stole 147 Express Scripts medication parcels from the mail. Hiner pled guilty and admitted that, because of his addiction to opioids, he stole the Express Scripts parcel mailings. The estimated loss associated with his theft is $35,742.57.
Hiner pled guilty in October 2019 to one felony count of theft of mail by a Postal Service employee.
The United States Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Payroll Tax Executive Sentenced for His Role in a $9 Million SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Louis - David L. Downey, 51, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for federal charges stemming from his scheme to defraud which caused losses of $9.4 million to clients of his payroll service business and the Internal Revenue Service. Downey appeared today in front of United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry.
Downey ran a payroll services business in Indianapolis under the name Time Payroll from 2013 to 2017. He had clients in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri. He had earlier admitted that he deflected money from his clients’ accounts to his Charles Schwab brokerage accounts and failed to pay substantial amounts of those client funds to the IRS for the clients’ employment taxes. Over the course of the scheme, he misapplied some $20 million into his day-trading accounts at Charles Schwab and returned only $11 million of those funds to the IRS for employment taxes. The government has stated that Downey effectively ran a Ponzi scheme with his client’s money and funded exotic travel to destinations such as St. Bart’s with the stolen funds. He admitted to a loss to the clients and to the IRS of $9,428,160.
The court ordered Downey to pay restitution to his clients in the amount of $8,780,118.
“David Downey’s sentence proves employment tax fraud will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent,” said Karl Stiften, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge. “David Downy not only stole from the U.S. Government, he also stole from the businesses who trusted him to pay over their employment taxes.”
Court records show that, after closing his business in late 2017, Downey cashed out his remaining brokerage and bank accounts and headed to California. There he attempted to get a U.S. passport using his brother’s name and a recently-issued California driver’s license showing his brother’s name and Downey’s picture. Special Agents from the IRS Criminal Investigation unit in St. Louis tracked Downey to California and, on November 16, 2018, arrested him at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach. Downey was in possession of $955,956 in cash at the time of his arrest. He had also used $53,990 in cash to purchase a 2018 Jeep Cherokee in California. The vehicle was bought in his brother’s name. The cash and the vehicle were seized by the IRS Special Agents. The court ordered the cash and the car to be forfeited for the benefit of his clients.
One of Downey’s clients was Health Facilities Rehab Services (HFRS) located in Sikeston, Missouri. HFRS initially lost $851,174 to Downey and, after suing him, was eventually paid $650,000 of that loss. HFRS will be entitled to restitution for the remainder of their loss.
The 72-month sentence includes a sentence for the passport fraud scenario in which Downey tried to obtain a passport in his brother’s name in San Diego in the fall of 2018.
This case was prosecuted by the James Crowe, Jr., of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Louis and was investigated by Special Agents of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation office in St. Louis.
Dixon, Missouri Man Sentenced for Distributing Heroin Which Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
St. Louis –Michael Charles Natoli, 58, Dixon, Missouri, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for distribution of heroin which resulted in death and serious bodily injury. Natoli appeared today in front of U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.
According to court documents, on August 3, 2016, Natoli drove co-defendant Heather Miller to the Economy Inn in St. James, Missouri where they distributed heroin to R.K. and received cash. R.K. was later found unresponsive in the hotel room and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Investigators examined R.K.’s cell phone and noticed a thread of text messages from August 3, 2016 wherein R.K. and “Heather” discussed “Heather” bringing R.K. what appeared to be controlled substances. Thereafter, investigators began using R.K.’s phone to communicate with “Heather.” “Heather agreed to supply R.K. with additional drugs.
On August 4, 2016, Miller and Natoli responded to the hotel and were taken into custody. Officers seized two small bags of heroin from Miller. Natoli admitted he would accompany Miller to St. Louis so she could obtain heroin. Natoli stated that he provided the money up front to buy the heroin and then drove Miller around to sell it.
While officers were interviewing Natoli at the hotel room, an investigator observed B.A. passed out in a vehicle that Miller and Natoli had driven in. B.A. displayed labored breathing, rapid heartbeat, and recent puncture marks on his arms. Officers noted that his pulse was becoming harder and harder to detect. B.A. then stopped breathing and officers had to resuscitate him. Officers recovered a white powder-like substance on his body which was later tested by a laboratory and found to contain heroin. Officers later learned that B.A. had purchased the heroin that he had overdosed on from Miller for $120. Miller gave B.A. the heroin and Natoli took the payment.
Co-defendant Heather Miller is awaiting trial.
These charges are a result of a joint investigation between the St. James Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol- South Central Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Local Businessman Sentenced to 17 Months for Bribery Scheme Involving Former St. Louis County Executive Steve StengerRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –John Rallo, 54, formerly of St. Louis County, was sentenced to 17 months in prison for his involvement in a bribery scheme with Former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger. Rallo appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber.
According to court documents, beginning in October 2014 and continuing through December 31, 2018, former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger schemed to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of former CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Sheila Sweeney, through a pay to play bribery scheme. The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from businessman John Rallo and other individuals in exchange for favorable official action in the awarding of contracts and grants through St. Louis County and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.
Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and several fundraising events hosted by John Rallo, took official action to insure that Rallo and his company, Cardinal Insurance, obtained insurance contracts through St. Louis County during 2015 and 2016. Further, Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Creative Consulting, obtained a sham 2016 consulting contract in the amount of $130,000 through the St. Louis County Port Authority. Additionally, Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Wellston Holdings, LLC, obtained land contracts for two industrial properties in Wellston, Missouri which were held by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County during 2016 and 2017. Rallo, Stenger, and Sweeney took steps to hide, conceal and cover up the illegal bribery scheme, including making false public statements.
Rallo pled guilty in July 2019 to three counts of Honest Services Mail Fraud/Bribery.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former Woodson Terrace Police Officer Indicted for Causing Bodily Injury to an IndividualRead the Press Release
St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against a Breckenridge Hills Police Officer (formerly of the Woodson Terrace Police Department) for his conduct in connection with the arrest and assault of an individual. Officer David W. Maas, Saint Louis, was charged with one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.
According to the indictment, on April 14, 2019, Officer Maas while with the Woodson Terrance Police Department deprived the victim of his right to be free from unreasonable force. In so doing, Maas kicked and struck the victim while he was compliant and not posing a physical threat to anyone. This offense resulted in bodily injury to this individual.
"Law enforcement officers take an oath to serve and protect the public," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "When an officer betrays that oath, and instead uses his or her position to violate a person's constitutional rights, that officer must be held accountable. Our community, and our profession, deserve no less."
The charge Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.
As is always the case, the charge in an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Saint Louis Alderman Larry Arnowitz Indicted for Using Campaign Funds for His Own Personal Use and ExpensesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Larry Arnowitz, 66, of St. Louis, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of mail fraud related to his illegal use of campaign funds for his personal use and expenses.
According to the Indictment, Arnowitz serves as the Alderman for the 12th Ward of the City of St. Louis, having first been elected during 2011. Arnowitz maintains his political campaign account under the name “Friends of Larry Arnowitz.” Numerous individuals and organizations have contributed to the Friends of Larry Arnowitz based upon representations that their political donations would be properly and legally used for campaign and reelection purposes. From June, 2015 through February, 2019, Arnowitz instead used donated campaign funds for personal expenses, unrelated to any legitimate campaign or reelection purpose. Arnowitz used funds from the Friends of Larry Arnowitz campaign account to make payments towards his personal residential mortgage and for other personal expenses, and he made substantial cash withdrawals from the account for his own personal use and expenses. In order to conceal his fraud, Arnowitz filed false reports with the Missouri Ethics Commission, which reports failed to identify the many cash withdrawals from the Friends of Larry Arnowitz campaign account, and which failed to identify payments made directly from the Friends of Larry Arnowitz campaign account which were made for his own personal use, unrelated to any campaign or reelection purpose. As one example, on February 13, 2019, Arnowitz withdrew $5,000 from his Friends of Larry Arnowitz campaign account in the form of a cashier’s check, which he then mailed to Ocwen Financial Services in partial payment of his personal residential mortgage. United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “Alderman Arnowitz abused the trust of many individuals and organizations that contributed to his political campaign fund for several years. This type of corruption by our elected officials will not be tolerated, and federal law enforcement will continue to investigate and prosecute these types of criminal schemes in order to insure the integrity of our political processes.” "Rooting out public corruption is a top priority for the FBI because of the abuse of public trust," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "When citizens donate money to an election campaign, they are supporting a candidate to represent them, not to pay for their personal expenses."
If convicted, Arnowitz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Hannibal Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Possessing over 50 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Cody Wayne Seabaugh, 31, of Hannibal, MO, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Seabaugh appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.
According to court documents, in July 2017, the Hannibal Missouri Police Department initiated an investigation into Seabaugh’s methamphetamine possession and distribution activities. As part of that active and on-going investigation, Hannibal police officers received information on October 4, 2017, that, among other things, Seabaugh had been involved in a vehicle accident, ran from the scene holding a bag, and was beating on residential doors in the area. When police eventually located Seabaugh, he was lying in the street. Officers observed plastic bags strewn about around Seabaugh in the roadway. Officers also saw a black and pink zip up bag lying in the street.
Inside the black and pink zip up bag, officers found and seized several bags containing approximately 126 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, more baggies, and U.S. currency. Seabaugh was arrested and a subsequent search of Seabaugh’s mobile phone discovered additional information confirming Seabaugh’s drug trafficking activities.
The Hannibal Police Department investigated this case, assisted by the Illinois State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling the case.
St. Charles County Man Pleads Guilty to Scheming to Defraud NFL PlayerRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Abayomi Martin, 43, of Lake St. Louis, MO, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud relative to a scheme to defraud and obtain money from Baltimore Ravens player Brandon Carr. Martin appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry who accepted his plea and set sentencing for June 3, 2020.
According to the plea agreement and statements made in Court, Martin owned and operated a company known as NUCO Group Holdings. Martin solicited an investment from Brandon Carr and Carr’s business manager for a purported part ownership in a separate clothing company known as Famous Nobodys. Martin falsely represented to Carr and his business manager that Martin had an ownership interest in Famous Nobodys, and that Carr’s investment in NUCO Group Holdings would provide Carr a 17.5% ownership interest in NUCO, which would own and operate Famous Nobodys. On September 12, 2016, after Martin presented him with what appeared to be a legitimate operating agreement setting out Carr’s purported ownership interest and NUCO’s interest in Famous Nobodys, Carr wired $250,000 to Martin for the purpose of owning as an equity holder and operating Famous Nobodys. However, the true owner of Famous Nobodys never knew of this purported agreement by Martin, never received any of Carr’s investment money, and never agreed to turn over any ownership interest in Famous Nobodys to Martin or NUCO. Instead, Martin used the investment funds provided by Brandon Carr for his own personal use and expenses, including cash withdrawals and personal credit card payments. Martin also used a portion of Brandon Carr’s funds to pay for the expenses and training costs of several professional boxers in Las Vegas, Nevada, all without the knowledge and authority of Carr. Martin continued the fraud by sending Carr and Carr’s business manager false and fraudulent email communications and text messages purporting to update them on Carr’s purported investment in Famous Nobodys. Brandon Carr had intended to use any profits from his investment in Famous Nobodys to fund his broad based charitable foundation, Carr Cares. Instead, Carr never received any funds back from Martin, who fraudulently used Carr’s entire investment for personal expenses and uses unrelated to any true investment in NUCO or Famous Nobodys.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.