Eastern District of Missouri

St. Louis, MO – Connor Wentz, 26, of Ballwin, MO, entered a guilty plea today to one count of distribution of morphine that caused the death of another in front of United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey. 

According to court documents, on December 22, 2015, a 19-year-old victim was discovered unresponsive in a home in Chesterfield, MO.  Emergency medical assistance was summoned, but the victim was pronounced deceased.  A subsequent post-mortem examination and other investigation revealed that the victim died as a result of morphine intoxication.

Connor Wentz distributed the morphine that killed the victim.  Wentz is scheduled to appear for sentencing on September 3, 2019. Wentz faces a sentence of 15 years.

This case was investigated by the Chesterfield Police Department.

St. Louis, MO – Floyd Barber, 23, of Saint Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of one carjacking, and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of the second carjacking where death resulted.  Barber appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for September 5, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, on September 9, 2017, Barber was involved in the armed carjacking of a Kia Optima with two occupants in the 5900 block of Cote Brilliant in the City of Saint Louis.  During the carjacking, Barber entered the vehicle and drove it from the area, among other things.

On October 16, 2017, Barber was involved in the armed carjacking of a Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by Jaz Granderson, a football coach at Desmet Jesuit High School.  Barber was present as Granderson was shot and killed during the course of the carjacking.

The first armed carjacking charge carries a maximum term of 15 years imprisonment.  The second armed carjacking charge carries a maximum term of life imprisonment.  As for the firearm charges, Barber faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years for the first and 10 years for the second firearm charge.  Each firearm sentence must be imposed consecutively to each other and the carjacking sentences.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  As part of Barber’s plea agreement, the parties intend to recommend a 30-year sentence at sentencing.

The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating this case.

St. Louis, MO – Asean Mitchell, 20, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 150 months in prison on three counts of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. 

According to court documents, on November 20, 2016, Mitchell and his accomplice, Travion Brown, committed a carjacking in the area of North 11th Street and St. Charles Street in downtown St. Louis.  Mitchell and Brown approached the victim.  Brown pulled a gun and ordered the victim out of the car.  The victim complied.  Brown and Mitchell entered the vehicle and drove away.

On November 22, 2016, Mitchell, Brown, and a third accomplice attempted another carjacking in downtown St. Louis.  The victim was stopped at a red light at the intersection of 10th Street and Market Street.  Mitchell, Brown and the third individual approached the vehicle.  One of the carjackers tapped on the vehicle’s window with a gun.  The light turned green and the victim successfully drove away.

Mitchell, Brown, and the third individual approached another victim seated in a vehicle at the intersection of Olive Street and 11th Street in St. Louis shortly after their earlier, unsuccessful carjacking.  The victim waived the three men away from the vehicle and attempted to drive away when the light turned green.  Brown shot the victim in the head.  The three carjackers fled from the area.  The victim survived.

Co-defendant Travion Brown was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on May 4, 2018, to 300 months in prison for his role in the armed carjackings. 

“We are grateful that no one lost a life during this carjacking spree and pleased that these defendants have been taken off the streets.  There is always more work to be done which is why preventing, disrupting, and prosecuting those who would commit a carjacking is one of this office’s top priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen after Mitchell’s sentencing.     

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – William Miller, 54, of Richmond Heights, pleaded guilty today to one count of aiding and abetting honest services wire fraud/bribery in front of U.S. District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel. 

According to court documents, Miller was hired as Chief of Staff by then County Executive Stenger during December, 2017, and was responsible for primarily assisting Stenger in managing the day to day operations of St. Louis County Government, and supervising Stenger’s Executive Staff.  Stenger also appointed Miller to the Board of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership during 2018.  Stenger pled guilty on May 3, 2019 to 3 counts of honest services mail fraud/bribery relative to his scheme to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer, through bribery and the concealment of material information.  The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from individuals and their companies in exchange for favorable official action, and for individuals and their companies to enrich themselves and their companies by secretly obtaining favorable action for themselves and for their companies, through corrupt means. 

The charge against Miller relates to his aiding and abetting Stenger’s criminal scheme specifically as it relates to Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and fundraising activities, having taken official action to ensure that “Company One” and its principal owner obtained a 2019 state lobbying contract valued at approximately $200,000 from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.  In aiding and abetting Stenger’s criminal scheme, Miller communicated with, and personally met with Sheila Sweeney, then the CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, in order to persuade and ensure that Sweeney and the Partnership Board, of which Miller was a member, awarded the lobbying contract to Company One, over a second lobbying firm which had also bid on the lobbying contract.  In taking such official action in aid of Stenger’s criminal scheme, Miller deprived the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest services as the County’s Chief of Staff and as a member of the Board of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.

Today’s guilty plea is the result of an investigation that began during March 2018 and remains active and ongoing. 

If convicted, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  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.

Steve Stenger, former St. Louis County Executive, pled guilty to related charges on May 3, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9, 2019.

Sheila Sweeney, former Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, pled guilty to related charges on May 10, 2019 and sentencing scheduled for August 16, 2019.

John Rallo, principal owner of Cardinal Insurance, Cardinal Creative Consulting, and Wellston Holdings LLC, was indicted by a federal grand jury on related charges on May 9, 2019, and that case is pending before the court.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service are investigating this case with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Sherrod Fitts, Jr., 26, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who ordered Fitts to pay restitution of $13,100 to one of the victims.

According to court documents, on June 26, 2017, three victims (ages 77, 66 and 84) were inspecting a building at 3850 Carter for work purposes.  They arrived at the location in a silver 2004 Honda Pilot.  Two of the victims left the vehicle to inspect the building while the other victim remained in the vehicle.  Fitts and another individual stopped next to the Honda Pilot and Fitts approached the driver’s side window with a handgun, ordered the victim to get out of the vehicle, and demanded his wallet.  Before the victim could get his wallet out, Fitts walked up to the second victim and demanded his wallet at gunpoint.  While waiting for the wallet, Fitts observed the third victim in the alleyway and pointed a gun at him, yelling to give him his money or he would kill him.  After the third victim handed over his wallet, Fitts struck the third victim in the face with the handgun, ran to the Honda Pilot, and left the scene.  That same day, police observed the stolen Honda Pilot and pulled Fitts over.  He exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  A foot pursuit ensued until Fitts was apprehended. 

The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Behrens is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Heather McDorman, 30, of Barnhart, pled guilty to seven counts of Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography/Sexual Exploitation of a Child.  McDorman appeared before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel and set sentencing for August 30, 2019.

According to court documents, between February 1, 2018 and March 12, 2018, McDorman, at the direction of her boyfriend and co-defendant Zachary Hamby, attempted to take pornographic photographs of children in restrooms at South County Mall, Walmart, other area malls, park bathrooms and a church bathroom. McDorman, at the direction of co-defendant Hamby, also sexually abused a child and photographed and livestreamed some of the abuse so that Hamby could view it. Such depictions were produced using an IPhone and then mailed, shipped or transported in interstate and foreign commerce. 

McDorman faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Cyrano Jones, Jr., 48, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine base (crack).  He appeared before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White today.

According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration investigators identified Jones as a source of supply of cocaine base (crack) within the City of Saint Louis.  Jones utilized the residence at 8980 Edna Street, St. Louis, Missouri, to store and sell crack cocaine.  During the course of the investigation, Jones was identified as being responsible for the distribution of between 28 to 112 grams of cocaine base; 10 to 20 grams of heroin; one to 50 grams of cocaine; and less than one kilogram of marijuana.  Jones also possessed two firearms in connection with his drug trafficking, one of which was stolen.

This case was investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Granger handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Dionne Lamont Gatling, a/k/a “Cuffy,” 53, of St. Charles, MO, to 27 years in prison for drug trafficking charges and the use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking resulting in death. 

According to court documents, Gatling was the leader and organizer of the Gatling Drug Trafficking Organization.  The organization brought heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs to the St. Louis area for distribution from 2009 to 2014. 

As leader and organizer, Gatling ordered the murders of Theodis Howard and Terrance Morgan, two individuals Gatling suspected as individuals cooperating with law enforcement.  Specifically, Gatling organized the 2010 murder of Howard and ordered it in retaliation for Howard providing information to law enforcement regarding Gatling’s brother’s drug trafficking activities.  Similarly, Gatling directed Andre Rush, another conspirator, to kill Morgan in 2013 in order to prevent Morgan from cooperating with federal law enforcement officers investigating Gatling’s drug trafficking organization.   

Following today’s sentence, U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen highlighted the coordinated determination of the investigative and prosecution team, “This investigative team is comprised of true professionals.  But, when someone harms a witness, it becomes deeply personal to all of us.  In murdering two men who knew about his criminal acts, Mr. Gatling took aim at the very foundation of the justice system.  These investigators ensured that his actions failed.  Today’s sentence is a testament to their tenacity.”

Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief John Hayden echoed Jensen’s sentiments stating, “I am thankful for the successful collaboration with our federal partners as we work toward the shared interest of safety in the City of St. Louis.”

“Our mission at the Drug Enforcement Administration is to take down drug trafficking organizations at their highest level and that is exactly what we were able to do in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the DEA St. Louis Division.  “Unfortunately, violence and crime is part of the drug trade, which is why we will continue to work day and night to get these dangerous and greedy people off our streets.” 

This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Internal Revenue Service. 

St. Louis, MO – Natez Fisher, 19, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery.   He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.

According to court documents, on April 16, 2018, Natez Fisher placed an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace for the sale of a gaming system.  The victim agreed to purchase the item and met with Fisher at a pre-arranged location.  Fisher entered the victim’s car and asked to see the victim’s money.  Once the victim produced the money, Fisher pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded the money.  Fischer and the victim struggled over the firearm.  The victim was shot in the leg during the struggle.  Fisher exited the car and fled on foot.  He was eventually arrested by federal agents.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Christopher White, 39, of Arkansas, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for attempted carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.

According to court documents, on June 25, 2016, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to the Stadium West Garage located at 800 Clark Avenue for a robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victims.  The victims advised that, after entering their vehicle, two men exited a Ford F-150 that was parked to the right of their vehicle.  Christopher White approached the driver's side and pointed a small revolver at one of the victims, demanded his keys, and ordered him out of the vehicle and onto the ground.  During his guilty plea, White admitted that he intended to cause death or serious bodily injury, if necessary, to steal the victim’s vehicle during the carjacking. 

Co-defendant Michael Corey Williams, Jr. approached the other victim on the passenger side, demanded her purse, and ordered her to the ground. After White was unable to operate the vehicle, Williams re-entered the Ford F-150 and fled the scene. White fled on foot. 

Officers eventually located the Ford F-150 unoccupied. It had been stolen earlier in West Memphis, Arkansas.  Williams’ fingerprints were located on the driver's door of the Ford F-150, and Williams’ and White's DNA were located on various items found inside the truck.  . 

Williams, Jr. was sentenced to 123 months in prison earlier this month.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis MO --- Tyron F. Kemp, 30, of St. Louis and Riverview, Florida, pled guilty today to two counts of filing false claims with the Internal Revenue Service as part of a bogus tax refund scheme.  The maximum punishment is 10 years in prison and a fine of $500,000.00.  Kemp appeared before United States District Judge Audrey F. Fleissig.  Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2019.

In court papers, Kemp admitted to electronically filing 37 false tax returns with the IRS from October 2013 through March 2015.  A total of $155,775.00 in refunds were claimed on those returns and funds totaling $54,390.00 were paid out by the IRS.  Kemp admitted that he caused those refunds to be paid out to prepaid cards, which he controlled, and that he spent the money, most of it in St. Louis.  He electronically filed most of the returns from a location in the 3000 block of Delmar in the City of St. Louis. 

Kemp spent most of his adolescent years, including high school, in Tucson AZ.  He moved back to St. Louis in 2013 and began filing the false tax returns using names and personal identifiers of persons he knew in Tucson---all without their permission.  In addition to compromising names and social security numbers, Kemp made unauthorized use of the names of minor children in claiming dependent exemptions on the returns.  He also prepared and submitted W-2 forms with the returns falsely showing wage amounts and taxes withheld in amounts designed to generate refunds.  He often showed APAC Customer Services, Inc., one of his former employers in Tucson, as the employer business on those false W-2 forms. 

Kemp pled guilty to two false claim charges in which he included the names of individuals he was familiar with in Tucson.  Both returns included addresses with which those persons were not associated and W-2 forms falsely showing APAC as the employer.  The refunds claimed on those returns were $5,277.20 and $5,044.00, respectively.

The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation offices in Tucson and St. Louis. 

St. Louis, MO –Bryan Vonderahe, 45, of Kirkwood, Missouri, was charged on Thursday, May 16, in a federal indictment for three counts of Wire Fraud.  He appeared this morning in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Cohen.

The indictment charging Bryan Vonderahe alleges that beginning during January, 2012 and continuing through January, 2019, Vonderahe schemed to defraud a local company where he was employed as chief financial officer and controller.  Vonderahe is alleged to have 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.  The indictment alleges that Vonderahe falsified internal company records and issued false financial statements to the company’s outside auditors in order to cover up and conceal his fraud scheme.  Vonderahe is alleged to have used the stolen and embezzled funds for his own personal use, unrelated to the legitimate business of the company, including to pay for a lavish lifestyle; 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.

Related to the indictment, a Federal Judge issued seizure warrants for two vehicles, a GMC Acadia Denali and a Land Rover, Range Rover Sport.  The Indictment seeks forfeiture of Vonderahe’s residence on Windy Hill Road in Kirkwood, Missouri, and a second residence on Chardin Place in St. Louis, Missouri.

If convicted, as to each charge Vonderahe faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  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. Attorneys Hal Goldsmith and Kyle Bateman are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Timothy Hopkins, 43, of O’Fallon, MO, and Richard O’Hara, 30, of Richwoods, MO, each pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Each appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who accepted the pleas. Sentencing for both Hopkins and O’Hara has been set for August 27, 2019.

According to court documents, on June 20, 2018, Hopkins, a previously convicted felon, was arrested by a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy after leaving a gas station without paying for gasoline.  The deputy identified Hopkins as having an active arrest warrant.  Hopkins was handcuffed behind his back and placed in the front passenger seat of the patrol car.  He maneuvered his handcuffs to the front, slid over to the driver’s seat, and fled the scene by stealing the deputy’s patrol car.  In the car was a 12-gauge shotgun, an AR-15, and firearm magazines. 

Hopkins proceeded on a joy ride in the stolen patrol car.  He arrived at a residential home near Richwoods, Missouri, where co-defendant James Martin was temporarily living.  Hopkins identified himself, stated he was not a deputy, and asked Martin to cut off the handcuffs, which Martin did.  After cutting off the handcuffs, Hopkins gave Martin the 12-gauge shotgun and the AR-15.  Hopkins also allowed Martin to search the patrol car and take other items, including a law enforcement badge, flashlight, and multi-tool from the car.  Martin, in turn, transferred the AR-15 to Richard O’Hara, also a previously convicted felon.      

Hopkins left the Richwood area and continued to drive around Washington County, Missouri.  Air and ground units from multiple law enforcement agencies were engaged in the search for Hopkins.  Law enforcement located Hopkins on a dead-end street and blocked the road.  Hopkins, still in the stolen patrol car, reversed direction and drove through fields and along trails in wooded areas.  Numerous patrol cars sustained damage, including the stolen patrol car.  Hopkins eventually crashed the stolen patrol car in a ditch.  He escaped the vehicle by climbing through a window.  Hopkins tripped on debris and fell to the ground, enabling deputies to place him into custody.

“We are proud of the actions taken by our deputies and department to ultimately apprehend Mr. Hopkins and in assisting the U.S. Attorney’s Office in securing these convictions.  We are equally proud of the efforts, training and measures we have undertaken department-wide since this incident occurred to ensure that it does not happen again.  Stated simply, we continually strive to serve our community in a safe and professional manner,” said Jefferson County Sheriff David Marshak following today’s changes of plea. Sheriff David Marshak

Hopkins faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of not more than a $250,000.  He could receive both a prison sentence and a fine.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

Co-defendant James Martin pled guilty in March 2019 to possession of a stolen firearm/ammunition and will be sentenced on June 27, 2019. 

This case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dunkel is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

ST. LOUIS -- Following a four-day trial, Dr. Dawn Rhodes, 43, presently of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of eight counts of engaging in a scheme to defraud Medicare and submitting false claims to Medicare.  The trial took place before U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey. 

Rhodes, a podiatrist, falsely described and billed for purported care to residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities.  More specifically and among other things, Rhodes falsely claimed that she provided routine nail care to patients when, in fact, those patients never received the care or never possessed a condition that would require the care identified by Rhodes for Medicare reimbursement.  

Between 2013 and 2017, Rhodes submitted false claims to Medicare totaling $1,443,672.53.

Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Kansas City Region, stated following the jury’s verdict, “Unscrupulous health care providers who improperly bill Medicare for non-covered services will continue to be vigorously pursued by our office in order to preserve the integrity of the program.”

U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen applauded the work of the prosecution team and investigators, “Today’s conviction of Dr. Rhodes is the culmination of a five-plus-year investigation resulting in a total of nine federal convictions, sentences to prison, and judgement requiring restitution of almost $7 million.  We appreciate the coordinated effort of our federal law enforcement partners and are pleased with the jury’s unanimous verdict on all counts charged.”  

Rhodes’ sentencing has been set for August 13, 2019.  Rhodes faces a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment on each scheme to defraud count.  Rhodes faces a maximum term of 5 years imprisonment on each false claim count.  Mandatory restitution will also be required. In determining actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by Health and Human Services and the St. Louis division of the FBI.  The case was tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Gwendolyn Carroll.

St. Louis, MO – Marquis D. Reasonover, of St. Louis City, 42, and Hairl Johnson, 48, of Ferguson, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin and one count of using a firearm to commit murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Johnson pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019.  Reasonover appeared today before United States District Judge E. Richard Webber.

According to court documents, Reasonover and Johnson were part of a drug conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in and around the St. Louis area.  On November 10, 2014, Reasonover and Johnson killed Antonio L. Jones in the basement of a residence on Georgia Avenue in Ferguson, Missouri.  The murder was the result of a drug-related dispute.  Reasonover shot Jones with a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  After the shooting, Jones’ body was transported in the trunk of his own vehicle to East St. Louis, Illinois.  Once in East Saint Louis, the car was set on fire with victim Jones’ body inside.

Under the drug conspiracy count, the maximum term of punishment is 20 years in prison.  Under the firearm count, the statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment is 10 years up to life in prison.  In determining actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines which provide recommended sentencing ranges. The sentencings for Johnson and Reasonover have been set for August 13 and 14, 2019, respectively.

This case was investigated by the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and Wentzville Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force of the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri.

St. Louis, MO – Tyrone L. Williams, 37, of Hannibal, MO; Terry T. Williams, 34, of St. Louis, MO; and Harold Williams, 30, of Hannibal, MO, were sentenced to 121 months, 60 months, and 112 months in prison, respectively, for their participation in a conspiracy to traffic narcotics in the Hannibal, MO, area.  They appeared before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig today.

According to court documents, between 2004 and 2016, the three men all assisted in bringing large amounts of cocaine and cocaine base into the Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas for distribution.  Tyrone Williams and Justin Woodson, who was previously sentenced to a term of 120 months imprisonment, maintained out-of-state sources of cocaine supply and would transport the cocaine back to Hannibal, Missouri for sale.  The primary point of distribution for the drug network took place on Hope Street and Gordon Street within Hannibal, as well as in Quincy, Illinois.  Both Terry Williams and Harold Williams acted as street-level distributors on behalf of Tyrone Williams and Justin Woodson.  As part of his plea agreement, Tyrone Williams also admitted to having instructed Harold Williams to assault a cooperating witness in the investigation.

“We are grateful for the collective hard work of these Hannibal area law enforcement officials,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen.

This case was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Central Illinois Drug Task Force, Quincy Police Department, Troy Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Hannibal Police Department and the Northeast Missouri Narcotics Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Angie Danis handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

St. Louis, MO – Walter D. Justiniano, 42, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge John Ross.

According to court documents, in 2016 the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Louis, Missouri office initiated an investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the Eastern District of Missouri.  Through investigative means, investigators learned that Gerald Hunter was the out of state supplier of these illegal drugs.  On April 27, 2017, investigators learned that Hunter was arriving in St. Louis from Los Angeles, California.  Investigators conducted surveillance and observed Kashita Webb, Gerald Hunter, and Walter Justiniano as they traveled to a storage unit located in Florissant, Missouri.  Investigators watched as Hunter and Justiniano exited the storage unit carrying two large bags to a waiting vehicle.  Investigators suspected the bags contained illegal drugs and attempted to stop Hunter, Justiniano, and Webb.  Hunter dropped the bags and fled on foot, and Webb was detained at the vehicle.  Justiniano attempted to flee the area on foot but was located and arrested.  Investigators determined the bags carried by Hunter contained approximately twenty-seven (27) heat-sealed packages containing 26.5 kilograms of fentanyl.  Investigators processed one of the packages of fentanyl and identified Hunter’s and Justiniano’s fingerprints on the package. 

“Every day across the state of Missouri and beyond, the men and women of the DEA are fighting to get dangerous drugs off our streets,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division.  “Today’s sentencing is just another reminder that no matter where a trafficker lives or a shipment originates, we will find the drug trafficking organization, we will dismantle it and we will bring those responsible for bringing poison into our communities back to St. Louis to seek justice.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.   Assistant United States Attorney Erin Granger is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – David Jones, 20, St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking.  Jones appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White, who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for August 14, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.

According to the plea agreement, on May 22, 2018, the victim and a friend were sitting in the victim’s 2008 Malibu in the 1300 block of Ferguson when Jones and two other individuals approached them and told them to get out of the car.  One pointed a short-barreled shotgun and another pointed a handgun at the victims.  The three robbers jumped in the car and drove off. 

An hour after the carjacking, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spotted the stolen Malibu.  The Malibu drove in a reckless and dangerous manner before spinning out of control.  Jones exited the driver’s seat and, with two others, fled on foot.  The pursuing officers saw Jones discard a loaded sawed-off, short-barreled Springfield shotgun.  Jones was taken into custody after a foot chase and a struggle.

Jones faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years in prison 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 St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling this case.

St. Louis, MO –John Rallo, 53, formerly of St. Louis County, was charged with three counts of Honest Services Mail Fraud/Bribery.  Rallo will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bodenhausen for his initial appearance and arraignment on the Indictment – Friday, May 10 at 9:30 a.m., 15th floor South. 

The Indictment charging John Rallo alleges that beginning in October 2014 and continuing through December 31, 2017, Stenger schemed to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of Sheila Sweeney, through bribery and the concealment of material information.  The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from Rallo and other individuals in exchange for favorable official action, and for Rallo and other individuals to enrich themselves and their companies by secretly obtaining favorable action for themselves and for their companies, through corrupt means. 

Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and several fundraising events, took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Insurance, obtained insurance contracts through St. Louis County during 2015 and 2016.  Further, the Indictment alleges that Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Creative Consulting, obtained a sham 2016 consulting contract through the St. Louis County Port Authority.  Additionally, Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Wellston Holdings, LLC, obtained options to purchase two properties in Wellston, Missouri which were held by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County during 2016 and 2017.  The Indictment alleges that Rallo, Stenger, and Sweeney took steps to hide, conceal and cover up the illegal bribery scheme, including making false public statements.   

If convicted, as to each charge Rallo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  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 and the Postal Inspection Service are investigating this case with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Larry Weeden, Jr., 39, of St. Louis, was sentenced on Wednesday to 151 months in prison for possession of one or more firearms as a previously convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.  He appeared before Federal District Judge Ronnie L. White. 

According to court documents, investigators learned Weeden was distributing fentanyl and storing significant amounts of the drug in an apartment, causing them to seek a state-level search warrant in July of 2018.

During the execution of the warrant, investigators located six (6) loaded semi-automatic pistols, including a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine and a Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun which was later determined to have been stolen.

Investigators recovered approximately 740 grams of fentanyl in total, including a large compressed brick of fentanyl and baggies of fentanyl packaged in smaller quantities, and approximately 130 grams of methamphetamine in powder and pill form.  They also located drug trafficking paraphernalia including a gas mask, cutting agents, and digital scales, as well as a money counting machine and approximately $46,000 in United States currency which was forfeited to the Government.

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

A member of the Aryan Circle gang pleaded guilty today to committing an assault resulting in serious bodily injury to the victim in aid racketeering announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri.

Daniel B. Jerome, 31, of Wentzville, Missouri, committed this aggravated assault on a fellow Aryan Circle gang member in Jefferson County, Missouri, on November 9, 2013.  According to the plea agreement, Jerome participated in a “patch-burning,” which included violently assaulting the victim and removing the victim’s gang tattoo using a burning log.  Sentencing for Jerome has been scheduled for August 7, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White for the Eastern District of Missouri.

The plea agreement states that the Aryan Circle is a powerful race-based, multi-state organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Missouri, Texas, Louisiana and the United States.  The Aryan Circle was established in the mid-1980s within the Texas prison system (TDCJ).  In recent years, the Aryan Circle’s structure and influence expanded to rural and suburban areas throughout Missouri, Texas and Louisiana.  The Aryan Circle emerged as an independent organization during a period of turmoil within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT).  The Aryan Circle was relatively small in comparison to other prison-based gangs, but grew in stature and influence within TDCJ in the 1990s, largely through violent conflict with other gangs, white and non-white alike.

The plea agreement further indicates that the Aryan Circle enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization.  Members, and oftentimes, associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.

This case is being investigated by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; New Jersey Department of Corrections-Special Investigations Division and Arnold (MO) Police Department; Jefferson County (MO) Sheriff’s Department; St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; St. Louis County (MO) Police Department; Montgomery County (TX) Precinct 1 Constable’s Office; Indiana State Police; Indiana Department of Corrections; Carrollton (TX) Police Department; Waller (TX) Police Department; Montgomery County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Travis County (TX) Sheriff’s Office and the Tarrant County (TX) Sheriff’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Bethany Lipman of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Angie Danis of the Eastern District of Missouri, in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Louisiana and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Texas.

A member of the Aryan Circle (AC) gang pleaded guilty today to committing an assault resulting in serious bodily injury to the victim in aid racketeering announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri.

Daniel B. Jerome, 31, of Wentzville, Missouri, committed this aggravated assault on a fellow AC gang member in Jefferson County, Missouri, on Nov. 9, 2013.  According to the plea agreement, Jerome participated in a “patch-burning,” which included violently assaulting the victim and removing the victim’s gang tattoo using a burning log.  Sentencing for Jerome has been scheduled for Aug. 7, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White for the Eastern District of Missouri.

The plea agreement states that the AC is a powerful race-based, multi-state organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Missouri, Texas, Louisiana and the United States.  The AC was established in the mid-1980s within the Texas prison system (TDCJ).  In recent years, the AC’s structure and influence expanded to rural and suburban areas throughout Missouri, Texas and Louisiana.  The AC emerged as an independent organization during a period of turmoil within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT).  The AC was relatively small in comparison to other prison-based gangs, but grew in stature and influence within TDCJ in the 1990s, largely through violent conflict with other gangs, white and non-white alike.

The plea agreement further indicates that the AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization.  Members, and oftentimes, associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.

This case is being investigated by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; New Jersey Department of Corrections-Special Investigations Division and Arnold (MO) Police Department; Jefferson County (MO) Sheriff’s Department; St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; St. Louis County (MO) Police Department; Montgomery County (TX) Precinct 1 Constable’s Office; Indiana State Police; Indiana Department of Corrections; Carrollton (TX) Police Department; Waller (TX) Police Department; Montgomery County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Travis County (TX) Sheriff’s Office and the Tarrant County (TX) Sheriff’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Bethany Lipman of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Angie Danis of the Eastern District of Missouri, in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Louisiana and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Texas.

St. Louis, MO –Jerrinon Tate, 28, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for August 13, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, on June 21, 2018 at 1:00 a.m., Tate entered the Quik Trip located at 10845 Lilac in Bellefontaine Neighbors.  He displayed a black semi-automatic pistol to the clerk and demanded money from the case drawer.

On June 21, 2018 at 7:30 a.m., Tate entered the Moto Mart located at 11005 Riverview Drive in the City of St. Louis.  He displayed a black semi-automatic pistol and demanded that the clerk give him money.

On June 21, 2018 at 7:20 p.m., Tate entered the Family Dollar store located at 8971 Halls Ferry, St. Louis, Missouri.  Tate displayed a firearm, demanded money, and threatened to shoot an employee if he/she did not comply.

In the armed robberies, the total combined cash that Tate took was approximately $847.

The firearms charges carry penalties of not less than seven years nor more than life and/or fine of $250,000 on each count consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Accordingly, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 14 years and a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment.  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 investigated this case. 

St. Louis, MO – Quentarus Smith, 38, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 7 years’ imprisonment for his participation in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, a fine of $25,000, and he was ordered to forfeit over $1.1 million in the sale of drug proceeds.  Smith appeared before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry this afternoon.

Smith previously admitted to his participation in a drug trafficking organization engaged in the multi-kilogram shipment of cocaine and marijuana from Los Angeles, California, and Florida, to St. Louis for distribution.  Smith was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement returning to St. Louis in possession of over $900,000 in U.S. currency, which investigators have traced as proceeds of his participation in the conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration – St. Louis Office investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Granger and Lisa Yemm handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

St. Louis, MO – Steven V. Stenger, 47, of Clayton, pleaded guilty today on three counts of honest services bribery/mail fraud in front of U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry, who set his sentencing hearing on August 9, 2019.

According to court documents, beginning in October 2014 and continuing through December 31, 2018, Stenger and various individuals and companies schemed to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer, through bribery and the concealment of material information.  The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from individuals and their companies in exchange for favorable official action, and for individuals and their companies to enrich themselves and their companies by secretly obtaining favorable action for themselves and for their companies, through corrupt means. 

Specifically, Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and several fundraising events, took official action to ensure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Insurance, obtained insurance contracts through St. Louis County during 2015 and 2016.  Further, the Indictment alleges that Stenger took official action to ensure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Creative Consulting, obtained a 2016 consulting contract through the St. Louis County Port Authority.  Additionally, Stenger took official action to ensure that John Rallo and his company, Wellston Holdings, LLC, obtained options to purchase two properties in Wellston, Missouri, which were held by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County during 2016 and 2017.  The Indictment also alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and fundraising activities, took official action to ensure that “Company One,” as set forth in the Indictment, obtained a 2019 - 2021 state lobbying contract from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.  The Indictment alleges that Stenger took steps to hide, conceal and cover up his illegal conduct and actions, including making false public statements.

Today’s guilty plea is the result of an investigation that began during March 2018 and remains active and ongoing.  Following today’s guilty plea, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Reginald Harris noted, “The events of this week, including the unsealing of the Grand Jury’s Indictment; the resignation of the defendant as St. Louis County Executive; and, today, the defendant’s guilty plea to all charges in the Indictment, should send a message that the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement will not tolerate public corruption at any level of government.”

Harris added, “The people deserve and are entitled to honest services, and trust in their elected officials.  And when those elected officials abuse the people’s trust, they will be held accountable and there will be consequences.”

"Steve Stenger benefitted himself at the expense of St. Louis County citizens by accepting financial gain in exchange for official action," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable public officials who betray the trust of the St. Louis communities they serve. Our citizens deserve nothing less."

If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  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 and the Postal Inspection Service are investigating this case with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Adrian “AD” Lemons, 41, of Saint Louis, MO, and Virgil “V.G.” Sims, 34, of Kennett, MO, each pleaded guilty to one count of cocaine conspiracy.  Each man entered his guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey on May 3 and May 1, 2019, respectively.  Sentencing for Sims is set for July 30, 2019.  Lemons’ sentencing date is July 31, 2019.    

According to court documents, between 2012 and 2016, Lemons worked with representatives of the Mexican cartel to receive and distribute vast kilogram quantities of cocaine within the City of Saint Louis.  Lemons also supplied large quantities of cocaine to large-scale, mid-level, and street-level drug dealers who also sold cocaine and cocaine base (crack) within the Saint Louis area and beyond.  Virgil Sims was one such dealer who distributed cocaine supplied to him directly by Lemons in Saint Louis as well as the southeast Missouri region.  Sims also undertook efforts to maintain Lemons’ drug trafficking organization once Lemons was federally indicted in January 2016.

As to the larger drug conspiracy, the Mexican cartel coordinated routine bulk shipments of cocaine from Reynosa, Mexico, through the Rio Grande Valley, and then to the Saint Louis, Missouri area.  The cocaine shipments were transported via truck and, in turn, bulk quantities of United States currency were shipped back through the southern United States to Mexico as payment for the cocaine.  During the course of the overall investigation, agents seized firearms; drug trafficking tools; drug ledgers; over 64 kilograms of cocaine; and over $1.3 million directly attributable to Lemons and his associates, including Sims.  Lemons also owned and utilized multiple properties located throughout the City of Saint Louis in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including, but not limited to, properties at 11553 Poeggemoeller Avenue; 824 and 1600 McLaran; 6327 Theodosia Avenue; 7230 North Broadway; 8573 Broadway; 877 Wall; and 7118 Idlewild.  Lemons specifically admitted that he was the manager of this extensive criminal enterprise.

Under the drug conspiracy charge, Sims faces a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than forty (40) years in prison.  Under the same charge, Lemons faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  At sentencing the United States and Sims will recommend a five-year term of imprisonment.  As to Lemons, the parties will be recommending 20 years in prison.

Lemons and Sims are two of 34 defendants named in federal indictments consisting of charges related to drug trafficking and drug trafficking related violence, including multiple homicides.  In November 2018, the United States Attorney General directed the United States Attorney’s Office to seek the death penalty against one of those defendants, Anthony “TT” Jordan.  Jordan has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.  He is presumed innocent until the United States proves him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

St. Louis, MO –Malachiah Williams, 22, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and two counts of brandishing a firearm.  Williams appeared today before U.S. District Judge Richard Webber who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for July 30, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, on July 25, 2018, Williams, armed with a semi-automatic firearm, approached a man in his vehicle parked in front of a residence in the 5500 block of Cote Brilliante.  Williams tapped on the driver’s side door with the firearm and ordered the victim out of the vehicle.  After the victim exited, Williams entered the vehicle and drove away.

On July 31, 2018, a mother and her four-year-old daughter were sitting inside a vehicle near the 5400 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.  Williams approached their vehicle and stuck his head into the passenger side window.  He pointed a semi-automatic firearm at the mother and child while ordering them out of the vehicle.  Williams then entered the vehicle and drove away.

If convicted, carjacking carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000 on each count.  The firearms charges carry penalties of not less than seven years nor more than life and/or fine of $250,000 on each count consecutive to any other sentence imposed.    In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  The United States and Williams intend to recommend a sentence of 15 years imprisonment at the time of sentencing.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan.

St. Louis, MO – Sedina Unkic Hodzic, 39, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.  Sedina Unkic Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted her plea and set her sentencing for August 9, 2019.  U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri, Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI’s St. Louis Division and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers made the announcement.

Charged in the indictment are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, Nihad Rosic, of Utica, New York, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants are charged with conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and with providing material support to terrorists.  Ramiz Zijad Hodzic and Nihad Rosic are also charged with conspiring to murder and maim persons in a foreign country.  Armin Harcevic pleaded guilty on February 25, 2019, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic pleaded guilty on March 21, 2019.  Ramiz Zijad Hodzic pleaded guilty on April 3, 2019.  The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty.  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.

Sedina Unkic Hodzic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake, Howard Marcus and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.

St. Louis – Omar Fandino, 25, of Suwanee, GA, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for cloning access devices of elderly victims to obtain cash and merchandise.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who ordered Fandino to pay $29,551.42 in restitution. 

According to court documents, Fandino traveled to the St. Louis area and rented a vehicle between September 23rd and October 3, 2016.  He traveled throughout the area using access devices embedded with the account numbers of individuals to purchase merchandise, money orders, and gift cards and to initiate automated teller machine withdrawals.  The account holders were between the ages of 59 and 86, and the final victim was a disabled person sharing an account with her 72-year-old mother.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative.

The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes targeting older adults.  The Eastern District of Missouri Identity Theft Task Force is a group of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat identity theft and its related crimes across the St. Louis Community.

St. Louis, MO – Donald Ray White, 69, Hannibal, MO, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $289,412.02 for embezzling monies from Antioch Baptist Church of Hannibal in which he was the treasurer in a scheme that lasted over two decades.   

As treasurer of Antioch Baptist Church of Hannibal, White independently oversaw the church’s bank account.  In this role, White was an authorized signatory on the bank account, made the majority of all deposits into the checking account, and was required to submit payments on behalf of the church. White was not entitled to a salary or payment for his services to the church. Investigation confirmed that while serving as treasurer, White fraudulently used the bank’s checking account to issue checks to himself and to make purchases on his behalf and the behalf of others.

Donald Ray White pleaded guilty in federal court to one felony count of wire fraud on January 4, 2019, and was sentenced today.

“Today’s sentence is the culmination of hard work and focused dedication by the Ralls County Sheriff’s Office and Hannibal Police Department,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

After the sentence, Ralls County Sheriff Gerry Dinwiddie echoed U.S. Attorney Jensen’s comments.  He also recognized the members of the Antioch Baptist Church of Hannibal.  “The strength of this church community and its members has been exemplary.  They were absolutely critical in uncovering this fraud and have worked tirelessly to not let it define or diminish the church or themselves.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case along with the Ralls County Sheriff’s Department, the Hannibal Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dianna R. Collins.

St. Louis, MO – Travion Lindsey, 20, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for armed robbery charges.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White. 

According to court documents, Lindsey, along with co-defendants Jevante Phillips and Ahmaad Ali, entered the 7-11 store located on Christy Avenue in South St. Louis, Missouri on October 18, 2017.  The three arrived at the 7-11 in a Pontiac Aztek that had been stolen one day earlier at gunpoint by Ali and Phillips.  They entered the store with firearms displayed.  Their faces were covered with masks.  Phillips walked around the counter and began removing lottery tickets and money from the cash register.  Ali jumped over the counter and began removing the cash register’s contents.  Lindsey stood guard at the door and eventually assisted in removing the money.  After two minutes inside of the store, the three started taking liquor bottles, cigarettes, and candy on their way outside.  The males then re-entered the Aztec and fled the area. 

Phillips pled guilty in September 2018 and was sentenced to 130 months in prison in February 2019.  Ahmaad Ali pled guilty in February 2019 and will be sentenced May 8, 2019.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan was handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Tina L. Obermeier, RPh, 59, of Webster Groves, MO, entered a guilty plea to one count of Obtaining Controlled Substance by Fraud or Forgery before Senior United States District Judge E. Richard Webber today.  Obermeier is scheduled to appear for sentencing on July 24, 2019.

According to court documents, Obermeier was employed as a pharmacist at SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton, Missouri, during the time of the offense from January 2017 to April 2018.  She would illegally obtain drugs such as hydrocodone, methadone, methylphenidate, and alprazolam from the pharmacy at St. Clare.  Obermeier took the drugs in different ways.  In some instances, she hid the drugs under her lab coat or other clothing instead of placing prescribed drugs in bins for delivery to patients.  On other occasions, she reprinted labels for previously filled prescriptions causing the prescriptions to be filled a second time.  Obermeier also printed labels and filled prescriptions for patients for whom there were no drugs prescribed.  Obermeier stole approximately 2,476 controlled substances from the Pyxis medical station in the St. Clare pharmacy.  Obermeier took the drugs for her own personal use. 

Obermeier faces a maximum penalty of four years 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.

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.        

St. Louis, MO – Jalon Moore, 22, of Saint Louis, Larry Rhines, 22, of Collinsville, Illinois, and Garry Johnson, 21, of Saint Louis, were charged last Thursday for their respective roles in a string of armed robberies.  The indictment was unsealed this morning.  In it, the three men are charged with robbery and firearms conspiracies, as well as the robberies themselves and the use of firearms to commit each of those robberies.

According to the indictment, Moore, Rhines, and/or Johnson were responsible for robbing the following businesses on the following dates:

• Mack Bar and Grill located at 4615 Macklind, St. Louis, Missouri on January 9, 2019;
• Jimmy John’s located at 6459 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, Missouri on February 9, 2019;
• Subway located at 1151 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri on February 17, 2019;
• Panda Express located at 4400 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri on March 18, 2019; and
• Sprint located at 5441 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri on March 21, 2019.

Defendant Rhines was previously charged on April 16, 2019, by a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of Illinois for similar crimes arising from armed robberies of Sprint at 105 Frey Lane, Fairview Heights, Illinois, on March 9, 2019; Marco’s Pizza at 108 St. Louis Road, in Collinsville, Illinois, on March 28, 2019; and the GCS Credit Union, 1502 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, Illinois, on March 30, 2019.  He has been ordered detained pending trial in that separate matter.

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. 

Following the unsealing of today’s indictment, United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “I am pleased that, through the hard work of the investigative team, this crew’s armed crime spree is over.  We now focus on the equally important task of holding each of them accountable for the actions charged in the indictment.”

"Even when criminals cover their faces with masks, they cannot hide from the long arm of the law and a vigilant public," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Tips from everyday good citizens played a significant role in ending this violent armed robbery spree."

If convicted, the robbery conspiracy charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The firearm conspiracy charge carries a 20-year maximum term of imprisonment.  Each individual robbery charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Each charge stemming from the defendants’ use of firearms in furtherance of the robberies carries a statutory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years up to life consecutive to any other sentence imposed.  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 Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department; and the Saint Louis County Police Department, in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois; the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Springfield; and the Collinsville and Fairview Heights Police Departments.

St. Louis, MO – Steven V. Stenger, of Clayton, was indicted last Thursday on three counts of honest services bribery/mail fraud. 

The Indictment alleges that beginning in October 2014 and continuing through December 31, 2018, Stenger and various individuals and companies schemed to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer, through bribery and the concealment of material information.  The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from individuals and their companies in exchange for favorable official action, and for individuals and their companies to enrich themselves and their companies by secretly obtaining favorable action for themselves and for their companies, through corrupt means. 

Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and several fundraising events, took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Insurance, obtained insurance contracts through St. Louis County during 2015 and 2016.  Further, the Indictment alleges that Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Creative Consulting, obtained a 2016 consulting contract through the St. Louis County Port Authority.  Additionally, Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Wellston Holdings, LLC, obtained options to purchase two properties in Wellston, Missouri which were held by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County during 2016 and 2017.  The Indictment also alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and fundraising activities, took official action to insure that “Company One,” as set forth in the Indictment, obtained a 2019 - 2021 state lobbying contract from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.  The Indictment alleges that Stenger took steps to hide, conceal and cover up his illegal conduct and actions, including making false public statements.   

Stenger is scheduled to appear at 1:00 p.m. for his initial appearance and arraignment on his Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Noelle Collins, Courtroom 15 North, Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse, 111 S. 10th Street, St. Louis, Missouri.

If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  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.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Cory Hutcheson, 35, of East Prairie, MO, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis for illegally monitoring the location of other law enforcement officers and civilians without a warrant by entering mobile telephone numbers into a law enforcement database. Hutcheson received a sentence of 10 months—6 months to be served in the Bureau of Prisons and 4 months home confinement. In addition to the sentence imposed, Hutcheson was required to resign as Sheriff of Mississippi County on November 20, 2018.

Numerous victims appeared at Hutcheson’s sentencing including Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers whose location was tracked by Hutcheson. For a three year period, including after being elected Sheriff of Mississippi County, Hutcheson uploaded false and fraudulent documents to a law enforcement database to obtain the location of over 200 mobile phone users.  Hutcheson submitted thousands of requests and obtained the location data of hundreds individual phone subscribers without valid legal authorization, and without the consent or knowledge of the targeted individual. The location information request was submitted using wire communications transmitted in interstate commerce.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol and was prosecuted in cooperation with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Gwen Carroll and Lindsay McClure-Hartman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – William Hampton, 21, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 48 months in prison today for illegally possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.  Hampton’s sentence was ordered to run consecutive to any sentence imposed in Hampton’s pending State case, Cause Number1822-CR1904, Circuit Court, City of St. Louis.

According to court documents and information at sentencing, on June 19, 2016, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers located Hampton asleep in the driver’s seat of a stolen vehicle.  The vehicle was parked in the middle of the street.  The engine was running.  Hampton had a nine millimeter firearm on his lap.  Hampton was also in the possession of controlled substances.  Hampton was arrested and later charged federally with one count of being a user of controlled substances in the possession of a firearm. 

At the time of his arrest in connection with the federal indictment, Hampton attempted to escape arresting officers by driving his vehicle at a dangerously high rate of speed on City of St. Louis streets and the highway.  Hampton violated stop signs and traffic signals.  Hampton eventually lost control of his vehicle and ran.  Officers chased Hampton on foot and ultimately took him into custody.  The officers searched Hampton’s vehicle and recovered a stolen, loaded .40 caliber handgun.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department as part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s sustained effort to combat violent crime within the City of St. Louis.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO –Jorion Garrett, 21, of Hazelwood, MO, pleaded guilty to three carjacking and two firearms charges.  Garrett appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry, who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for July 31, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, on October 28, 2017, near the 5600 block of Enright Avenue, St. Louis, Garrett approached the victim from behind.  Garrett pointed a handgun at the victim, took the victim’s car keys and drove away in the victim’s 2016 Dodge Charger. The Charger was later recovered near Garrett’s residence in Hazelwood, and Garrett’s DNA was located inside the vehicle. 

On November 21, 2017, near the 10000 block of Edgefield, St. Louis County, Garrett and another individual pointed a firearm at a victim who had previously parked her vehicle in the driveway of her residence.  Garrett told the victim to drop the keys on the seat and go in the house.  He and the other individual drove away in the victim’s 2016 Dodge Journey.  On December 3, 2017, police found the vehicle parked in the driveway of Garrett’s residence and later located Garrett’s DNA inside the vehicle.

On January 4, 2018, near the 8300 block of Sagewood Lane, Hazelwood, two victims were delivering food to a residence as part of the Meals on Wheels Program.  One victim took the meals inside the home while the other remained standing outside near her silver 2014 Jeep.  Garrett approached the victim, along with another individual who pointed a handgun at the victim, and told her to “get back.”  Garrett entered the driver’s side of the Jeep and drove away with the other assailant.  Garrett later fled from police while driving the Jeep, and after he abandoned it, police recovered a fingerprint and DNA belonging to Garrett from inside the vehicle.

Under the firearms charges, Garrett faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 14 years consecutive to any sentence imposed in connection with the carjacking counts, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating this case in cooperation with the Hazelwood Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling this case.

St. Louis - The United States Attorney’s Office is proud to support the DEA on Saturday, April 27, 2019, for its 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The bi-annual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at thousands of collection sites around the country.  Over 90 locations will be open and participating within the Eastern District of Missouri.  The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

In support of the effort, U.S. Attorney Jensen noted:

“The death toll from prescription painkillers has tripled in the past decade.  We know all too well that the problem is getting worse. Over 16,000 people die every year from prescription painkiller overdoses—that’s more than the number of overdoses from heroin, cocaine or any other illegal drug. Adolescents and young adults are especially vulnerable.  Many teens that begin abusing prescription drugs turn to heroin for a cheaper high.  Saturday’s prescription drug take back is an invaluable opportunity for everyone in our community to prevent prescription drugs from getting into the wrong hands, including the hands of kids.  We hope everyone takes advantage of it, with no questions asked, and we thank DEA for spearheading this effort.”

Last October, Americans turned in 457 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 6,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 11 million pounds—more than 5,400 tons—of pills.  The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city or state.

St. Louis, MO – Kela Burns, 36, of Bridgeton, was sentenced to 44 months in prison for her role in preparing fraudulent tax returns; access device fraud; social security fraud; bank fraud; and, aggravated identity theft.  Burns appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.

According to court documents, Burns fraudulently prepared federal tax returns and used identifying information of others through her business, Priority Tax Services between January 1, 2016 and April 15, 2018.  In addition, she fraudulently used social security numbers not assigned to her in order to commit bank fraud between May 27, 2016 and November 16, 2016. 

Burns pled guilty in December 2018 to seven counts – one count of preparing a fraudulent tax return; one count of access device fraud; two counts of social security fraud; two counts of bank fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Additional court filings revealed that after her guilty plea, Burns continued to file fraudulent tax returns on behalf of previous clients of her tax preparation business.  As a result, of the continued criminal conduct, Burns’ lost credit for acceptance of responsibility, and was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing instead of being permitted to surrender herself to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Office of Criminal Investigation, the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Jaleel Zakee Adams, 23, of Florissant, MO, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Acetyl-fentanyl Resulting in Death before Senior United States District Judge E. Richard Webber today.  He now faces a 20 year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence.

On November 15, 2017, Florissant Police responded to a medical call in the 900 block of Torero Lane.  They discovered the victim, R.I., unresponsive.  He was pronounced deceased on scene.  The Medical Examiner determined that R.I. died as a result of acute Acetyl-fentanyl intoxication.  Acetyl-fentanyl is a powerful and often deadly analogue of fentanyl developed strictly for the illicit market.  It has no legitimate medical use.

In the hours prior to his death, R.I. had been communicating with a man known as “Jay” by telephone.  R.I. met with “Jay” in a nearby parking lot where “Jay” sold R.I. a quantity of purported heroin.  Unbeknownst to R.I., the substance was actually Acetyl-fentanyl.  An investigation revealed that “Jay” was Jaleel Adams.  After police made two purchases of fentanyl from Jaleel Adams, they executed a search warrant at his home in the 100 block of Kendl Court on December 29, 2017.  Police located controlled substances, cash, and six firearms, one of which had been stolen during a vehicle theft the previous day.

Jaleel Adams was arrested on drug and weapons charges.  Adams denied that he used heroin himself, but admitted that he sold it to make money.

United States Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen commended the outstanding work of the Florissant Police Department, which investigated the case.  Jensen noted, “the Florissant Police Department has taken a leadership role locally and has aggressively investigated deaths resulting from heroin and fentanyl intoxication.  These substances are deadly.  Those who distribute them must be held accountable.”  Florissant Police Chief Timothy Lowery echoed Jensen’s sentiments, saying, “while we are sympathetic to those individuals who struggle with substance abuse, we have no tolerance for those who engage in drug distribution for profit.  These individuals present a danger to our community and we will continue to seek federal prosecution wherever possible.” 

Jaleel Zakee Adams is scheduled to appear for sentencing on July 17, 2019.

St. Louis – Daichi Horiace, 42, of St. Louis, and Marquise Cortez Brown, 26, of St. Louis, were sentenced to 120 months and 70 months in prison, respectively.  Both were involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl centered in the Clinton-Peabody housing complex on the near south side of the City of St. Louis.  Fentanyl is a controlled substance that is deadly in doses of only a few milligrams.  Both appeared before the Honorable Catherine D. Perry.   

According to court documents, Horiace and Brown acted as distributors for drug customers seeking fentanyl in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.  Horiace, Brown and their other associates used various apartments within the Clinton-Peadoby housing complex for purposes of storing and distributing fentanyl, among other things.

Horiace and Brown each pleaded to one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in January 2019. 

Today’s sentencings are the first two obtained in connection with the on-going U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative and investigation into drug distribution activity centered in the Clinton-Peabody public housing complex on the near south side of the City of St. Louis.  The investigation has included, among other things, the execution of more than fifteen federal search warrants resulting in the seizure of numerous firearms and controlled substances and was the subject of an important public forum involving law enforcement, citizens, and residents of the Clinton-Peabody complex held on August 3, 2018, at the Peabody Elementary School.

“Year to date, violent crime through March in the Peabody Neighborhood has gone down 59%.  That statistic speaks to the positive impact that collaborative efforts such as these can have on a neighborhood and for that I’m very thankful,” said Chief John Hayden, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

U. S. Attorney Jeff Jensen commended the coordination of the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies involved, “The efforts of these dedicated law enforcement officers and their respective agencies dismantled the drug distribution organization operating at Clinton-Peabody.  Today marks a first step in holding the members of that organization accountable through significant prison time for the poison each was dealing.” 

This case was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis Division of the FBI, the St. Louis Division of the DEA, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service and the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. 

St. Louis, MO –Terry L. Zintel, 62, of Sunset Hills, MO, was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison for three counts of falsifying claims.  He appeared in federal court yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Henry Autrey and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $531,947.75.

According to court documents, between 2012 and 2014, Terry L. Zintel was a 50% owner and operator of the biofuel plant, Midwest Biodiesel Products, located in Roxanna, Illinois. As co-owner and operator, Zintel presented to the Internal Revenue Service at least three claims for refund for excise taxes in 2013. As a result of these fraudulent claims and others, the IRS incurred a total tax loss of $531,947.75.

“We will continue to be relentless in our mission to stop tax schemes and bring the criminals who run them to justice,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Field Office of IRS, Criminal Investigation.  “Tax credits are tax incentives; not an incentive to steal from the government.”

“A strong enforcement program is essential to maintaining the integrity of the RINs market,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Martinez of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Missouri. “Today’s sentencing shows that EPA and their law enforcement partners will continue to hold parties accountable when they defraud their customers and Renewable Fuel Standards program.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll was handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – La’ron Clower, 29, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for his involvement in racketeering and prostitution charges.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie White.   

According to court documents, between July 2016 and November 2016, Clower recruited 15-year-old DK and 22-year-old BC for purposes of prostitution.  Clower prostituted them via advertisements placed on Backpage.com.  This activity included renting hotel rooms and communicating with victims and clients via the Internet and cellular phones.  Clower would transport DK and BC from St. Louis County, Missouri to a truck stop in Illinois so that DK and BC could engage in commercial sex acts.

Clower pled guilty in January 2019 to one count of Interstate Travel or Transportation with Intent to Promote Prostitution. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Charles County Police Department, the Bridgeton Police department and the Kirkwood Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Howard Marcus prosecuted the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.      

St. Louis, MO – Alfred L. Ford, Jr., 30, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Ford appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie White who ordered him to pay $24,639.32 in restitution.   

According to court records, between May 27, 2017, and continuing until at least January 27, 2018, Ford and others stole and obtained without authorization credit and debit cards of individual patrons at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema in St. Louis, Missouri.  Ford and his co-conspirators then used the stolen credit and debit cards, without permission of the true account holders, to make purchases at various Walmart stores within the Eastern District of Missouri.  The total loss amount from the conspiracy to commit access device fraud is $36,514.57.

Ford pled guilty in January of 2019 and co-defendant Zakia Johnson is awaiting trial.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – Bobby J. Woods, 50, of Stillwater, MN, and Alan Johnson, 64, of Collinsville, IL, were sentenced to a year and a day in prison and probation, respectively, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  They appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry.  In addition to the sentences, the Court ordered them to pay restitution in the amount of $746,293.13.       

According to court documents, Woods and Johnson engaged in a long-term conspiracy to defraud Johnson’s employer, BMI, an industrial manufacturing company located in East St. Louis, Illinois.  Woods, an outside vendor, sold equipment to BMI at prices that were falsely inflated by between 26% and 102%.  Woods then paid Johnson, BMI’s plant manager, over $167,000 in kickbacks to ensure that Johnson would secure payment by BMI on the fraudulently inflated invoices.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gwen Carroll and Lindsay McClure-Hartman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Matthew Gregory, 34, of Bridgeton, MO, pled guilty to one felony count of Possession and Accessing with the Intent to View Child Pornography. Gregory appeared before United States District Judge Henry Autrey and set sentencing for July 16, 2019.

According to court documents, on January 25, 2017, while at Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Inc., Gregory purchased a cell phone and used the Internet with his cell phone to access child pornography to view more than 600 images of child pornography.  He admitted searching and viewing child pornography on a chat website where pornography was exchanged.

Gregory faces a minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by SA John “Mark” Burbridge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

ST. LOUIS – The Department of Justice today announced that defendant Maria Terry, 47, pleaded guilty to violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and transmitting a threatening communication over the internet for posting on Twitter threatening to “blow up” Planned Parenthood facilities and injure Planned Parenthood staff. U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division made the announcement.

“Today’s guilty plea is an important one,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. “The Department of Justice takes violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act extremely seriously. This office will continue to prosecute violations of the Act, as was the case here, to ensure that every person’s rights are protected and preserved under the law.”

"The FBI takes all threats seriously, whether a threat is made in person or through the internet," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "As demonstrated in this case, the threat does not have to be carried out to violate the FACE Act."

According to the plea agreement, on Nov. 7, 2018, Terry posted a public message, or “tweet,” on Twitter directed at Planned Parenthood Action Fund threatening to blow up the facilities. The tweet was viewable to the public on Twitter and was directed at the user account “@PPact,” which is an account operated by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Terry admitted in court documents that by publishing the tweet, she was intending to make a threat and knew that it would be viewed as a threat. Additionally, Terry admitted that she intended to intimidate or interfere with persons seeking access to, or providing, reproductive health services through Planned Parenthood. 

Terry faces a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000 for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for transmitting a threatening communication over the internet. 

Trial Attorney Emily Savner of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, prosecuted the case along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The FBI’s St. Louis Field Office conducted the federal investigation.

St. Louis –  The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, in commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 7–13, 2019, is supporting events throughout the community to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introduce the community to the important resources and services available. According to the most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey, U.S. residents age 12 or older experienced 3.1 million violent victimizations and U.S. households experienced an estimated 13.3 million property crimes in 2017.

Advancement of victims’ rights and issues surrounding victimization will occur throughout the week, including:

• Vigil for families of homicide victims and crime survivors on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Saints Teresa & Bridget Church, 2401 N. Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63106
• MADD’s annual “Card Making Event” in support of victims of victims of drunk or drugged driving will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at MADD’s Missouri State Office, 500 Northwest Plaza, # 705, Saint Louis, MO 63074
• Gun lock giveaway will be held on Monday, April 8, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Crime Victim Center, 539 N. Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63103
• Trivia night to benefit the Saint Louis Crime Victim Center is also scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road, Florissant, MO 63031
• National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Closing Fair scheduled from 2 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019, at the Emerson Performance Center, 3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO  63103
   

“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."

“Every crime victim deserves our honor and respect.  This week is an important opportunity for each of us, as a member of this community, to show our unyielding support of all victims and renew our commitment to keeping our community and its members safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.  “This office is humbled by the strength of those who have survived a crime and those friends, family members, and victim advocates who support and fight for those members of our community who have been victimized.  We stand with you each and every day.”  

Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future. 

The United States Attorney’s Office encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year.  The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.

The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/ and via the Saint Louis Crime Victim Center at 314.652.3623 or visit the Crime Victim Center’s website at www.supportvictims.org.  You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Eastern District of Missouri) Victim Witness Program at (314) 539-2200.

St. Louis, MO – Kathleen Marie Hydar, 31, of Jefferson County, pled guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and sentencing has been set for July 9, 2019.

According to court documents, in the evening hours of October 10, 2017 and into the early morning hours of October 11, 2017, Hydar invited co-defendant Courtney Brown to come from the City of Saint Louis to Jefferson County, Missouri.  Hydar had informed Brown that she knew of a way for them to “make some money” that evening.  Brown picked up Hydar in a vehicle being driven by Ramone Thomas.  Also in the car were co-defendants Paris Devine, Raymond Seay, and an unindicted subject.

When Hydar got into the vehicle, she informed Devine and other members of the group that she knew of a location where they could steal large amounts of methamphetamine, United States currency, and firearms.  Hydar instructed the driver, Ramone Thomas, to make a stop at another residence prior to going to the aforementioned target location.  While at this residence, Hydar described, in detail, where Brown, Devine, Seay, and Ramone Thomas could locate a large amount of methamphetamine, firearms, and currency within a trailer owned by victim Chad Coffman.  After describing where the others could locate these items, Hydar got back into the vehicle and proceeded to direct the driver, Ramone Thomas, to the victim’s residence.  Hydar also made a phone call to victim Chad Coffman to ensure he would not be home when the group arrived to burglarize his trailer.

When they arrived at the victim’s residence shortly before 4:00 a.m. on October 11, 2017, Brown, Devine, Seay, and Thomas exited the vehicle, kicked in the main door, and made entry.

Shortly after Seay, Brown, Devine, and Ramone Thomas entered, victim Chad Coffman arrived home and interrupted the burglary.  Hydar jumped into the driver’s seat of the vehicle and fled the scene. 

While in the trailer, Thomas, Seay, Devine, and Brown heard victim Chad Coffman arrive home.  Ramone Thomas passed off a firearm he had brought to the residence to co-defendant Courtney Brown, and they all attempted to flee from the trailer.  As Brown exited the residence, he turned the corner, raised the firearm, and discharged it one time, believing he was shooting at victim Chad Coffman.  The projectile struck Ramone Thomas in front of the residence, killing him.

Chad Coffman pleaded guilty last year and was sentenced to 96 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Paris Devine pleaded guilty on February 11, 2019 and is set for sentencing on July 9, 2019.  Raymond Seay pleaded guilty on March 13, 2019 and is set for sentencing on June 11, 2019.  Courtney Brown pleaded guilty on March 29, 2019 and is set for sentencing on June 25, 2019.

Hydar faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000,000 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Major Case Squad and the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, 44, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists.  Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for June 18, 2019.  U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri, Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI’s St. Louis Division and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers made the announcement.

Charged in the indictment are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, Nihad Rosic, of Utica, New York, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants are charged with conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and with providing material support to terrorists.  Ramiz Zijad Hodzic and Nihad Rosic are also charged with conspiring to murder and maim persons in a foreign country.  Armin Harcevic pleaded guilty on February 25, 2019, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic pleaded guilty on March 21, 2019.  The remaining defendants have pled not guilty.  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.

“Disrupting and preventing terrorist activities are critical priorities for this District in its continuing mission to protect our Nation's security.  I commend the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their commitment and tenacity in a lengthy, complex, and successful investigation and prosecution.  But, make no mistake, our work in this regard is never done,” said United States Attorney Jeffrey Jensen.

"Ramiz Hodzic solicited and collected money from the other defendants,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “He sent more than $10,000 worth of materials and cash to terrorist overseas, including to a St. Louisan who was killed fighting for ISIS.”

Hodzic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000 for each count.  In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake, Howard Marcus and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.