Eastern District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
St. Louis – U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen of Eastern District of Missouri joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
This https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020 interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mental Health Clinic Owner Sentenced to 18 Months of Imprisonment After Making False Claims to Medicaid for Services Allegedly Provided to Deceased PatientsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Naim Muhammad, 56, of St. Charles, MO, was sentenced today to 18 months of imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to one count of making a false claim to Medicaid on November 18, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. Mr. Muhammad was also ordered to pay $366,185 as restitution to the Missouri Medicaid program, a health care benefit program that provides medical items, benefits, and services to low income citizens of Missouri.
According to the plea agreement, Mr. Muhammad was the President of a business named Community Behavior Health (“CBH”). CBH maintained an office in the City of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Muhammad had no psychiatric training or license.
Mr. Muhammad billed the Missouri Medicaid program for mental health therapy services to a patient identified by her initials as W.W. Mr. Muhammad told Medicaid that a licensed provider with the initials D.P. had provided the therapy to W.W. on June 21, 2017. However, Mr. Muhammad’s statements were false and fraudulent in that patient W.W. was not treated by the licensed provider D.P. on June 21, 2017, the date of service shown in defendant’s therapy records for W.W. Mr. Muhammad’s statements were material to the Missouri Medicaid program because the program does not pay for services that are not actually provided to the patient, and does not pay for mental health services that are provided by unlicensed individuals.
The Indictment in this case further alleged that Mr. Muhammad repeatedly billed the Missouri Medicaid program for therapy services allegedly provided on dates when the patient was actually deceased, and therefore unable to receive any services. For example, patient W.W. died on June 8, 2017, before the alleged June 21, 2017 session that was billed to the Missouri Medicaid program.
“When individuals rig the Medicaid system for personal gain, it hurts those who legitimately require treatment and the taxpayers who pay into the system. I’m pleased that our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the U.S Attorney’s Office are able to work together to root out and prosecute this fraud” said Eric Schmitt, the Attorney General of Missouri.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Professional Registration of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.
West County Doctor Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Making a False Claim to MedicareRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dr. Brij R. Vaid, M.D., 58, of Ladue, MO, was sentenced today to 24 months of imprisonment and order to pay restitution of $176,912.86 to the Medicare and Missouri Medicaid programs. Dr. Vaid previously pleaded guilty on October 29, 2019, to making a false claim to Medicare. Dr. Vaid’s co-defendant in this case was Nurse Practitioner Donna Waldo. Waldo was sentenced on February 10, 2020, to four years probation, a $4000 fine, and $48,669 as restitution to Medicaid. The Honorable Audrey G. Fleissig imposed the sentence today.
According to court documents, Dr. Vaid was a medical doctor who operated St. Louis Internal Medicine (SLIM), where he saw patients at his medical office in St. Louis County, Missouri. Waldo was a nurse practitioner and advanced practice registered nurse. Waldo worked under the supervision of Dr. Vaid at SLIM.
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, Dr. Vaid had a large number of patients who received Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions typically every 30 days, including opioid pain relief drugs such as Oxycodone® and Hydrocodone and anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax®. Dr. Vaid was the only person at his office who had the credentials to legally prescribe these pain management and anti-anxiety drugs.
Dr. Vaid traveled frequently, including trips to New Jersey and India. Given the number of patients needing drugs and his own scheduling challenges, Dr. Vaid often signed numerous prescriptions for controlled substances in advance of patients' visits -- before patients had even visited the office or had an examination. Dr. Vaid instructed his staff, including Waldo, to provide these pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances to patients later, while he was absent from the office. After patients visited his office, Dr. Vaid and Waldo caused claims for reimbursement to be presented to Medicare and Medicaid in which they represented that Dr. Vaid had met face-to-face with the patients and engaged in complex medical decision-making during the office visits.
In his plea agreement, Dr. Vaid admitted that on February 23, 2015, he was out of the country in India. Waldo saw patient B.T. Dr. Vaid knew that Ms. Waldo would be seeing patient B.T. while Dr. Vaid was in out of town. Dr. Vaid caused the presentation of a false claim to Medicare related to the February 23, 2015, office visit. This claim, submitted under CPT code 99214 to Medicare, falsely stated that Dr. Vaid had provided a face-to-face office visit with patient B.T. when he was really out of town. Before imposing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig ruled that Dr. Vaid’s conduct created a reckless risk of bodily injury to his patients, given the powerful prescription opioid drugs that he repeatedly provided to patients.
In his plea agreement, Dr. Vaid further admitted that he violated the terms of his probation agreement with the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts when committing this offense.
“The Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works tirelessly every day to root out, investigate, and aggressively prosecute instances of healthcare fraud in Missouri. Working with our federal partners, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is a crucial component of that effort, and this case is a great example of how state and federal partnerships can lead to great results" said Eric Schmitt, the Attorney General of Missouri.
“Dr. Vaid threatened the health and lives of his patients by prescribing powerful drugs, including opioids, without even a simple examination,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Together with our State and Federal law enforcement partners, we will guard taxpayer-funded government healthcare programs and those dependent on their services.”
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, with critical assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs.
St. Louis County Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay over Employee Withholding Taxes and Failing to File Personal Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Craig Gustafson, 45, of Grover, MO, pled guilty to twenty counts of failing to remit employee withholding taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, and four counts of failing to file personal income tax returns. Gustafson appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel who accepted his plea and set sentencing for June 5, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, Gustafson owned and operated Consumers Periodical Service of Missouri, Inc., a magazine subscription business in St. Louis County, Missouri. From 2013 through 2017, Gustafson withheld quarterly federal income and social security taxes from his employees, but failed to remit those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service as required. Gustafson issued annual W-2 forms to his employees which reflected the withheld taxes in order to lull those employees into believing that their withheld taxes had been properly remitted to the Internal Revenue Service. Further, for the tax years 2013 through 2016, Gustafson failed to file his own annual personal income tax forms and failed to pay personal income taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service. During that period, Gustafson earned at least $670,400 from his company, and the tax loss to the United States from his failure to file tax forms and pay over required taxes was $131,296.
“Employers have a responsibility to their employees to withhold the proper amount of taxes and pay those taxes over to the IRS,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Karl Stiften. “When employers fail to do so, it results in a loss of revenue to the United States government, but more importantly, it could affect their employees’ Medicare and Social Security benefits.”
The failure to remit employee withholding taxes charges each carry a maximum possible penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of $10,000 or both imprisonment and a fine. The failure to file annual tax forms charges each carry a maximum possible penalty of one year imprisonment, a fine of $25,000, 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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
Former Velda City Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Approximately $400,000 in City Funds, and Stealing Approximately $150,000 from a CharityRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Venita Sedodo, 32, of St. Charles, Missouri, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud related to her former position as Treasurer of Velda City, Missouri, and two counts of mail fraud related to her former position as Trust Secretary for the Travelers Protective Association of America, Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired. Sedodo appeared today in front of United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark who set her sentencing hearing for May 28, 2020.
According to the court documents, 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. Sedodo obtained approximately $156,100 from TPA Scholarship Trust through her fraudulent scheme.
"Venita Sedodo abused her position as Velda City treasurer to embezzle tax funds, resulting in bounced paychecks for hard-working co-workers and vendors who depend on Velda City for their livelihood," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "In addition, Sedodo exploited her treasurer’s job at a charity to embezzle money intended for the deaf or hard of hearing. She is now being held accountable for her financial self-dealings.”
Sedodo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Restitution is also mandatory.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
DEA Announces Launch of Operation Crystal ShieldRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon today announced that the DEA will direct enforcement resources to methamphetamine “transportation hubs” — areas where methamphetamine is often trafficked in bulk and then distributed across the country. While continuing to focus on stopping drugs being smuggled across the border, DEA’s Operation Crystal Shield will ramp up enforcement to block their further distribution into America’s neighborhoods.
DEA has identified eight major methamphetamine transportation hubs where these efforts will be concentrated: Atlanta, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, and the St. Louis Division. Together, these DEA Field Divisions accounted for more than 75 percent of methamphetamine seized in the U.S. in 2019.
Operation Crystal Shield builds on existing DEA initiatives that target major drug trafficking networks, including the Mexican cartels that are responsible for the overwhelming majority of methamphetamine trafficked into and within the United States. From fiscal year 2017 to 2019, DEA domestic seizures of methamphetamine increased 127 percent from 49,507 pounds to 112,146 pounds. The St. Louis Division seizures were up 56 percent from fiscal year 2018 to 2019. During the same timeframe, the number of DEA arrests related to methamphetamine rose nearly 20 percent.
“For decades, methamphetamine has been a leading cause of violence and addiction – a drug threat that has never gone away,” said Acting Administrator Dhillon. “With a 22 percent increase in methamphetamine-related overdose deaths, now is the time to act, and DEA is leading the way with a surge of interdiction efforts and resources, targeting regional transportation hubs throughout the United States. By reducing the supply of meth, we reduce the violence, addiction, and death it spreads.”
The DEA St. Louis Division covers the entire states of Missouri, Kansas and the southern portion of Illinois, which encompasses hundreds of miles of interstate roadways. “These roadways are routinely utilized by drug trafficking organizations to transport methamphetamine and other deadly drugs into Missouri and Kansas,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan. “Operation Crystal Shield will allow our DEA agents and law enforcement partners the opportunity to strengthen our enforcement strategies in an effort to interdict drugs and disrupt drug trafficking organizations causing harm to the citizens of our region.”
Special Agent in Charge Callahan added, “The DEA seeks to hold methamphetamine drug traffickers accountable through multi-jurisdictional investigations which target all facets of the drug trafficking organizations, and bring them to justice by United States Attorneys in our area of operation.”
“Methamphetamine is by far the most prevalent illegal drug being sold on the streets of our community, and therefore warrants a focused plan of attack,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “Meth trafficking makes up more than 60 percent of the federal drug cases we prosecute in the Western District of Missouri. Operation Crystal Shield provides a strategy to stanch the flow of methamphetamine being smuggled into our state by the Mexican cartels. If we can reduce the supply of methamphetamine, we can reduce the violence and other criminal activity associated with drug trafficking.”
“Methamphetamine use has historically been extremely prevalent in the Midwest. After successful legislation restricting access to precursors, we have seen an uptick in the production and distribution of methamphetamine from Mexico. Because St. Louis has become a transportation hub city for this activity, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri remains committed to partnering with DEA to combat the flow of this dangerous drug,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country. It is often found in poly-drug loads, alongside cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
Three Local Doctors and Staff/Patients Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri – Eleven individuals were indicted today by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute controlled medications, such as oxycodone, without a legitimate medical purpose; obtaining controlled medication by deceit and subterfuge; paying and receiving illegal kickbacks for referrals to lab for urine tests of the patients; and submitting false claims to Medicare and other health insurers.
ASIM MUHAMMAD ALI, M.D., 49, of Creve Coeur;
ALEXIS DORJAY BUTLER, 32, of Bellefontaine Neighbors;
SHAUNTA C. CROSBY, 33, of Ferguson;
ERIN MELISSA HERMAN, 35, of Oakville;
VLADIMIR KOGAN, 39, of Afton;
JERRY DALE LEECH, D.C., 47, of Creve Coeur;
STANLEY L. LIBRACH, M.D., 58, of Chesterfield;
DENIS J. MIKHLIN, 40, of Chesterfield;
EBONY R. PRICE, 37, of St. Louis;
ERICA T. SPATES, 32, of Berkley; and
TIJUANA A. SPATES, 36, of Jennings.
According to the indictment, Dr. Asim Muhammad Ali and Dr. Stanley Librach, medical doctors, and Dr. Jerry Dale Leech, a chiropractor, and Denis J. Mikhlin illegally wrote and distributed hundreds of prescriptions for oxycodone, oxycontin, hydromorphone, and fentanyl for patients whom Dr. Ali and Dr. Librach did not see, examine, or evaluate. One day a week for about two hours, Dr. Ali or Dr. Librach came into the American Pain Institute (API) and later Institute for Pain Management (IPM) and pre-sign stacks of prescriptions, which were given to API and IPM patients during the next week or two. Dr. Ali and Dr. Librach continued to write prescriptions for controlled substance drugs although many patients repeatedly tested negative for the prescribed drugs and positive for illegal street drugs.
According to the indictment, Dr. Leech, an owner of API and chief of staff for IPM, Denis Mikhlin, the owner of Doctors on the Go, and the other defendants bought and sold prescriptions for controlled substances written in the name of Dr. Librach and other doctors. Dr. Leech received between $200 and $500 for each script he sold, receiving on some occasions as much as $5000. Dr. Leech and Mikhlin also identified or had other co-defendants identify persons whose names could be used on fraudulent scripts. The patients were paid in cash or with some of the pills. Dr. Ali, one of the co-owners of Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL) paid illegal kickbacks to Dr. Leech, Dr. Librach, and Mikhlin for the referral of drug tests that they sent to CDL.
“Doctors and trained practitioners know better than anyone the twin dangers of addiction and overdose that come with powerful narcotics,” said DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge William Callahan. "DEA will investigate doctors, like these ones, who prescribe a controlled substance outside the normal course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose to stop their illegal practices."
“As Attorney General, it’s my duty to protect all six million Missourians. To that point, our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works diligently with both state and federal partners to root out and prosecute fraud. When doctors are abusing the healthcare system and irresponsibly doling out potentially addictive medications for personal gain, we need to hold them responsible. I’m grateful for the chance to work with our federal partners on this case.”
"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of overdose deaths in this country involved prescription or illicit opioid," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "It is appalling that any health care professional would knowingly fuel this epidemic rather than help stop it."
“Doctors who prescribe medically unnecessary and potentially addictive drugs are a threat to their patients, and their actions will not be tolerated,” 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 will continue working closely with our State and Federal law enforcement partners to protect patients and the government healthcare programs on which they depend.”
If convicted, each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Health and Human Services – OIG are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling 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 Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Shooting His Co-Defendant During a Home InvasionRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dallas Richardson, 25, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a home invasion where he shot co-defendant Kyle Phillips. Richardson appeared today before United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, between January 2016 and February 2018, Richardson was part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed multi-pound amounts of marijuana within the Eastern District of Missouri. Richardson received some of the marijuana. The organization then collected the proceeds of the marijuana sales and utilized MoneyGrams purchased at various outlets, including Wal-Mart stores within the Eastern District of Missouri, to send the proceeds to the source of supply, Cedric Davis, in California.
Both co-defendants Joseph Hope and Jack Huck supplied marijuana to co-defendant Kyle Phillips. In December 2016, Phillips received bulk quantities of marijuana from Hope but refused to pay. As a result, Hope planned a robbery and retaliation against Phillips.
On January 12, 2017, Hope recruited Richardson to conduct the robbery of Phillips in order to retrieve either the marijuana or proceeds derived from the sale of the marijuana. Richardson and his associate drove from St. Louis to Phillips’ residence in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Wearing masks and armed with firearms, including an assault rifle, Richardson forcibly entered the front door of the residence while his associate entered the residence through a bedroom window.
During the robbery, Richardson shot Phillips in the abdomen. Both Richardson and his associate assaulted Phillips, including with the stock of their firearms. The two men also kicked and assaulted with their firearms three other individuals that were present. Richardson and his associate took the safe, small amounts of marijuana, and the victims’ wallets, which contained small amounts of cash and exited the residence.
The following co-defendants in this drug conspiracy have been sentenced:
Jack Huck – 89 months in prison;
Seth Ault – 36 months in prison;
Cedric Davis, Jr. – 46 months in prison;
Cody Henderson – 3 years probation;
Joseph Hope – 96 months in prison;
Deven Huck – 48 months in prison;
Zach Hunter – 3 years probation;
Dakota McCain – 32 months in prison;
Dustin Puckett – 3 years probation;
Collin Weber – 3 years probation; and
Jacob Wolff – 3 years probation.
Richardson pleaded guilty in October to one count of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm that was discharged and Phillips is awaiting trial.
The Missouri Highway Patrol, the Ste. Genevieve Police Department, the Homeland Security Investigation, the Warrenton Sheriff’s Department, the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Major Case Squad investigated this case.
Saint Louis Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Shooting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Saint Louis, MO – Johnzell Moorehead, 30, of Saint Louis, MO, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Wines appeared today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, Moorehead and an associate, Daryaun Wines, were travelling inside a vehicle in the early morning hours of October 12, 2017. Earlier that day, Moorehead and Wines had been involved in an altercation with another individual resulting in that individuals being shot.
Concerned about possibly retaliation from that earlier shooting, Moorehead and Wines were being followed by two additional associates who were in a separate vehicle. Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Federal Officer Archie Shaw was on-duty and, as part of an on-going investigation into drug distribution activity, began to follow the second of the two vehicles. Special Federal Officer Shaw was utilizing an unmarked law enforcement vehicle.
Moorehead and Wines noticed Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle. Moorehead and Wines split-up from their other associates (who were being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw). The vehicle being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw intentionally led Special Federal Officer Shaw to the intersection of Miami and Iowa streets within the City of Saint Louis. As Special Federal Officer Shaw drove through the intersection, Wines and Moorehead shot Special Federal Officer Shaw. Wines and Moorehead traveled to that location for the purpose of committing the shooting.
Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle was struck several times by the gunfire. Special Federal Officer Shaw himself was also struck by gunfire. After being shot, Special Federal Officer Shaw was able to drive himself to safety. Moorehead and his associates fled the area.
“Officer Shaw has shown great courage throughout this investigation and during his almost 30 years of service and dedication to the citizens of St. Louis. The St. Louis Police Department appreciates the continued support and assistance we’ve received from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and all our federal partners in this case,” state Chief John Hayden, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
"The importance of Officer Archie Shaw to this community can be understood by law enforcement’s relentless and wide ranging response in the immediate aftermath of his October 12, 2017, shooting and throughout the almost three years since the incident occurred,” said Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Rea after today's proceeding.
Rea continued, “Law enforcement has held Mr. Moorehead and Daryaun Wines accountable for their actions. In the course of doing so, officials also dismantled an entire drug organization resulting in five additional federal prosecutions. That is a total of seven federal prosecutions arising out of the shooting of Officer Shaw. Offense conduct such as this cannot and will never go unchecked by the United States Attorney’s Office. We hope that these sentences of 25 years for Mr. Moorehead and 17 years for Mr. Wines make that clear.”
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case.
Kirkwood Man Sentenced for Stealing Almost 4 Million Dollars from His Former EmployerRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Bryan G. Vonderahe, 45, of Kirkwood, Missouri, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, and ordered to pay approximately 3.8 Million Dollars in restitution to his former employer following his conviction for wire fraud. Vonderahe appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.
According to court documents, beginning during January 2012 and continuing through January 2019, Vonderahe schemed to defraud The Boyd Group and its affiliated companies where he was employed as chief financial officer and controller. After setting himself up as a sham vendor, Vonderahe issued approximately 500 company checks to himself during that period of time, totaling approximately 3.8 million dollars, without the knowledge or authority of the company’s ownership. Vonderahe falsified internal company records and issued false financial statements to the company’s outside auditors in order to cover up and conceal his lengthy and substantial fraud scheme. Vonderahe used the stolen and embezzled funds for his own personal use, unrelated to the legitimate business of the company, including to pay for luxury automobiles; to pay for travel for himself and his family to locations such as Florida, Colorado, and Nevada; to make payments on his personal residential mortgage; and to pay for gambling and related activities. The United States forfeited several of Vonderahe’s luxury automobiles, including a Range Rover and a Cadillac Escalade, as well as his personal residence at 1943 Windy Hill Road in Kirkwood, Missouri.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former EMT Human Resource Manager Indicted for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Kate Palos, 32, of Affton, Missouri, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for her involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Palos was the human resource manager for Express Medical Transporters (EMT), which transported Medicaid patients to medical appointments. In order to receive reimbursements for the transports, EMT had to use drivers who had complied with certain defined requirements. Drivers had to receive CPT and other safety training and not have a history of criminal or other violations that could jeopardize the safety of patients. When EMT did not have compliant drivers, non-compliant drivers would transport the patients. Palos changed, or directed other employees to change, the names on the trip logs and use the names/signatures of compliant drivers. In some instances, Palos used the names of drivers, who were no longer working for EMT at the time the transports were made. These fraudulent documents were submitted to support requests for payment.
Palos faces a penalty up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Saint Louis Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Shooting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Saint Louis, MO – Daryaun Wines, 27, of Saint Louis County, MO, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Wines appeared today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, Wines and an associate, Johnzell Moorehead, were travelling inside a vehicle in the early morning hours of October 12, 2017. Wines and Moorehead were being followed by two additional associates who were in a separate vehicle. Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Federal Officer Archie Shaw was on-duty and, as part of an on-going investigation, began to follow the second of the two vehicles. Special Federal Officer Shaw was utilizing an unmarked law enforcement vehicle.
Wines and Moorehead noticed Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle. Wines and Moorehead split-up from their other associates (who were being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw). The vehicle being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw led Special Federal Officer Shaw to the intersection of Miami and Iowa streets within the City of Saint Louis. As Special Federal Officer Shaw drove through the intersection, Wines and Moorehead shot Special Federal Officer Shaw. Wines and Moorehead traveled to that location for the purpose of committing the shooting.
Special Federal Officer Shaw’s vehicle was struck several times by the gunfire. Special Federal Officer Shaw himself was also struck by gunfire. After being shot, Special Federal Officer Shaw was able to drive himself to safety. Wines and his associates fled the area.
"We cannot lose sight of the many threats awaiting dedicated members of law enforcement every day. FBI Special Federal Officer Shaw is the paramount example of a courageous officer dedicated to his work and community. He is lucky to be alive, and we are so grateful that he is. This was an unconscionable ambush. Today’s stiff sentence makes clear that this type of conduct will never go unchecked by the Department of Justice," said Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Rea after today's proceeding.
Moorehead will be sentenced on February 13, 2020.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated this case.
Leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization SentencedRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jack Huck, 23, of Ste. Genevieve, MO, was sentenced to 89 months in prison for his role as a leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed marijuana and laundered drug proceeds. Huck appeared yesterday before United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, between January 2016 and February 2018, Huck and his co-defendants were part of a drug conspiracy to distribute marijuana. They then laundered the drug proceeds via MoneyGram. In order to avoid detection, Huck and his co-defendants had the marijuana sent via U.S. Mail and other means to various addresses in the Eastern District of Missouri. Upon receipt, Huck or his co-defendants would pick up the packages. Once distributed, they collected the drug proceeds and utilized MoneyGrams purchased at various outlets to send the drug proceeds to co-defendant Cedric Davis in California. The MoneyGrams were payment for previously shipped marijuana as well as for impending marijuana shipments.
On August 8, 2017, Huck orchestrated a robbery in which he recruited co-defendants Dakota McCain and Seth Ault, along with a minor, to commit a home invasion of an individual identified only as “A.R.,” who had refused to pay Huck for marijuana. Wearing masks and armed with various blunt objects, the three individuals forcibly entered the residence of A.R. in Warrenton, Missouri, and attempted to recover the marijuana or cash. The robbery quickly ended when A.R.’s roommate arrived on scene with a firearm.
The following co-defendants in this drug conspiracy have been sentenced:
Seth Ault – 36 months in prison;
Cedric Davis, Jr. – 46 months in prison;
Cody Henderson – 3 years probation;
Joseph Hope – 96 months in prison;
Deven Huck – 48 months in prison;
Zach Hunter – 3 years probation;
Dakota McCain – 32 months in prison;
Dustin Puckett – 3 years probation;
Collin Weber – 3 years probation; and
Jacob Wolff – 3 years probation.
The Missouri Highway Patrol, the Ste. Genevieve Police Department, the Homeland Security Investigation, the Warrenton Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Major Case Squad investigated this case.
Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis - Aaron Mitchell, 31, of the 8700 block of Oriole in St. Louis, was sentenced today to 34 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges involving a federal income tax refund scheme. Mitchell appeared before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who also ordered him to pay $99,576.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
At the time of his guilty plea, Mitchell admitted to preparing over 160 tax returns for the years 2013 through 2015. He filed those returns electronically from his residence on the 8700 block of Oriole in the City of St. Louis. The returns contained false W-2 wage and withholding information as well as false claims of tax credits for education expenses including the American Opportunity Credit. According to court papers, the IRS lost $99,576.00 in tax refunds paid as a result of Mitchell’s actions.
In sentencing Mitchell, the judge noted his many fraud convictions and his pending fraud charges in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County and Madison County, Illinois. The court also noted that Mitchell had been taken off bond in the tax case after being arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart store in Granite City on New Year’s Eve. The judge told Mitchell that he was a “one man financial wrecking crew.”
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation office in St. Louis as assisted by the United States Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in St. Louis.
Saint Louis County Man Indicted for Armed Carjacking that Resulted in Victim's DeathRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – A federal indictment was returned today against Lashawn Travion Clayburn, 18, of Saint Louis County, for his role in the January 5, 2019 death of victim Naomi Miller, 61, of Pine Lawn. The indictment specifically charges Clayburn with one count for carjacking victim Miller’s 2014 red Ford Escape and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of that carjacking that resulted in victim Miller’s death.
If convicted, both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. As is always the 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.
Clayburn has been in state custody since March 2, 2019, when he was charged in Saint Louis City Circuit Court with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, kidnapping, and armed criminal action in connection with the death of Chrishaun Hilliard on January 17, 2019.
“Today’s indictment is an example of what happens when law enforcement joins together at every level to make our communities safer and bring those responsible for these senseless acts of violence to justice,” said Marino Vidoli, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division.
“We are pleased that the coordinated effort of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners involved in the investigation of this horrible crime resulted in this federal indictment,” said North County Police Cooperative Major Ron Martin after the return of today’s indictment. “Ms. Miller was a cherished member of this community. We hope today’s indictment brings some small solace to her family and many friends.”
“The Major Case Squad of the greater St. Louis Area is dedicated to responding rapidly to assist in solving these homicides. Our investigators will continue to work tirelessly with local, state, and federal authorities to make sure perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes,” stated Bruce Hayes, Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the North County Police Cooperative, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, and the Ferguson Police Department are investigating this case.
Saint Louis County Man Indicted for Robbing the Saint Louis Community Credit UnionRead the Press Release
Saint Louis –Monte Clayton Lynch, 49, of Saint Louis County, Missouri, was indicted today on one felony count of bank robbery stemming from a string of bank robberies that occurred last summer.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2019, Lynch entered the St. Louis Community Credit Union on Chippewa Street in Saint Louis, passed a teller a note demanding cash, and threatened that he had a gun. The teller handed Lynch approximately $5,100 in cash, which he took from the credit union after ensuring it had no dye packs.
This bank robbery was the first of at least six bank robberies that Lynch performed over 17-days. In total, he robbed banks in Saint Louis, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Tyrone, Georgia; and Prattville, Alabama. Lynch later confessed to his crime and noted that the motivation for robbing the banks was to pay for his cocaine addiction.
If convicted, the charge of bank robbery carries 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. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dunkel is handling the 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.
Saint Louis City Man Pleads Guilty to 12 Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Saint Louis, MO –Justin McGee, 38, of Saint Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to his role in 12 robberies. He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for May 13, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, on September 12, 2018, McGee, armed with a firearm, entered the Cricket Wireless store located at 10006 W. Florissant and approached an employee stating that he needed a phone repaired. While the employee was looking at the phone, McGee pulled a firearm from his pocket, pointed it at the employee and demanded that he open the cash register. The employee was ordered to the floor as McGee stole money from the register and then fled the store.
On October 10, 2018, McGee entered the Game Stop on Maplewood Commons Drive armed with a firearm, pointed it at the employee and demanded that she open the cash register. After grabbing money from the register, McGee ordered the employee to the ground and left.
On October 12, 2018, McGee entered the T-Mobile store on N. Highway 67, engaged an employee in conversation, then pointed a firearm at her and told her he would kill her. He then confronted the store manager and had both employees lie on the floor. McGee had one of the employees crawl to the office to show him where the cash was located. McGee took money and left the store.
On October 17, 2018, McGee entered the Game Stop located on South Kingshighway, engaged an employee in conversation, pushed him to the floor as he pointed a firearm at him and demanded the cash register be opened. A second employee opened the register. McGee grabbed the store’s money and left the store.
On October 19, 2018, McGee entered the Boost Mobile store on Manchester, rushed towards an employee and pointed a firearm at her. He pushed her to the floor and poked her back with the firearm. She opened the cash register; McGee grabbed the store’s money and ran out the door.
On November 23, 2018, McGee entered the Smoothie King on Forest Park as the employees were preparing to close for the day. McGee placed his hand in his pocket as if he had a firearm and told them he wanted no problems. After he ordered the employees to kneel on the floor, McGee grabbed the store’s money and left.
On December 15, 2018, McGee entered Kings Beauty Supply on Aubert and engaged an employee in a conversation about a hair clipper. McGee produced a firearm and announced a robbery. Pointing the firearm at two employees, McGee ordered one to lie on the ground. He grabbed the store’s money and hair clippers and left the store.
On February 4, 2019, McGee entered the Boost Mobile Store in North Oaks Plaza and engaged an employee in a conversation before pulling out his firearm and walking behind the counter. The employee pulled his own firearm and fired a shot striking McGee in the head. McGee was able to flee.
On March 7, 2019, McGee entered the BP gas station on Olive Road and began to climb over the counter to open the cash register. As he climbed over the counter, he pointed an air pistol at the employee. A fight ensued. The employee was able to grab the air pistol and McGee ran from the store.
On March 26, 2019, McGee entered the Family Dollar on North Grand, approached a cashier and told her to open her cash drawer. When she told him she could not, he pointed a caliber firearm at her. At that time, the manager opened the cash register. McGee took money and fled the store.
On March 29, 2019, McGee entered the Qdoba Restaurant on Lindell and approached the cashier as if to place a food order. McGee brandished a firearm and demanded money. McGee took money and left the store.
On April 7, 2019, McGee entered the Dollar Tree on Aubert, approached the cashier and told him not to “trip” as he pointed a firearm at him. The cashier gave McGee money and McGee left the store.
Each robbery count carries a penalty of not more than 20 years and a fine of $250,000. Each brandishing of a firearm count carries a penalty of not less than seven years nor more than life, consecutive to any sentence imposed for all counts, and a fine of not more than $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Mozaic Group Ltd. Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Mary Ann Gibson, 63, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for her role in embezzling from her former employer. Gibson appeared this morning in front of United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, Gibson obtained a line of credit for Mozaic Group Ltd. from Enterprise Bank and Trust and subsequently drew down on that line of credit to run the business. From approximately January 2016 through August 2017, Gibson falsely and fraudulently inflated the cash flow of the company she reported to the bank in order to maintain and increase the line of credit from Enterprise Bank and Trust. Mozaic and Gibson thereafter defaulted on the loan because Mozaic did not, in fact, have the cash flow Gibson reported to the bank. Gibson’s fraud resulted in a loss of approximately $2.5 million to the bank.
"Fraud schemes like this victimize more than just the financial institutions, which have a finite amount of money to lend," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "In this case, the embezzled $2.5 million could have been used by other honest businesses that grow our economy."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis County Dentist Sentenced to 18 Months After Issuing Illegal Prescriptions for Opioid Narcotic Drug and Medicare FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Bradley A. Seyer, D.D.S., 53, of Florissant, Missouri, was sentenced today to 18 months of imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. Previously, on June 26, 2019, Dr. Seyer pleaded guilty to two felony charges of making false statements to Medicare and illegally issuing prescriptions for narcotic opioid drugs, including Hydrocodone, without a legitimate medical purpose.
According to the plea agreement, Dr. Seyer provided a prescription for Hydrocodone to a woman identified by her initials E.A. Dr. Seyer had a personal relationship with E.A. that lasted over ten years. Dr. Seyer gave E.A. money and jewelry, and took her on vacation trips. During their relationship, defendant prescribed E.A. with over 14,000 units of various anti-anxiety and opioid narcotic pain relief drugs. Dr. Seyer prepared and kept some dental treatment records for E.A., but they were incomplete. Dr. Seyer’s records failed to contain all of the prescriptions that he issued for E.A. Further, the records did not document office visits and examinations by Dr. Seyer of E.A. before he issued some of the prescriptions to her.
In his plea agreement, Dr. Seyer admitted that he and E.A. together consumed some "street" and prescription drugs for recreational purposes. E.A. often requested prescription drugs by text, leading Dr. Seyer to call in the prescriptions at her request. E.A. was depressed and had suicidal ideation, and had a history of mental illness. On several occasions during the Summer of 2018, Dr. Seyer and E.A. discussed her desire to commit suicide. Ultimately, E.A. died at her home during July, 2018 of a fentanyl overdose, although Dr. Seyer did not prescribe fentanyl to E.A.
Further, in the plea agreement, Dr. Seyer admitted that he prescribed Tramadol® to E.A.’s father, identified by his initials in the plea agreement as G.A. G.A. has Medicare coverage. Dr. Seyer had no records showing any dental treatment for G.A. However, Dr. Seyer issued five prescriptions to E.A. using G.A.'s name, and Medicare paid for these five prescriptions, including a Tramadol® prescription dated December 2, 2015.
Shortly after Dr. Seyer pled guilty in this case, effective August 28, 2019, the Missouri Legislature restricted the ability of dentists to write prescriptions for long-acting, extended release, or high dosage opioids. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 332.361(4)-(5).
“The DEA will utilize all the enforcement tools we have against medical professionals who knowingly and willfully prescribe opioid prescriptions improperly,” said Special Agent in Charge William Callahan of the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division. “I commend the Missouri Legislature for recognizing this opioid prescribing challenge by regulating the ability of dentists to write prescriptions for certain kinds of opioids.”
Curt Mueller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Kansas City Region, stated, “Our office will continue to vigorously pursue healthcare providers who submit improper claims for reimbursement to publicly funded healthcare programs and, more specifically abuse their position by irresponsibly prescribing narcotics that endanger the well-being of their patients.”
“The Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works tirelessly every day to ensure that Missouri citizens are protected from Medicaid fraud and fraudulent actors are held accountable. I appreciate the opportunity to work with our federal and local partners on this case,” said Attorney General Eric Schmitt.
This case was investigated by the Department of Public Safety for the City of Des Peres, Missouri and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs of the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
Saint Louis City Man Sentenced to 114 Months in Prison for Robbing Maplewood Steak and Shake at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Frank Brothers, 30, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for his role in robbing the Steak and Shake in Maplewood and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Brothers appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
According to court documents, on October 24, 2018, Brothers entered the Steak and Shake located in Maplewood. Brothers pointed a firearm at the manger, forced her to the floor and then demanded she open the safe. The manager handed Brothers the U.S. currency in the safe. Brothers then fled out the rear door to his vehicle.
“This conviction is another shining example of the fantastic working relationship between municipalities like Maplewood, the outstanding men and women of the FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office”, said Lieutenant John LeClerc, Maplewood Police Department.
The Maplewood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
Juvenile Carjacker Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Timothy Blassingame, 19, of Belleville, IL, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for armed carjacking. Blassingame appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2018, at approximately 4:30 p.m., victim R.W. was sitting in his 2003 Trailblazer at the BP station at 1401 Chouteau Avenue in the City of St. Louis. Timothy Blassingame and another male, Andre King, approached R.W. King pointed a revolver at R.W. and ordered R.W. out of the vehicle. Blassingame and King took R.W.’s cell phone and drove off in the Trailblazer.
Later that evening, East St. Louis Illinois police observed the stolen Trailblazer and attempted to stop it. Blassingame and King led police on a high-speed pursuit from East St. Louis, Illinois into St. Louis, Missouri. They also rammed a police car during the pursuit, which ended after the Trailblazer crashed near Jennings Station Road in North St. Louis County. Both Blassingame and King attempted then flee on foot but were eventually apprehended by police. Blassingame was 17 years old at the time he committed these crimes.
Blassingame pleaded guilty in July to one count of carjacking and another count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This prosecution and 84-month sentence were part of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Missouri and Southern District of Illinois. More specifically, Blassingame’s sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed in the Southern District of Illinois. Those proceedings, which charge Blassingame and King with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle and armed robbery, remain on going.
“To the young people in our community, know that you have a choice when it comes to guns: Pick one up or put it down. We want you to put it down,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen after today’s sentencing. “In the last two years, this office has doubled the number of federal prosecutions of individuals who have chosen to pick-up firearms and commit violent acts with them. This specifically includes increased prosecution of juveniles.”
Jensen continued, “If you choose to take other people’s property and endanger the citizens of this district by using a firearm, federal prosecution, a lengthy prison sentence far away from the Saint Louis area, and intense court supervision afterwards awaits.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department; Saint Louis County Police Department; North County Police Cooperative; Illinois State Police; and East Saint Louis Police Department investigated this case which was prosecuted in cooperation with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.
U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen's Statement on the Importance of the Emergency Prohibition of Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
The emergency prohibition of fentanyl analogues expires on February 6. Without action by Congress, law enforcement will not have the tools needed to protect Missouri families from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances.
Illicit fentanyl and its analogues kill hundreds of Missourians annually. Fentanyl is 80 times more powerful than heroin and only a few grains can cause a fatal overdose. Additionally, distributors are now mixing fentanyl with other drugs which increases the risk for unsuspecting buyers and for overdose deaths.
Examples of the problem can be found in this courthouse constantly. Within the last two weeks, law enforcement officers seized a shipment of 10 kilograms of fentanyl on Interstate 44 in Saint Louis County, Missouri. That is roughly 22 pounds of poison capable of killing tens of thousands of Missourians. The courier from Arizona was 18 years old and now could face decades in prison. Just yesterday, Shannon Rennee Bradley, 25, of Washington, Missouri, pled guilty for her role in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl that killed a 24-year old Washington, Missouri woman.
If Congress fails to act, this office and our law enforcement partners will lose an effective tool that we need to protect Missouri families from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances. Congress must take action immediately to extend the scheduling of these dangerous substances because this fight is far from over.
Franklin County Woman Pleads Guilty for Her Role in the Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Shannon Rennee Bradley, 25, of Washington, Missouri, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute, and aiding and abetting in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, which resulted in the death of victim A.C. She appeared before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2020.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2017, Bradley and co-defendant Jacob Brewer met victim A.C. and her boyfriend at a gas station in Washington, Missouri, where the distribution took place. A.C. and her boyfriend shared the drugs sold by Bradley and co-defendant Brewer later that evening. A.C.’s boyfriend woke up and discovered A.C. unresponsive. A.C. was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Co-defendant Brewer pleaded guilty in May 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 12, 2020.
Bradley faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys James Delworth and Sara Koppenaal are handling the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Armed Robberies in the Central West EndRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Brandon Mardell Woods, 35, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in two robberies in the Central West End. Woods appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2018, a victim was walking to her vehicle when Woods approached her, pointed a firearm at her, and ordered her into her vehicle. Woods entered the driver’s seat and directed the victim into the passenger seat. The victim complied and Woods drove the victim’s vehicle to an ATM where he withdrew $500.00 from the victim’s bank account.
On June 19, 2018, two victims were seated in their vehicle when Woods entered the backseat, pointed a firearm at them, and ordered one of the victims to drive him to an ATM. Once at the ATM, Woods directed one of the victims to withdraw money from her bank account. She withdrew $200.00 from her account and gave it to Woods.
On June 20, 2018, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department arrested Woods and found him to be in possession of a firearm.
“The continued collective effort among the St Louis Police Department, FBI, Circuit Attorney’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s office will definitely hold violent criminals accountable,” said Chief John W. Hayden, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with the assistance of the Central West End Neighborhood Security Initiative. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
O'Fallon, Illinois Man Charged with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Michael L. Cooper, 40, of O’Fallon, Illinois, was charged in a federal complaint with distribution of child pornography.
According to the complaint, on or about January 21, 2020, an undercover officer, utilizing a false persona, was contacted on a social media applications by an individual later identified as Michael Cooper. Cooper sent the undercover officer multiple child pornography videos and images via the internet containing depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in various sexual acts. Cooper advised the undercover officer on several occasions that he was sexually attracted to minor males, and desired to engage in sexual acts with minor males.
As agreed upon with the undercover officer utilizing his false persona, Cooper responded to a local hotel to meet the undercover officer and purportedly engage in sexual acts with him while watching child pornography. However, upon his arrival at the hotel room, Cooper was taken into custody. Cooper indicated that there was child pornography on his laptop in his residence and on his cellular telephone. Cooper also admitted to being in possession of and distributing child pornography.
Charges set forth in the Complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Louis County Police Department are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.
St. Louis County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Opioid Narcotic Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Angela K. Williams, M.D., 34, of Brentwood, Missouri, pleaded guilty today to one felony charge of fraudulently obtaining oxycodone, a narcotic opioid prescription drug.
According to the plea agreement, Dr. Williams wanted to obtain prescription drugs that contained controlled substances for her own personal use, outside the bounds of professional medical practice and not for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, Dr. Williams used her own prescription pad to write and sign numerous prescriptions for controlled substances using other persons’ names, including prescriptions for the narcotic opioid pain relief drugs hydrocodone and oxycodone. Dr. Williams then went to the pharmacies and presented the prescriptions for the drugs, posing as a patient. Dr. Williams also fraudulently used another doctor’s prescription pad, name, and Drug Enforcement Administration number to write herself some additional controlled substance prescriptions.
“The DEA Diversion Control Program’s purpose is to maintain the integrity of the supply chain of prescription drugs to the American public,” said DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge William Callahan. “The diversion of prescription drugs outside the bounds of professional medical practice puts the supply chain at risk. This case showcases the far-reaching impact of opioid abuse and its destructive power.”
Dr. Williams pled guilty before Chief United States District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Sentencing has been set for April 23, 2020. Dr. Williams’s crime carries a maximum penalty of four 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.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florissant Police Department, the Town and Country Police Department, and the St. John Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs of the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s office, and the St. Louis County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Former Vice President of Synergy Concepts Sentenced for Stealing FundsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Steven Walters, 52, of St. Peters, Missouri, was sentenced to six months in prison, 90 days of home confinement and three years of supervised release in prison for embezzling from an employee benefit plan. Walters appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel.
According to court documents, Walters began his employment with Synergy Concepts Inc. on or about August 2001. In 2014, Walters was the Vice-President and Secretary of Synergy Concepts Inc. Walters, on behalf of Synergy Concepts Inc., acted as the co-trustee for a company retirement plan that was funded from voluntary contributions by the employees. From May of 2015 through August 2016, Walters, as an officer of Synergy Concepts, Inc., failed to transfer withheld funds destined for the retirement plan and instead diverted the funds for other purposes, including his own personal use. Walters did knowingly embezzle, steal and unlawfully and willfully abstract and convert to his own use the money, funds, securities, premiums, properties and other assets of the employee pension plan that resulted in a total loss of $72,817.27.
“Prosecuting those who misuse funds from employee benefit plans is a vital aspect of this agency’s mission to protect the rights of America’s workers,” said Jim Purcell, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) Regional Director in Kansas City. “EBSA will continue to aggressively investigate such crimes on behalf of workers nationwide.”
“Steven Walters embezzled employee contributions and loan repayments from the Synergy Concepts Retirement Plan for his own personal use. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration to protect the integrity of employee benefit plans,” stated Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
The case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Robbing the Richmond Heights Post Office at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Dywane Upchurch, 39, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 60 months for his role in robbing the Richmond Heights Post Office and assaulting a Postal employee while committing robbery. Upchurch appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, on December 6, 2018, Dywane Upchurch entered the rear door of the U.S. Post Office in Richmond Heights located on Big Bend Boulevard. He was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. Once inside, Upchurch brandished the firearm and forced both employees into a restroom. Upchurch then went to the cash register and stole approximately $8,800 in cash.
On January 17, 2019, Upchurch was taken into custody after United States Postal Inspectors executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Blakemore Place, St. Louis, Missouri. A firearm possessed by Upchurch was seized from the residence.
Upchurch pled guilty in October to felon in possession of a firearm and assault while committing a robbery.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware is handling the case.
Moberly Man Sentenced for Aggravated Identity Theft After Withdrawing Money from Missing Wife's AccountRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Lawrence Warfel, 76, of Moberly, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for aggravated identity theft. Warfel appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Henry A. Autrey who ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $11,688.11.
According to court records, in September 2017, Lawrence Warfel’s wife, Penny, disappeared. Prior to her disappearance, Penny had been receiving monthly Social Security benefits deposited directly into her bank account. After Penny’s disappearance, her Social Security benefits were withdrawn at an ATM, and investigators retrieved surveillance footage showing Lawrence withdrawing money from that ATM using the debit card connected to the bank account where Penny’s Social Security benefits were being deposited. In September 2018, Lawrence admitted he had been using Penny’s debt card in order to withdraw her Social Security benefits following her disappearance.
Warfel pled guilty in October 2019.
This case was investigated by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the Social Security Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane Klocke handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Juvenile Carjacker Sentenced to 134 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Elijah Roberts, 19, of St. Louis City, was sentenced to 134 months in prison for his involvement in a February 2018 carjacking. Roberts appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who imposed the sentence.
According to the court documents, on February 13, 2018, the victim was securing her two minor children in their car seats. When she got into the driver’s seat, Roberts, who was 17 years old at the time, yanked open her car door. Roberts pointed a firearm at her and demanded her keys. The victim handed over her keys and removed her infant daughter from the vehicle. Before she could remove her second child -- a fifteen-month old boy -- from his car seat, Roberts drove off in the stolen vehicle. Police responded and found the toddler unharmed in an alley.
Police eventually located Roberts who was still inside the carjacked vehicle. Roberts fled from police officers for approximately 45 minutes – ramming two police cars and injuring one police officer during the pursuit. After driving through parks and over curbs, the vehicle broke down. Roberts was arrested.
Roberts pleaded guilty in October to carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime.
“To the young people in our community, know that you have a choice when it comes to guns: Pick one up or put it down. We want you to put it down,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen after today’s sentencing. “Whether you are 17 or 70, if you choose to commit a violent crime in this district, you will be aggressively prosecuted at the federal level. A federal prosecution means no parole; significant prison time; serving that prison sentence far from Saint Louis; and intensive supervised release once prison is over.”
Jensen continued, “In the last two years, this office has doubled the number of federal prosecutions of individuals who have chosen to pick-up firearms and commit violent acts with them. This specifically includes increased prosecution of juveniles.”
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for His Involvement in a CarjackingRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Antonio Ball, 21, St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime. Ball appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.
According to court documents, on May 19, 2018, the victim stopped at the Elite Market on North Broadway in a rental vehicle. Ball approached the victim with a handgun and demanded the car keys. When the victim complied, Ball and two other males jumped into the vehicle and drove off. Ball was later arrested by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
St. Louis City Woman Indicted for Using Her Deceased Grandmother's Social Security ChecksRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Corrina Wester, 48, of St. Louis City, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of theft of government funds.
According to the Indictment, Wester grandmother, Dorothy Carlock, passed away on February 22, 2017. Carlock’s death was not reported to the Social Security Administration, and her Social Security benefits continued to be direct deposited into her bank account, which was held jointly with Wester. Carlock’s Social Security record showed that her direct deposit information was changed to this account only 15 days prior to her death.
As of May 1, 2019, the bank account was closed and the Social Security benefits had all been withdrawn. The total amount of Social Security funds deposited following Carlocks’ death was $39,961.00.
The charge of Theft of Government funds carries a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine of $250,000. Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Social Security Administration is investigating the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane Klocke is handling the case.
Jefferson City Man Sentenced for Bombing Former Spouse's VehicleRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Dean Allen McBaine, 31, of Jefferson City, MO, was sentenced to 60 months in prison following his conviction by a jury in October for one count of possessing an unregistered destructive device. McBaine appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who ordered McBaine to pay restitution in the amount of $34,705.21.
According to testimony at trial, McBaine was involved in a domestic dispute with his current wife at their residence in Jefferson City. During the incident, McBaine discharged several rounds from a handgun into the bedroom where his then 13-year-old son was sleeping. Consequently, McBaine’s former spouse and mother of the boy retrieved him from Jefferson City and moved him to her home in St. Louis. Orders of protection against McBaine were issued for the former spouse and son.
Approximately three weeks later, on September 2, 2018 in St. Louis City, an explosion that also damaged two adjacent homes destroyed the former spouse’s red Mini Cooper automobile.
The co-defendant, Michael Bushman, pled guilty and was sentenced on November 22, 2019 to 13 months in prison. Bushman admitted to preparing a “sparkler bomb” with McBaine and detonating it under the vehicle in the victim’s driveway. A neighbor’s security camera system captured the explosion.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan St. Louis Police Department, the St. Louis Fire Department, and the St. Louis division of the FBI. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys John Davis and Paul D’Agrosa.
Franklin County Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Possess with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Reanna Danielle Campbell, 26, of Franklin County, MO, pleaded guilty to her involvement in conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Campbell appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge John A. Ross who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for April 23, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, Campbell and her co-defendant Joshua Spencer were engaged in the sale of crystal methamphetamine in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, as well as in Franklin and Jefferson County, Missouri. Investigators conducted controlled buys of methamphetamine from Campbell and Spencer in and around the area. Also during the course of the investigation, Spencer and Campbell crashed a vehicle while fleeing from police near the Interstate 44 entrance at South Elm Avenue in Webster, Missouri, and fled on foot. Two handguns were recovered by law enforcement near the scene of the crash and investigators seized five other firearms from the crashed vehicle, along with knives and additional firearms magazines and drug paraphernalia.
Campbell faces imprisonment of not more than 20 years and a fine of not more than $1,000,000,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
Spencer remains charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Those charges remain merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Multi-County Narcotics and Violent Crimes Enforcement Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating this case, with assistance from the Kirkwood and Webster Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling this case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ferguson Man Sentenced in a Multi-Defendant Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Darryl Black, 28, of Ferguson, MO, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for his involvement in a multi-defendant conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin. Black appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, Black was part of a heroin conspiracy involving the shipment of heroin by mail from Phoenix to St. Louis. Black is the last of the 11 charged in the indictment to be sentenced.
Defendants also sentenced in the conspiracy are as follows:
Ricardo Ramos-Estrada, aka Riki, 34, of Phoenix, AZ, 70 months in prison;
Armando Ramos-Estrada, aka Gordo, 36, of Phoenix, AZ, fugitive;
Cristian Samuel Aripez Nunez, 22, of Phoenix, AZ 48 months in prison;
Arieawn Rishaud Dillon, 24, of St. Louis, 40 months in prison;
Daviyon Antwon Thomas, aka Big Boy, 30, of Wellston, 80 months in prison;
Gregory Hampton, aka Greasy, 34, of St. Louis, 84 months in prison;
Travis Jacquez Roberts, 30, of St. Louis, 84 months in prison;
Jerome Anthony Thomas, 47, of St. Louis, 30 months in prison;
Troy Parker, aka Nelly, of St. Louis, released on time served; and
Jermaine Joseph Johnson, aka J, of St. Louis, released on time served.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Granger handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Felon Sentenced for Robbing a Bank with a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Mitchell Finley, 57, of St. Louis County, was sentenced to fifty-one (51) months in prison for his role in robbing a bank. Finley appeared today in front of U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, on April 13, 2019, Finley walked into the Midwest Bank Centre on Lemay Ferry Road in south St. Louis County. He went up to the teller, placed a white bag on the counter and told the teller that this is a robbery. The teller complied, placing $4,131.00 in the bag. Finley left the bank and went to a restaurant in the same plaza as the bank. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene and found Finley in the restaurant with a backpack next to him. The backpack contained the clothing he word during the bank robbery and the stolen money. Finley possessed an unloaded Beretta pistol in his waistband.
Finley pleaded guilty on September 30, 2019 to one count of committing a bank robbery and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis County Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Five Area Residents Arrested on Federal Indictment Charging Major Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO - The Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, and multiple law enforcement agencies arrested 15 people, including five St. Louis area residents, today on charges that they conspired to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Among those charged were:
Miguel Silva-Torres, Jr., 31, of St. Ann;
Frank Stogsdill, Sr., 57, of O’Fallon, Missouri;
David Henderson, 58, of Bonne Terre;
Royce Spann, 35, of St. Louis; and
Randall Bryant, 48, of DeSoto.
The five men were added in a sealed Superseding Indictment dated January 9, 2020, that details the seizures of drugs, money, and firearms from the group. It was unsealed today following the arrests. They join Ramon Gonzalez, 47, of St. Peters, Missouri, who was charged in April 2019. According to the Superseding Indictment, the conspiracy reached nearly halfway across the country, and included significant seizures in St. Louis, Kansas City, and California. The investigation culminated in April and May 2019, with the seizure of more than $150,000 in May alone.
“As today’s unsealed indictment demonstrates, when someone chooses to sell drugs, support or join a drug trafficking organization that distributes drugs, there is an entire network of federal, state and local law enforcement officers ready to stop them,” said United States Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen. “In the last year, this office has doubled the number of federal firearm- and drug-related prosecutions as a result of cooperative and wide-reaching investigations like this.”
“We know there is a correlation between drugs and violence in the St. Louis Metro area. This is the kind of drug and weapons trafficking criminal organization the DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, seek to dismantle,” said DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge William Callahan. “By taking out the entire organization with operations extending beyond Missouri’s borders, these charges today are another step toward making the St. Louis Metro area a safer place.”
St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Tim Lohmar added, “On behalf of the St. Charles County regional Drug Task Force, we are extremely proud to have worked in partnership with the DEA in bringing down one of the largest drug distribution networks in our region’s history.”
Echoing those sentiments was Chief Rick Struttmann of the St. Peters Police Department, who noted, “The St. Peters Police Department is appreciative of the collaborative efforts and partnership between the DEA and state and local law enforcement officers. Operations of this nature are a clear demonstration of how federal, state and local task forces work when it comes to identifying and arresting criminals who are willing to participate in the distribution of controlled substances in our communities. These investigative efforts have a great impact on making our communities safer.”
As is always the 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 City Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Social Security Checks for a Deceased PersonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Robert Fountaine, 56, of St. Louis City, pled guilty to one count of theft of government funds. Fountaine appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted his plea and set sentencing for April 14, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, Fountaine was cashing the Social Security checks of Ethel Barbee, who died in September 1999. Ms. Barbee was reportedly Fountaine’s step-mother, and Fountaine was receiving her benefit checks in the mail as her representative. Following Ms. Barbee’s death, Fountaine reported to the Social Security Administration that the monies received were continuing to go to Ms. Barbee, or to her care. In 2018, Fountaine stopped cooperating with the Social Security Administration reporting requirements, and only then were Ms. Barbee’s benefits were suspended. Due to the concealment of Ms. Barbee’s death and the continued collection of her SSA benefits, Fountaine received $144,465.30 in government benefits to which he was not entitled.
The Social Security Administration is investigating the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane Klocke is handling the case.
St. Louis Resident Sentenced to Prison for Role in a Stolen Identity Fraud Scheme That Claimed $12 Million in Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
A St. Louis resident was sentenced to 48 months in prison today for his role in a tax fraud scheme, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri.
According to documents and information provided to the Court, Babatunde Olusegun Taiwo, co-conspirator Kevin Williams and others, engaged in a scheme to file false tax returns in the names of individuals whose personal identifying information they obtained without authorization. In particular, Taiwo, Williams, and others accessed from a data breach at a payroll company the information of hundreds of individuals, including school district employees in Alabama and Mississippi. The co-conspirators then used the information to file false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They sought to conceal their fraud by filing the tax returns under electronic filing identification numbers that the IRS issued to tax return preparation businesses that they obtained without authorization. The conspirators directed that the claimed refunds be mailed to their residences in St. Louis. In total, Taiwo and his co-conspirators filed more than 2,000 fraudulent tax returns that claimed more than $12 million in refunds, of which the IRS paid out $889,712.
“The Department remains committed to prosecuting those who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States by filing false tax returns and claiming fraudulent tax refunds,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman. “As today’s sentence makes clear, there is a heavy price to pay for such criminal conduct.”
“Today’s sentencing of Babtunde Taiwo highlights how seriously IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners take the issue of identity theft,” said Thomas Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “We will continue to pursue criminals who prey on innocent victims and we will continue to enforce our nation’s tax laws. Today’s sentencings should send a clear message to would-be criminals — you will be caught and you will be punished.”
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry ordered Taiwo to serve a term of three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the United States in the amount of $889,712.
Co-conspirator Williams was previously sentenced to 78 months in prison for his role in this scheme as well as voter fraud and re-entering the United States after having been removed.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Jensen commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as the Dothan Alabama Police Department and Alexander City Alabama Police Department, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and Grace Albinson of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Missouri and the Middle District of Alabama.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Daughter Illegally Collects Her Mother's Federal Pension Benefits Following Her Mother's DeathRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Karen Dickerson, 70, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft of government funds. Dickerson appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for April 8, 2020.
According to court documents, Karen Dickerson’s mother, Bernadine Dickerson, received monthly retirement payments through the Civil Service Retirement System, as she was retired from the federal government. Bernadine Dickerson died on April 25, 1995. Her monthly federal pension payments continued to be deposited into a bank account that was held jointly with her son, Warren Dickerson, who passed away in 2012. At that point, Karen Dickerson became Power of Attorney on the account. The federal government was not notified of Bernadine’s death during 1995, and Karen continued to collect her deceased mother’s pension benefits from the bank account until she finally reported her mother’s death to the federal government during September 2017. The total monthly pension payments made following Warren Dickerson’s death was approximately $107,383.
Karen Dickerson faces a maximum penalty of 10 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 U.S. Office of Personnel Management is investigating this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis City Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Fireworks Stand in St. Charles County at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Duianete Moore, 38, of St. Louis City, MO, pleaded guilty to federal felony charges of robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Moore appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for April 7, 2020.
According to court documents, Moore engaged in on-going criminal activity throughout the spring and summer of 2018, including the theft of firearms from vehicles on four separate occasions. Further, on June 26, 2018, Moore and a female rushed into Crazy Cheap Fireworks tent in St. Charles County. Moore pointed a firearm at the employees, demanded they lay on the ground and not to look at him. Victims had their wallets and cell phones taken by Moore and the female. Three cash registers were taken containing U.S. currency from the proceeds of fireworks sales. At the time of Moore’s subsequent arrest, Moore possessed a backpack containing a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a drum magazine.
Moore faces up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge. In addition, Moore faces between seven years and life in prison on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and not more than ten years on the felon in possession charge. Each count carries a fine of $250,000. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
Arizona Man Charged with 10 Kilos of FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Daniel Cervantes Felix, 18, of Maricopa, Arizona, was charged in a criminal complaint for his involvement in the possession with the intent to distribute 10 kilograms of fentanyl.
According to the complaint, on January 6, 2020, St. Louis County police officers pulled over a GMC Sierra vehicle being driven by Felix after he violated various traffic laws. Felix granted consent to search his vehicle. Officers discovered multiple kilo size bricks totaling 10 kilograms of fentanyl.
Felix has been charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. He faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted. He is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“This is a fine example of the productive, collaborative relationships we enjoy with our Federal partners,” Colonel Jon M. Belmar, Chief of Police, stated. “I am incredibly proud of the work by the officers and agents. They stopped the distribution of this deadly substance before it could reach our communities and poison our families, friends, and neighbors.”
“The allegations in this case involves the second largest seizure of fentanyl in this district. This amounts to millions of doses of fentanyl – enough to destroy or end the lives of hundreds of thousands of Missourians. This conduct simply will not be tolerated by law enforcement. We are grateful to the St. Louis County police and DEA agents involved in this on-going investigation. Their seizure of this poison has saved many, many lives,” stated U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
The charge is the result of a joint investigation between the St. Louis County Police Department’s Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Accused Dog Abuser Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Paul “Paco” Garcia, 40, of Barnhart, MO, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Garrett appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherin D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for April 24, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, law enforcement agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Garcia in August of 2018 for trafficking in methamphetamine in an around Jefferson County.
On September 14, 2018, a Jefferson County police officer stopped Defendant 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 area of car where Defendant was previously seen reaching, and they located a silver baseball bat and a black firearm in the glove compartment. The firearm was a black, Rock Island Armory .38 SPL revolver with wood grips. A 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 from being robbed in connection with his methamphetamine trafficking activities
Garcia faces a penalty up to 10 years imprisonment and a 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.
This case is being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling this 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 in connection with throwing a Dachshund from his car window after binding its muzzle and legs with tape in February of 2019. Those charges remain merely 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 Department and prosecuted by the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Former Dojo Pizza Owner Sentenced to 65 Years for Federal Child Sex ActsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Loren “Sensei” Copp, 50, former owner of Dojo Pizza located at 4601 Morganford Road, St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 65 years in prison for production and attempted production of child pornography; possession of child pornography; and the use of interstate facilities to persuade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. Copp appeared today before U.S. District Court Judge Audrey Fleissig who also ordered restitution in the amount of $294,000.
In December 2018, Copp was convicted of eight counts of child sexual exploitation and enticement involving four victims.
According to testimony presented at trial, for several years defendant Copp groomed and sexually abused two minor females who had been in his custody since 2009. The grooming process began when defendant Copp began touching the victims’ buttocks while playing “the butt game,” which then led to him touching their vaginas and breasts. Eventually, Copp began raping both girls, and he would record the sex acts with a cell phone or video recorder. While at the Dojo Pizza property, Copp would rape each girl multiple times a week, and while there he took pornographic pictures of one victim’s genitals and breasts. Copp would also watch pornography with one of the victims in his office at the Dojo Pizza property.
During trial, there was also evidence of Facebook chats between three minor female victims and a Facebook account utilized by Copp, which purported to be used by a 13 year-old named “Chrissy.” The Facebook account depicted a facial image of a minor female for the profile picture, and this same Facebook profile picture of “Chrissy” was found on Copp’s computer, along with multiple pornographic images of the three victims that were sent to the “Chrissy” Facebook account. Additionally, within the Facebook chats between “Chrissy” and the minor victims, there were multiple references to sexual activity and/or sexually explicit conduct occurring between the victims, as well as one particular victim and Copp. Also, there were coercive and deceptive emails sent from a Yahoo email account directed towards one minor victim, which were between Copp’s Gmail account and the Yahoo account. The majority of the Yahoo emails were sent from the same IP address attached to emails sent/received from Copp’s Gmail account. The subscriber information and backup emails used for the “Chrissy” Facebook account, as well as the Yahoo email account, were linked to Copp.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Regional Computer Crime Education and Enforcement Group (RCCEEG) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), investigated the case.
Festus Doctor and His Company Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Antoine Adem, M.D., 49, of Festus, MO, and his company, Midwest Cardiovascular, Inc., were sentenced today. Dr. Adem was sentenced to a prison term of 45 days and ordered to pay restitution of $149,199 and a fine of $55,000 for his involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme. Midwest Cardiovascular was sentenced to a term of probation of 3 years and ordered to jointly pay restitution with Dr. Adem of $149,199 and a fine of $120,000. Midwest Cardiovascular has offices in Festus and Farmington, Missouri. Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular appeared today in federal court before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. Both previously entered guilty pleas on August 20, 2019.
According to court documents, from January 2014 to December 2018, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular submitted or caused to be submitted numerous false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Missouri Medicaid. The reimbursement claims falsely indicated that Dr. Adem performed two vein procedures, known as vascular embolization and occlusions, on patients on two different days, when he actually performed the two procedures on the same day. As a result, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular received approximately $2000 more per patient than they would have received if they had informed Medicare and other insurers that the two procedures were performed on the same day. As a result of these fraudulent claims, Medicare and Missouri Medicaid paid Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular $149,199 more than they were entitled to receive.
Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular also entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States and have paid $1.2 million. The civil settlement resolves allegations that Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular violated the civil False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare, including claims that failed to comply with Medicare regulations, claims for office visits that were upcoded, and claims that falsely indicated that surgical services for vascular embolization and occlusion were provided on two separate days. The civil settlement includes the dismissal of a qui tam complaint that was filed by whistleblower Elaine Taylor, a former employee of Midwest Cardiovascular. United States of America, ex rel., Elaine Taylor v. Antoine M. Adem, M.D. and Midwest Cardiovascular, Inc., et al, Case No. 4:17CV858-PLC (E.D. Mo.). Under the False Claims Act, the whistleblower, also known as a Relator, is entitled to a share of the civil settlement. Ms. Taylor will receive $240,000.
“Dr. Adem calculated that committing health care fraud was his path to riches. He was wrong, as he now pays the price for his crimes,” said Curt Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect government healthcare programs and the taxpayer dollars on which they depend.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Missouri Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Suzanne Moore are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Saint Louis Man Indicted for 2019 Attempted Armed Carjacking that Resulted in Victim's DeathRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – A federal indictment was returned today against Jalen Exavier Simms, 24, of Saint Louis, for his role in the June 3, 2019 death of victim Jabari Clark. The indictment specifically charges Simms with one count of the attempted carjacking of victim Clark’s 2012 Dodge Ram truck and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of that carjacking that resulted in victim Clark’s death.
If convicted, the both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the imposition of death. As is always the 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.
“Gun violence and carjackings remain top priorities of this office. We continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prevent these senseless acts of violence but, when they occur, we are committed to holding each and every perpetrator accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen following the indictment’s return.
This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Jamaican National Indicted for Fraudulently Collecting Lottery Money from the ElderlyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Christopher Gibbon, 48, of Florissant, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud; four counts of mail fraud; and one count of bank fraud.
According to the Indictment, Gibbon, a Jamaican National who resided in St. Louis County, Missouri, participated in a lottery scheme targeting residents over the age of 60 residing in various parts of the country. He participated in the scheme as early as 2012 through July 2018.
The scheme involved individuals in Jamaica calling United States residents to inform them that they had won money and prizes in a lottery. Gibbon’s role was to mail letters to fraud victims advising them that the lottery winnings were legitimate. Because the letters were purportedly written by United States government officials, and mailed from within the United States, the recipients believed the fraudulent representations. In exchange, Gibbon received 20% of the illegal proceeds mailed to him while he forwarded the balance to his counterparts in Jamaica. Those proceeds ranged from $190.00 to as much as $50,000.00.
If convicted, Gibbon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. Restitution is also mandatory.
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. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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.
Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearm and Shooting at Police OfficersRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Quentin Bryant, 32, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months in prison today for 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 July 18, 2018, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a call for an individual armed with a firearm in the 4400 block of West Pine. Officers observed Bryant and approached him. He began to run. During the foot pursuit, Bryant discharged his firearm at the officers who were required to return fire in defense of themselves and for the safety of the public. The foot pursuit ended when Bryant reach a dead end and threw his nine millimeter handgun to the ground.
“This case is another example of the everyday dangers the men and women of law enforcement face and the incredible courage and bravery they display day-in and day-out, said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen after today’s sentencing. “You have a choice when it comes to a gun. Pick it up or put it down. We want you to put it down. If you do, you save your life and the lives of others, including kids. If you don’t, you will be aggressively prosecuted federally. In the last year, this office has doubled the number of federal prosecutions of individuals who refused to put down the gun. Today’s sentence is another example of those efforts,” Jensen continued.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Drugs that Killed 19-year-old Chesterfield WomanRead the Press Release
St Louis – Gary Scott Hancock, 30, of St. Louis, Missouri, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death before the Honorable Ronnie L. White today. Hancock is scheduled to appear for sentencing on March 25, 2020.
According to court documents, 19-year-old T.G. was found unresponsive in a relative’s home in Chesterfield, Missouri on October 13, 2018. She was pronounced deceased, and a subsequent post-mortem examination revealed that she died as a result of acute fentanyl intoxication. An examination of T.G.’s phone and text messages revealed that on the evening of October 12, 2018, T.G. had exchanged text messages with a person who identified himself as “Scott.” “Scott” agreed to sell T.G. “5 beans” of “raw fenny [ ] mixed [ ] with some sort of cut” for $20. “Scott” texted T.G. that she would have to meet him at his home, and he provided her his street address in the 4300 block of Delor. Between the time of the messages and her death, evidence placed T.G. in the area of the 4300 block of Delor.
Hancock was arrested in February 2019 after he was located at his home in the 4300 block of Delor. During a video recorded interview, Hancock admitted that he had communicated with T.G. on the night of October 12, 2018, and that he typically went by his middle name, Scott. Hancock confirmed that he agreed to sell T.G. “5 beans” of fentanyl on October 12, 2018 and that T.G. had come to his residence and made the purchase.
Hancock now faces a 20-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence. “Every individual has a clear choice when it comes to the poison that is fentanyl. Pick it up or put it down. We want you to put it down. If you do, you save your life and the lives of others. Sadly, that didn’t happen here. And when it doesn’t, you will be prosecuted federally and serve significant prison time in a facility far from the Saint Louis area,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen following today’s guilty plea.
The case was investigated by the Chesterfield Police Department, assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Member of “the Dark Overlord” Hacking Group Extradited from United Kingdom to Face Charges in St. LouisRead the Press Release
A United Kingdom national appeared today in federal court on charges of aggravated identity theft, threatening to damage a protected computer, and conspiring to commit those and other computer fraud offenses, related to his role in a computer hacking collective known as “The Dark Overlord,” which targeted victims in the St. Louis, Missouri, area beginning in 2016.
Nathan Wyatt, 39, was extradited from the United Kingdom to the Eastern District of Missouri and arraigned on Dec. 18 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shirley Padmore Mensah. He pleaded not guilty and was detained pending further proceedings.
A federal grand jury indicted Wyatt on Nov. 8, 2017. According to court records, beginning in 2016, Wyatt was a member of The Dark Overlord, a hacking group that was responsible for remotely accessing the computer networks of multiple U.S. companies without authorization, obtaining sensitive records and information from those companies, and then threatening to release the companies’ stolen data unless the companies paid a ransom in bitcoin. Victims in the Eastern District of Missouri included healthcare providers, accounting firms, and others. Among other things, Wyatt is alleged to have participated in the conspiracy by creating email and phone accounts that he used to send threatening and extortionate emails and text messages to certain victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Missouri.
“Today’s extradition shows that the hackers hiding behind The Dark Overlord moniker will be held accountable for their alleged extortion of American companies,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We are thankful for the close cooperation of our partners in the United Kingdom in ensuring that the defendant will face justice in U.S. court.”
“Cyber criminals who harm victims in the Eastern District of Missouri cannot hide behind international borders to evade justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri. “Today’s case demonstrates the United States’ commitment to unmasking criminal hackers and bringing them to justice, no matter where they may be located.”
“Cyber hackers may no longer use territorial borders to shield themselves from accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI’s St. Louis Field Office. “This case is another example of how the FBI successfully works with international law enforcement partners to bring alleged perpetrators to justice.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s St. Louis Field Office. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office also provided support. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs coordinated the extradition of Wyatt. The department thanks law enforcement and international cooperation authorities in the United Kingdom for their substantial assistance in the investigation.
Senior Counsel Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gwendolyn Carroll and Matthew Drake of the Eastern District of Missouri are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.