Eastern District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ten Individuals Indicted on Federal Conspiracy Charges for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Ten individuals were indicted in St. Louis on charges of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and gun charges.
Indicted were the following individuals:
Nathaniel Hill, a/k/a “BJ,” 37, St. Louis;
Lamar McDonald, a/k/a “Mike,” “Marty,” 36, O’Fallon, MO;
Maurice Love, a/k/a “Reece,” “Peanut,” “Fat Boy,” 37, San Diego, CA;
Candace Hill, 35, St. Louis;
Earl Murray, a/k/a “E,” 37, St. Louis;
Timothy Wright, 22, San Diego, CA;
Jeffrey Will, a/k/a “Skinny,” 37, St. Louis;
Victor Parker, a/k/a “Blu,” 23, Granite City, IL;
Doug Kelsay, 42, Granite City, IL; and
Myron Coffee, 26, Creve Coeur.
Defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2018 charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Nathaniel Hill was also indicted for distribution of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; and money laundering. Maurice Love was also indicted for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering. Candace Hill was also indicted on four counts of money laundering charges. Earl Murray was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Timothy Wright was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering. Jeffrey Will was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Myron Coffee was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted of the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge, this carries a penalty of 10 years to life. If convicted of the distribution of methamphetamine charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 20 years. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge, this carries a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession of firearm charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted of the money laundering charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and with fines up to $1,000,000. 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis County Police Department.
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.
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Poplar Bluff and Illinois Men Sentenced for Burglarizing Poplar Bluff Firearms Dealer and Clayton, Missouri Carjacking Crime by Use of a FirearmRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that Demarlon Richardson, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Germonde Brunner, Arlandus Howard, Norlando Jackson and Antywan Seawood, of East St. Louis, Illinois, were sentenced for the burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer known as Instapawn, which is located near Poplar Bluff, Missouri and for a carjacking crime that occurred in Clayton, Missouri.
The burglary of Instapawn occurred on February 28, 2017, when the five men stole over 60 firearms. Howard was found guilty by a jury and the other four men entered guilty pleas. During Howard’s trial, the evidence disclosed that the five men committed the Instapawn burglary by breaking a window and entering the store. Around twelve of the firearms were recovered. The remainder of the firearms are still missing.
Brunner, Howard, Jackson and Seawood were also found guilty of committing Carjacking and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence for a carjacking crime that occurred in Clayton, Missouri, on February 27, 2017. The men used the stolen car during the commission of the firearms theft. During Howard’s trial, the evidence disclosed that Brunner, Howard, Jackson and Seawood approached a young woman sitting in her car in Clayton, Missouri, late one night. The men had just finished breaking into several parked cars in the neighborhood and needed a vehicle to get back to their home in Illinois. Jackson and Seawood pointed pistols at the woman and threatened to harm her if she did not open her car door. When she did, Jackson reached in, grabbed the victim by her arm and threw the victim to the street. Brunner and Howard acted as lookouts during the carjacking.
Demarlon Richardson was sentenced on May 1, 2018 to 12 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms. Germonde Brunner was sentenced on May 15, 2018 to 48 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Norlando Jackson was sentenced on May 29, 2018 to 300 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, two counts of Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Antywan Seawood was sentenced on September 18, 2018 to 240 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Arlandus Howard was sentenced on October 2, 2018 to 240 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. All five men were sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. All five men were ordered to make restitution for the firearms theft in the amount of $57,169.10.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Butler County Sheriff’s Office; the Poplar Bluff Police Department; the Clayton, Missouri Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Sorrell handled the prosecution for the Government.
Woman Charged with Possession of Cocaine and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
St. Louis – A woman traveling on Interstate 44 in Phelps County, Missouri, was charged in federal court for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine today in United States District Court in St. Louis.
Michel F. Garcia-Adame, 23, of Kentucky, was taken into custody yesterday after being pulled over for a traffic violation. After an officer of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department approached the Toyota sedan, he was able to smell the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The officer asked Garcia-Adame for consent to search the trunk of her vehicle, which she provided. Upon gaining access to the trunk of the vehicle, the officer observed two black trash bags, one on either side of the trunk. Garcia-Adame also admitted to the officer that there was a small bundle in a black bag located in the foot well of the front passenger seat.
After the officer conducted a field test of the small bundle in a black bag which tested positive for cocaine and weighed in at approximately 568 gross grams of cocaine. The officers also removed 14 bundles from the black trash bags in the trunk which were wrapped entirely in clear plastic tape. The bundles contained slightly more than 45.75 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
Garcia-Adame is charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine which carries a mandatory 10 years minimum and possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries up to 20 years. They are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty.
These charges are a result of a joint investigation between the St. Louis Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office.
Federal Judge Trebles Damages and Imposes Civil Penalties Against Cape Girardeau Surgeon and His Fiancee in the Amount of $5,495,931Read the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – A civil judgment in the amount of $5,495,931 was entered today in favor of the United States against Dr. Sonjay Fonn and Ms. Deborah Seeger of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and their professional corporations DS Medical and Midwest Neurosurgeons. Previously, in November 2017, a federal jury sitting in St. Louis, Missouri found that the couple conspired to violate the civil False Claims Act and also violated the False Claims Act and the Medicare Anti-Kickback statute.
The Government’s complaint and evidence at trial established that Dr. Fonn was a neurosurgeon during 2009-12. Dr. Fonn used spinal implants during the spinal fusion surgeries that he performed. Dr. Fonn practiced through his professional corporation Midwest Neurosurgeons. Ms. Deborah Seeger, who has been Dr. Fonn’s fiancé since 2008, started a spinal implant distributorship business called DS Medical in November 2008. Dr. Fonn then used DS Medical as his spinal implant distributor for most of the spinal implants he chose to implant during his surgeries from 2009-12. Many of Dr. Fonn’s patients had insurance coverage through Medicare and Medicaid, which are federal programs. The trial involved federal program payments for 228 spinal surgeries involving Medicaid and Medicaid patients.
Once DS Medical began operating, Ms. Seeger typically received 50% commissions on the implants Dr. Fonn used during his surgeries, meaning Dr. Fonn’s treatment choices directly impacted his fiance’s distributorship income. The evidence at trial established that when Dr. Fonn used expensive implants, or multiple implants during surgeries, her commission income increased. After Ms. Seeger received commission income through DS Medical, the evidence at trial established that Ms. Seeger spent some of that income to benefit Dr. Fonn through home improvements, a Sea Lion yacht, and many other purchases and expenditures. The United States alleged that that this conduct by defendants and their corporations violated the Anti-Kickback statute, a federal law that prohibits health care providers from making patient referrals in exchange for any direct or indirect benefits. Further, the United States alleged that this conduct violated the civil False Claims Act, in that defendants submitted or caused to be submitted claims for the surgeries and professional surgeries associated with these implants.
Through their verdicts, the federal jury agreed with the Government on 2/3 of the counts brought in the civil complaint from the case. The jury had made a number of findings in its verdict, including a $1,652,557 recovery to the Medicare and Medicaid program under the Government’s conspiracy claim, and a specific finding that each defendant conspired to submit 228 separate false claims to Medicare and Medicaid.
Typically, under federal law, damages are trebled under the False Claims Act. Courts also impose a statutory penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim. Accordingly, the total amount of defendants’ civil liability was determined by the Court through the judgment issued today after the parties filed briefs, using the factual findings from the jury’s verdict.
Today’s judgment resolves a lawsuit that was filed by several Cape Girardeau, Missouri doctors and health care providers under the qui tam or “whistleblower” provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Cairns et al. v. DS Medical et al., Case No. 1:12-CV-0004 AGF. The United States appreciates the relators’ interest in program integrity, and their assistance with this successful outcome. Defendants could further be liable for additional sums beyond the judgment issued today, including the costs of the lawsuit and attorneys’ fees of the relators.
The case was jointly handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Civil Frauds section of the Commercial Litigation Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
First of Three Atlanta Men Charged with Theft of Mail Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
St. Louis - The first of three Atlanta-area men charged last month with stealing mail as part of an identity theft ring pleaded guilty this morning. Willie Joe Trice, 28, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal mail and faces up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both.
According to court documents, Trice admitted that, when he was stopped by St. Charles County police late in the evening of August 6, 2018, he had stolen mail from a business in the area and intended to acquire personally identifiable information from the mail and use that information on counterfeit checks and access devices. Trice also admitted he had traveled to the St. Louis area from Atlanta for the purpose of obtaining personal information to be used in the conspiracy.
Trice appeared before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and deferred sentencing until December 20, 2018. Trice remains in federal custody pending sentencing.
“It is rare to apprehend an identity thief in the act of stealing personal information. Too often, these offenders are not identified until they have stolen information and successfully exploited it many times. Thanks to the good work of this federal-local investigation, that will not be the case here,” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen.
The case was investigated by the St. Charles County Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Two St. Charles Residents Charged with Possession of Two Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Louis - Two St. Charles residents were charged in federal court for possessing with the intent to distribute two kilograms of fentanyl today in United States District Court in St. Louis.
Ruben Lopez, 27, and Jonathen Aguilar, 31, of St. Charles, Missouri, were taken into custody yesterday after federal search warrants revealed one kilogram of fentanyl bound for an apartment in the 2000 block of Avignon Drive in St. Charles and another kilogram of the opioid painkiller at another apartment. The government has sought detention of both defendants, who are entitled to a probable cause hearing and a detention hearing next week.
According to the statement filed in support of a criminal complaint, federal investigators intercepted a suspicious Priority Mail package addressed to the Avignon address with a return address in La Mirada, California. The investigators obtained a warrant to open the mail parcel which contained a one-kilogram brick of fentanyl concealed inside clothing.
The investigators secured the fentanyl, which is too hazardous to be safely handled, and conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to the Avignon address. Defendant Lopez brought the package inside the residence and the investigators entered soon thereafter to execute another warrant for the residence. Inside, they found a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun and two machines capable of encapsulating drugs. Another warrant executed yesterday in the 400 block of Molina Way, also in St. Charles, revealed a second quantity of approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and $19,000 in cash. Two kilograms of fentanyl carry a street value of more than $100,000.
Lopez and Aguilar are charged with possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a charge carrying a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence. They are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty.
These charges are a result of a joint investigation between the St. Louis Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the St. Charles County Police Department, the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force, the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the St. Peters Police Department.
“Through our strategic, investigative operations we removed more than 1.5 million potentially lethal doses of poison from hitting the streets of St. Charles County,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the DEA St. Louis Division. “The DEA’s mission is clear and we will continue to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug trafficking organizations who impact our communities.”
Assistant Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s St. Louis Field Office J.R. Ball stated, “Criminals who believe they can use the U.S. Mail to transport dangerous illegal narcotics into our communities are mistaken. The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to identifying these individuals and bringing them to justice. Today’s arrests are examples of that commitment.”
St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Tim Lohmar added, “I am proud of the collaboration between the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force, St. Peters Police Department, St. Charles County Police Department, DEA and the United States Postal Inspector. It’s outstanding efforts like these that cut off the supply lines fueling the opiate epidemic that plague our communities.”
Federal Jury Finds Federal Probationer Guilty of Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – After a two-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict for the United States finding Philandias Samuel Calvin guilty of assaulting federal law enforcement officers as they attempted to arrest him pursuant to two valid arrest warrants.
According to evidence at trial, on December 6, 2017, Calvin was present inside the United States Probation Office located in the Thomas F. Eagleton federal courthouse. Days earlier, two arrest warrants had been issued as a result of Calvin’s continued violations of his federal supervised release. (Calvin had previously been convicted of at least two separate federal crimes and, as part of his sentence following incarceration, Calvin was placed on federal supervised release.)
As two United States Probation Officers and three Deputy United States Marshals informed Calvin of his arrest warrants, Calvin became verbally combative. Calvin then punched one Deputy United States Marshal in the face. Calvin continued to resist arrest as the federal officials attempted to arrest him, injuring two other federal officials.
U. S. Attorney Jeff Jensen applauded the courage, efforts and support of the United States Marshal Service and United States Probation Office that directly resulted in this verdict, “The evidence showed these federal officers and professionals were injured in the course of their duties which included trying to help the Defendant through his court supervision. I am pleased the jury agreed and vindicated their efforts.”
Calvin, 33, St. Louis, MO, was indicted on January 10, 2018 charging him with one felony count of assaulting a federal official engaged in their duties.
He faces up to eight years of imprisonment for the conviction, and a potential fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.
Sentencing has been set for December 20, 2018 before the Honorable Catherine D. Perry.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service with the assistance of the United States Probation Office.
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Director of Finance at Local Company Admits to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – James Guccione, 51, of St. Louis County pleaded guilty to wire fraud this afternoon before Chief Judge Rodney Sippel in St. Louis.
According to his plea agreement, Guccione admitted to a fraud scheme whereby he ordered computer hardware and software through his employer and converted the equipment to his own use. Additionally, Guccione admitted to falsifying reimbursement requests from his employer which were directed into his personal bank account. As Director of Finance, Guccione admitted he abused a position of trust in the execution of the fraud scheme. Guccione did not agree to a particular amount of loss but the U.S. Attorney’s Office contends more than $331,000 was taken during the scheme.
Judge Sippel accepted Guccione’s plea and deferred sentencing until December 21, 2018. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory.
The case was investigated by the Clayton Police Department with assistance from the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Two Chicago Men Charged in a Federal Complaint in Connection with a Traffic StopRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Alfredo Quintero, 21, of Chicago, and Alonso Villalvazo, 22, Chicago, were charged in a federal criminal complaint regarding a traffic stop which resulted in the seizure of approximately 7.5 pounds of cocaine.
According to the affidavit of the complaint, on September 10, 2018, a DEA Task Force Officer stopped a grey Chevrolet pickup truck traveling eastbound on Interstate 44 in Phelps County, Missouri, for a traffic violation of failing to properly affix a valid and readily identifiable license plate to a vehicle. The driver, Alonso Villalvazo, and passenger, Alfredo Quintero, both gave completely different accounts of their travel to Chicago. Quintero gave the officer consent to search the vehicle for suspected illegal narcotics or large bulk currency. During the search, he disclosed to the officer that narcotics were inside the vehicle hidden in a void inside the front vehicle differential and showed the officer the location of the narcotics. After dismantling the front vehicle differential, seven individually wrapped bundles were recovered and investigators seized approximately 3,489 gross grams (7 ½ lbs.) of cocaine.
Quintero and Villalvazo were charged with one felony count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. The United States Attorney requested that both be detained pending trial.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Orwick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
California Man Charged in a Federal Complaint in Connection with a Traffic StopRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jonathan Bobadilla-Soto, 26, of Adelanto, California, was charged in a federal criminal complaint regarding a traffic stop which resulted in the seizure of approximately 34 pounds of ICE (crystal methamphetamine).
According to the affidavit of the complaint, on September 12, 2018, Task Force Officers stopped a white colored Chevrolet Traverse SUV travelling westbound on Interstate 70 in Foristell, Missouri, for a traffic violation of failing to signal when changing lanes and for failing to stop at a red light. The driver, Jonathan Bobadilla-Soto, and front seat passenger were informed by the officers the reason for the stop and began to converse with Bobadilla-Soto about his purpose of his travel. Officers asked Bobadilla-Soto for consent to search the vehicle for suspected illegal narcotics or large bulk currency, which he granted.
After a brief search of the vehicle and while opening the rear SUV hatch by an officer, the hatch would not automatically stay up and came crashing down on the officer. After the officer became suspicious that the hatch was too heavy to remain in the open position, he observed a small gap in the plastic interior molding of the hatch. After dismantling the rear SUV hatch, officers discovered 17 individually wrapped bundles of ICE, placed inside the vehicle’s natural void. A continued search revealed five (5) individually wrapped bundles in the rear passenger side quarter panel, six (6) individually wrapped bundles in the rear ceiling compartment and six (6) individually wrapped bundles in the rear driver side quarter panel which all contained ICE.
Bobadilla-Soto was charged with one felony count of Possession with Intent to Distribute ICE. The United States Attorney requested that he be detained pending trial.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the St. Charles County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Orwick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former Washington University Official Indicted for Embezzling from Medical SchoolRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Barbara “Basia” Skudrzyk, a/k/a Barbara “Basia” Najarro, of St. Louis, was indicted last Thursday on six counts of mail fraud.
The indictment alleges that beginning in May 2010 and continuing through July 31, 2018, Skudrzyk defrauded Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri of in excess of approximately $300,000 through various means. Skudrzyk was employed as the Business Director for the Division of Medical Education at Washington University. On many occasions, Skudrzyk hired contractors and other service providers to perform personal services for her benefit, and at her personal residence. She would then create, submit and approve false invoices and false W-9 tax forms for these contractors and other service providers to make it appear as if they had performed work for the Division of Medical Education when they had not. Skudrzyk approved and processed payment to these contractors and other service providers from Washington University’s funds. Further, Skudrzyk purchased VISA gift cards at the Washington University bookstore, forging another Washington University employee’s signature on the receipts and charging the purchases to the Division of Medical Education. Skudrzyk then used the VISA gift cards for her own personal use, including for purchases at restaurants, a jewelry store, and other retailers. Additionally, Skudrzyk falsified and changed invoices from two different travel companies for airline flights for herself and her family to such places as Krakow, Poland, Munich, Germany, Bangkok, Thailand, Guatemala City, Guatemala, and Toronto, Canada. Skudrzyk submitted, processed and approved these falsified invoices in order to get Washington University to pay for the personal trips.
If Skudrzk is convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution to the victim 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 Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance and cooperation of Washington University. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Continued Increase in Federal Regional Violent Crime ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers. Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime. At least 85% of federal sentences must be served; there is no parole in the federal system. None. Sentences are served in prisons far from St. Louis. Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in August as a result of the hard work of police and agents:
Antonio Brown, 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Michael Brown, 21, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Shawn Fritschle, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jermaine Gibbs, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Orlando Grimmett, 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lamont Hamm, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Joshua Matthews, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Deverin Myers, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Jamar Robinson, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Christine Smith, 60, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one felony count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Deandre Evans, 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Samuel Taylor, 39, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Tommie Williams, 66, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Devin Barnett, 35, St. Louis, Simmons, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Michael Finley, 34, Florissant, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Cyrus Jackson, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Bryant Johsnon, 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
A.Y. McClenton, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Adam Moore, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Reiko Perry, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert Smith, 28, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Laron Brown, 40, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Gene Cumberland, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Larry Lott, 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Terry Mooney, 33, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Antwuan Morrow, 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Maurice Murphy, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.
John Oliver, 26, Alton, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lawrence Patterson was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Elizabeth Reid, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Trevion Hopson, 20, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Keith Spearman, 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Percy Word, 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Derek Bowser, 33, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of false statement in connection with acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer and user of illegal narcotics in possession of a firearm.
Roy Cooper, 34, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Dayon Fips, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Levander Williams, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jason Aubuchon, 31, Fenton, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Chad J. Coffman, 37, pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm.
Horatio Sumrall, Jr., 29, Belleville, IL, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Zackary Ward, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Joseph Saunders, 39, Hazelwood, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Frazier, 29, Florissant, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jerome Green, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Kerry Bolden, 43, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert E. Jones, 54, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Juzzton A. Hill, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jalen Sherrell, 22, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Mario McKnight, 24, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Travis Robinson, 21, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Steven Conner, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Isiah Williams, 25, Hazelwood, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
John H. McIntosh, 59, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Donald L. Shaw, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Wilbert Anderson, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Lywayne M. Scott, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and acting with others to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.
Corey Ward, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Cameron M. Bryant, 24, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Edward R. Watson, 68, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Shagretta Turner, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
Dennis Washington, 36, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Lyle Deloch, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Enzie Walton, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Vernon DeFrance, 52, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Caldra Williford, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Dewayne Franklin, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Derrick Hudson, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Derrick Perryman, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Decoreyon J. Harris, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Nathan Allen, 58, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kristin D. Johnson-Arnold, 24, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
David Staples, 49, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Charles Alicea, 36, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jeffrey M. Meyer, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Dyanthany Proudie, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Parron Walker, 47, St. Louis, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert Pruitt, Jr., 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Marlon Williams, 46, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Tayler Griffin, 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Tucker was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Terrill Watt, 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Cortez Davis, 39, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Derek Brown, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 93 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm; manufacture a controlled substance drug; and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Harold J. Hoskin, Jr., 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Edward Crawford, 37, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Deandre Jones, 29, was sentenced to 23 months in prison for carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
Daniel Eldridge, 41, Mineral Point, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Otis Jones, 25, St. Louis, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Ronell Williams, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Frank Hart, 45, Jennings, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and carjacking.
Jerry Massey, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance drug.
Jurmont Clark, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert J. Moore, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Alex Taylor, 21, St. Louis, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day for felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert Reinhardt, 53, St. Louis, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance drug.
Marlon Williams, 46, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Wardell Polk, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 252 months in prison for robbing a Taco Bell (Hobbs Act), discharing a firearm during a federal crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm.
Dedrick Conley, 27, East St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance drug.
Ishmael L. Hargrove, 21, Florissant, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
David Lee, Jr., 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Two Foreign Nationals Charged with Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office has charged two foreign nationals with credit card fraud. Mrejuica Madalin, 30, and Laszlo Solomes, 31, were arrested by St. Louis County Police on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 on suspicion of credit card fraud.
On Tuesday morning, the pair were observed using a succession of different cards at an ATM in the 4300 block of Telegraph Road in South St. Louis County. Responding to a citizen complaint, the St. Louis County Police stopped their vehicle and discovered a large quantity of cash, stolen mail and financial documents in the name of a third party. The investigation continued and a search of the pair’s hotel room revealed a large cache of counterfeit gift cards and stored value cards, a laptop computer and a card encoding machine.
The United States Attorney’s Office has sought detention of Madalin and Solomes as it appears neither is legally in the United States. Madalin was traveling under a counterfeit Belgian passport in the name of another. Solomes was in possession of a valid Hungarian passport but appears not to hold a valid visa to be in the United States.
Both men appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging them with possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1029(a)(3), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000 or both.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Immigration and the Customs Enforcement (ICE) Bureau of the Department of Homeland Security. Tom Albus is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
Violent Drug Dealer Receives 15 Year SentenceRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Keith English, 26, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession with the intent to distribute more than a kilogram of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug dealing activities. English appeared before Judge E. Richard Webber in United States District Court in St. Louis this morning.
English admitted to a string of arrests during which he was found in possession of drugs and weapons in St. Louis County during 2017. The final confrontation involved a sale of two ounces of methamphetamine on a north county parking lot during which English was arrested with a 9 millimeter handgun after briefly trying to outrun the police. In all, English admitted to possessing three different handguns. English also admitted to using straw purchasers to obtain firearms for himself and other convicted felons who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
“Drug dealing and illegal weapons are a dangerous combination for our community. This sentence reflects that danger and will keep a violent drug dealer out of the community for a long time,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
The case was investigated by the St. Ann Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Hazelwood Police Department, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – St. Louis Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Koppenaal handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Stolen U-Haul, AR-15, and Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Antwan Crossland, 21, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to possessing counterfeit currency. Crossland appeared this afternoon before United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey. Sentencing is set for November 28, 2018.
On September 20, 2017, Antwan Crossland was stopped by officers with the St. Peters Police Department driving a stolen U-Haul truck. The officers found an AR15 rifle in his lap, counterfeit United States Currency, and a driver’s license in the name of another individual.
Prior to the stop by the police officers, Crossland had driven Desiree Hill and another individual to a local retailer, and instructed them to purchase a television with the money he provided. Store personnel refused the transaction when they realized the money was counterfeit. Their alert to the St. Peters Police Department resulted in the vehicle stop.
Desiree Hill was sentenced on June 1, 2018 to a six month term of incarceration after pleading guilty to making false statements to law enforcement officials. The false statements arose when Hill lied as to the source of the counterfeit currency she attempted to pass at Crossland’s behest.
The counterfeit currency found was less than $1,500.00.
Possessing counterfeit currency carries a penalty of not more than ten years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000 or both.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the St. Peters Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the government.
Warren County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Distributing Opiods and Medicare FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dr. Philip Dean, 62, a resident of Warren County, Missouri, pled guilty today to two felony charges, illegally distributing opiate medications and making a false statement to the Medicare program.
According to his plea agreement, Dr. Dean operated a medical office in Warren County, Missouri. Dr. Dean had personal relationships with three women, living with these women for some time periods. While engaging in personal relationships with these women, Dr. Dean also prescribed them with prescription opioid pain relief medications, including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and several forms of Fentanyl. The two felony charges from Dr. Dean’s plea agreement involve two of these women, referred to by their initials in the plea agreement as R.W. and C.H.
Regarding patient R.W., before his prescribing decisions at issue in this case, Dr. Dean was aware that R.W. had lost her health care provider license after experiencing serious prescription drug abuse problems. Dr. Dean was also aware that R.W. had been involved in motor vehicle accidents and traffic stops by police after driving while intoxicated because of prescription drugs. Nevertheless, during 2015-16, Dr. Dean prescribed R.W. with assorted opioid medications, including a fentanyl medication that was only approved for medical use by cancer patients with break-through pain. R.W. does not have cancer. R.W. repeatedly consumed her thirty day supplies of these prescription drugs before thirty days had elapsed. Recognizing that prescribing R.W. with duplicative and overlapping prescriptions for thirty day supplies of opiates would raise suspicion, Dr. Dean repeatedly prescribed R.W. with additional opiate prescriptions using the name of R.W.’s family member. Medicare funded these prescriptions, not knowing that R.W. was ending up with these medications. Dr. Dean personally picked up and paid a co-payment for one of these hydrocodone prescriptions that he wrote for R.W. using another patient’s name.
Regarding C.H., defendant issued her a prescription for Codeine, an opiate pain medication and controlled substance, on March 31, 2017 after exchanging text messages of a personal nature with her. Dr. Dean did not examine C.H. before issuing the prescription on March 31, 2017. According to medical records seized during the execution of a search warrant at the medical office, C.H. had not visited Dr. Dean’s office since January 24, 2017.
Dr. Dean admitted in his plea agreement that his opioid prescribing decisions exposed these patients to a risk of serious bodily injury, given the potency and side effects of the drugs he was prescribing and the patients’ histories of drug problems.
Dr. Dean pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge E. Richard Webber. Sentencing has been set for November 20, 2108. He now faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $500,000, for the drug distribution, and a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 for the false statement to Medicare. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
“This is an outrageous violation of the trust our society commits to physicians. Dr. Dean violated that trust and exploited his drug dependent patients. On top of it all, the taxpayers were forced to foot the bill for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Kansas City Region, stated, “Regarding our agency’s ongoing efforts in combating our nation’s opioid crisis, our office will continue to aggressively pursue those who misuse their positions and recklessly prescribe medication to our beneficiaries.”
“Prescription opioids serve an important purpose when used legitimately for patients suffering from chronic pain and illness. In this particular case, we had a doctor with the power to write prescriptions misrepresenting the truth, supplying narcotics to people with serious addiction issues that he was aware of and bilking all of us who pay taxes while doing it. The Drug Enforcement Administration will continue to pursue these bad actors to bring them to justice. Addiction to opioids is a serious illness and we will not allow doctors to abuse their authority for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Warrenton Police Department, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
Deceitful Tax Preparer Headed to PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Asmerom “Ace” Keleta was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and prepared fraudulent tax returns. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $662,645.
According to court documents, Keleta operated University City Tax Service starting in 2012. He conspired with employees Miyoshi Lewis and Teklom Paulos to prepare fraudulent tax returns for clients. He directed the employees to fraudulently inflate client tax refunds by listing false American Opportunity educational tax credits and federal fuel tax credits as well as creating false Schedule C income in order to fraudulently maximize the Earned Income Credits. Keleta also prepared false tax returns for clients. Keleta, as the owner of University City Tax Service, received a percentage of the clients’ inflated tax returns.
Keleta, 33, of St. Louis, was found guilty by a federal jury on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and preparing fraudulent tax returns. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White.
“This tax preparer exploited tax credits designed to assist the working poor and middle class families who seek higher education,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. “This stiff sentence will help protect the integrity of our voluntary tax system.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins.
Felon in Prison Pleads Guilty to Possessing HeroinRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Lywayne Marquis Scott, 35, of St. Louis, pled guilty to two counts – one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. He appeared in federal court on Wednesday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey.
According to court documents, prior to October 20, 1016, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were informed that Scott was in possession of an AK-47 type firearm while occupying a vacant house on Bacon. After officers executed a search warrant, Scott was present in the house and found on the table was a loaded ROMARM SA/Cugir, WASR-10 semi-automatic firearm (a AK-47 type) and other firearms. He admitted possessing that firearm.
On September 25, 2017, Scott was incarcerated in the Jennings jail for the above conduct. During the guards’ investigation of an inmate using a contraband cell phone in the yard of the facility, a search of Scott’s pants revealed a golf ball size amount of white powder which fell to the ground. The white powder was analyzed and found to be 20 grams of heroin.
Scott faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on the felon in possession of a firearm count and faces not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on possession with intent to distribute heroin. Sentencing has been set for November 14, 2018. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Nine Previously Deported Aliens Indicted after Traffic Stop in St. Louis CountyRead the Press Release
An August 2nd traffic stop on Interstate 44 in southwest St. Louis County has led to the indictment of nine previously deported aliens who are alleged to have taken part in an alien smuggling scheme.
Rene Flores-Calderon, age, 34, is alleged to have smuggled eight previously deported aliens into St. Louis County before being discovered during a traffic stop on Interstate 44 in the southwestern part of St. Louis County. Flores-Calderon is also alleged himself to have illegally re-entered the United States after being deported from Del Rio, Texas in 2016 to Mexico.
The eight other previously deported aliens Flores-Calderon is alleged to have smuggled and who are each alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States after deportation are:
- Eladio Velasquez-Velasquez, age 24, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Calexico, California earlier in 2018 to Mexico.
- Elias Velasquez-Vleasquez, age 30, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Brownsville, Texas in 2009 to Mexico.
- Enrique Sebastian Cedillo-Santiago, age 24, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Brownsville, Texas in 2017 to Guatemala.
- Mynor Lucas Galvez-Galvez, age 28, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Phoenix, Arizona in 2015 to Guatemala.
- Jose David Hernandez-Salazar, age 34, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Chandler, Arizona in 2007 to Honduras.
- Aaron Danilo Rivera-Urbina, age 29, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Phoeniz, Arizona in 2016 to Honduras.
- Carlos Joel Perez-Merino, age 32, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Phoenix, Arizona earlier in 2018 to El Salvador.
- Jose Danilo Balan-Boc, age 21, who is alleged to have been previously deported earlier in 2018 to Guatemala.
All nine defendants named in the Indictment have been in Immigration custody since being discovered on August 2nd. They will remain in custody until the conclusion of their criminal cases.
Flores-Calderon, the alleged smuggler, faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years for each of eight alien smuggling charges and an additional ten years on his unlawful re-entry charge.
Because of his prior criminal convictions, Rivera-Urbina faces up to twenty years imprisonment for unlawful re-entry.
Title 8 United States Code Section 1326 sets out enhanced penalty ranges for those convicted of unlawful re-entry with prior criminal convictions.
The seven remaining defendants face a term of imprisonment of up to 2 years on the charges of unlawful re-entry.
If convicted, all nine defendants also face removal from the United States after completing a term of imprisonment.
“Human smugglers are driven by greed and demonstrate a total disregard for our laws and for human life,” said James M. Gibbons, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Chicago. “HSI will continue to enforce the laws these criminals attempt to skirt, in our commitment to pursue those that exploit and endanger the people they smuggle into our country.”
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from the Missouri Highway Patrol, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Eureka Police Department and the Pacific Police Department.
- Eladio Velasquez-Velasquez, age 24, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Calexico, California earlier in 2018 to Mexico.
Dollar General Robber Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Lawrence K. Patterson, 25, of St. Louis, was charged in a federal indictment charging him with one felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the indictment, on or about July 16, 2018, Lawrence Patterson walked into a Dollar General Store and approached two employees with a firearm. Patterson demanded that they open the store safe and give him the money contained therein. Patterson was arrested by the St. Louis Police Department in the 5900 block of Delmar on the city’s west side shortly after the robbery.
If convicted, the charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, not more than life, consecutive to all other counts.
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.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives with assistance from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Continued Increase in Federal Regional Violent Crime ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers. Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime. At least 85% of federal sentences must be served; there is no parole in the federal system. None. Sentences are served in prisons far from St. Louis. Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in July as a result of the hard work of police and agents:
Lavelle Bolden, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Melvin T. Cunigan, 62, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Leroy Shipp, 50, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm during a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Leontaye Combs, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Norris Douglas, Jr., 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Tiara Johnson, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Addrian McKissic, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of one or more firearms; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Michael Moore, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Eddie Morrow, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Cristian Perez, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Michael Upchurch, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of one or more firearms.
Alexander Williams, 25, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Kevin Carter, 60, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Mark Hayes, 45, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Josh Hudson, 28, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jeffrey Kelly, 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Andre King, 20, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Hayward Travis McKinney, 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possess with intent to distribute Fentanyl; possessing one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Reginald Saddler, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Tra’mayne Street, 20, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Gregory Thompson, 38, East St. Louis, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Keivin Cole, 33, Spanish Lake, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Cameron M. Bryant, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possess a controlled substance drug; carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Kirk K. Darden, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possess a controlled substance drug; carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Jalen Sherrell, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Deandre Smith, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possess a controlled substance drug and carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Jerrinon Tate, 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a federal crime of violence and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Drew Conley, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Eric Davis, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert Steed, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Larry Weeden, Jr., 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Joshua J. Pollard, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to three felony counts of possessing stolen firearms.
Jamacian Brown, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Willie Curtis, 53, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Corvon Dixson, 21, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Booker Young, Jr., 50, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Arthur Garrett, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Cameron Sutton, 26, St. Ann, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.
Raymond Willis, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Brian O’Neal, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Cecil Cooper, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.
Shelton Bailey, 45, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Charles J. Jones, 45, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Demetris A. Bradley, 41, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Deron Smith, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Carl Terry, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Carl G. Nettles, 56, Park Hills, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Carl W. Willis, 64, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
David E. Teague, 50, Jennings, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Corey Felton, 46, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Travis, Garner, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Clinton Murphy, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Larry Belcarist, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert Garnett, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kevin Setlzer, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Tommie Lee, 67, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methadone.
Deandreck Johnson, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kyle Miller, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Christopher Walter, 44, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kevin Chattman, 41, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Marqus Shores, 35, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Justin Cordes, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Dormond Hampton, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Devon M. Harris, 23, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jamare Ash, 32, Jennings, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Antoine Bonnett, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Craig Allen, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Lemario Q. Johnson, 39, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert E. Jones, 53, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Willie J. Mitchell, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kenneth White, Jr., 23, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Keith West, 60, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jermayne Welch, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Derrill Watt, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Leo Adams, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Tyrone L. Williams, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Nathanial L. Archie, 43, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
William L. Owens, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
James Bradley, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
John H. Harvey, 34, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Deante Works, 39, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
William Bowen, 39, St. Louis, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
Melvin Pryor, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Jerry B. Jones, 30, Belleville, IL, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Xaviaire D. Moton, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Odell A. Pickett, Jr., 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 204 months in prison for carjacking; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; and possession with intent to distribute.
Nicholas O. Johnson, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance drug and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
Tawana Cunningham, 28, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for Hobbs Act Robberies.
Donald Haynes, 33, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Clarence Bradford, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Derick Bowers, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Demarye Briggs, 20, St. Charles, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Tyrell Reed, 32, was sentenced to 77 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Kerry Caldwell, 55, Florissant, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Michael Lewis, 27, St. Louis, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Jermaine Lewis, 37, St. Louis, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Luther Hall, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Trevon McClelland, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Marquis Gray, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Simon Gebregziabher, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Darrell R. Gordon, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Teran Willis, 36, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Earl McNeal, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
St. Louis Man Indicted for Killing Laclede Cab DriverRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – James Flannel, 37, of St. Louis, MO, was indicted for the carjacking and killing of Boris Iouioukine, a Laclede Cab Company driver killed on June 25, 2018. Specifically, the three-count indictment returned this morning charges Flannel with one count of carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in the death of Mr. Iouioukine, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition during the same general time period.
Flannel was originally charged by way of federal complaint for his illegal possession of ammunition on June 27, 2018, two days after the murder. He was ultimately located by law enforcement and taken into federal custody on July 14, 2018. Flannel has been detained ever since. Today’s superseding indictment adds charges related to Flannel’s carjacking and killing of Mr. Iouioukine.
If convicted, the felon in possession of ammunition charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. The carjacking charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years. Flannel’s possession of a firearm resulting in Mr. Iouioukine’s death carries an additional consecutive mandatory minimum penalty ranging from 10 years to life or the imposition of the death penalty. In determining actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
Following the return of today’s indictment, U. S. Attorney Jeff Jensen commended the swift action of and coordination between the Saint Louis Metropolitan and Saint Louis County Police Departments; the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; his office; and the Saint Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, “This case is a good example of the cooperative, ‘all hands on deck’ philosophy our state, local and federal partners have embraced in response to the persistent gun violence in the St. Louis area.”
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.
Poplar Bluff Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that Antwoine Carnell Johnson, Age 23, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, pled guilty to charges of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Johnson appeared before United States District Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. on July 31, 2018.
Johnson was arrested after a Missouri State Highway Patrol Officer stopped Johnson for speeding and discovered that his license was revoked. Officers located drug scales, heroin, methamphetamine, a loaded revolver and $6,574.00 in suspected drug proceeds in Johnson’s vehicle. His sentencing is set for November 6th, 2018.
Johnson faces a maximum punishment of 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000,000 on the drug charges and not less than five years, nor more than life on the firearm charge.
This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Willis handled the prosecution for the Government.
Lilbourn Man Sentenced to 147 Months for Attempted Carjacking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that JUSTIN D. PERRY, age 34, of Lilbourn, Missouri, was sentenced to 147 months on one felony count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, one felony count of Attempted Carjacking and one felony count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. He appeared before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr.
At his plea on March 21, 2018, Perry admitted that on December 4, 2015, he entered a 2004 Ford pickup truck that was owned by another person, while it was parked outside the owner’s residence and unlocked. Perry found a Ruger, 9mm caliber pistol in the truck, took it inside the residence and approached the owner. Perry pointed the pistol at the owner and demanded the keys to his Ford truck. The victim looked at the pistol and recognized it as his own pistol. The victim spoke to Perry and convinced Perry to allow the victim to drive Perry to Lilbourn, Missouri. The victim went into his bedroom by himself to get dressed. While there, the victim called police officers and told them of the situation. Perry and the victim got in the truck, with the victim driving Perry toward Lilbourn. A Missouri State Highway Patrol officer had been alerted as to the crime and was looking for the victim’s truck. The officer got behind the victim’s truck and turned on his emergency lights. The victim pulled the truck to the side of the road. Perry attempted to flee on foot, but was soon captured.
Perry has previous convictions for Stealing a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Driving While Intoxicated. He had been sentenced to serve a term of state imprisonment of 15 years. The federal sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to the state sentence.
This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Sorrell handled the prosecution for the Government.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Guns out of St. Louis County Police CarsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Joshua John Pollard, 20, of St. Louis, pled guilty to three counts of possessing stolen firearms. He appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey.
According to court documents, on January 12, 2018, Pollard broke the windows of a St. Louis County Police vehicle and forcefully stole a Colt AR-15, fully loaded with a 20-round magazine and a Remington 870 pump action shotgun loaded with four rounds.
On January 29, 2018, Pollard broke a window of a second St. Louis County Police vehicle and forcefully stole a Rock River, AR-15 and a Remington 870 pump action shotgun.
On January 30, 2018, Pollard broke the window of a vehicle and stole a 40-caliber Glock model G23 generation 4 semi-automatic firearm. Investigation by members of the St. Louis County Police Department led to the arrest of Pollard on February 1st who admitted breaking into the two police vehicles and another vehicle in St. Charles.
“I greatly appreciate the hard work by all those who brought about the swift and successful conclusion to these investigations,” Colonel Jon M. Belmar, Chief of Police, said. “It is a fine example of the great collaborative work between local and federal authorities that we enjoy here in the St. Louis Region.”
Pollard faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on each count. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. Sentencing has been set for October 30, 2018. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Cape Girardeau Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearm following Stand-off with PoliceRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that JAMES W. MATHENA, age 51, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a residence in Cape Girardeau on December 15, 2017 after Mathena made various threats against his elderly parents. When officers arrived, Mathena barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to come out. After a stand-off lasting nearly three hours, Mathena finally exited the residence and surrendered to authorities. Officers subsequently recovered a shotgun from Mathena’s bedroom in the basement. Mathena was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because he is a convicted felon. Mathena’s criminal history included a 1988 felony conviction from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas for assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Mathena also had felony convictions for robbery, assault, distribution of methamphetamine, driving while intoxicated, and unlawful possession of firearms.
This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the government.
Bollinger County Man Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that Clinton Jay Reynolds, age 27, of Marble Hill Missouri, was sentenced to 92 months of incarceration for Possession of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Firearms by a Felon. Reynolds was also ordered to serve a total of 4 years of supervised release and pay a $200 special assessment. Reynolds appeared before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. on July 30, 2018.
Reynolds had previously pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing firearms after being convicted of several felony offenses. Reynolds was arrested after the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at his residence near Marble Hill in rural Bollinger County and seized 62 grams of methamphetamine and eight firearms. Reynolds has prior felony convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Burglary Second Degree, Receiving Stolen Property, Felony Theft and felony Resisting Arrest by Fleeing.
This case was investigated by the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Department, the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Willis handled the prosecution for the Government.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Two Bank Robberies while on Parole for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – David T. McGee, 47, of St. Louis, pled guilty to two counts of committing a bank robbery. He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2017, McGee entered the Great Southern Bank in Ferguson and slid a piece of paper to the teller stating that she should give him some money. McGee wanted large bills and provided a plastic bag for the teller to put the money in. The teller grabbed a large stack of U.S. Currency and asked if that was enough to which McGee responded yes and left the bank.
On May 8, 2017, McGee entered the Bank of America in St. Charles and handed a teller a plastic bag and a note, which read that he needed straps of $100s, $50s and 20s. The teller gave him the U.S. Currency and McGee left the bank. McGee was on supervised release for a bank robbery in Illinois.
McGee faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on each count. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Jury Finds in Favor of ATF Agent in Civil SuitRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – A federal jury in St. Louis returned a verdict today in favor of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) agent who was accused of using excessive force in shooting into a vehicle during an undercover operation in 2012. Myron Pollard of St. Louis was killed in the incident and his mother was seeking $6 million in damages from the agent and the United States. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr.
On August 29, 2012, Special Agent Bernard Hansen was part of an ATF Special Response Team undercover operation which was targeting subjects suspected of preparing a home invasion to rob the occupants of drugs and money. The SRT agents planned to arrest the subjects at the gathering point located near the intersection of Grand and Iron in the south city neighborhood of Holly Hills. As Special Agent Hansen emerged from the SRT truck to effect an arrest, one of the subjects, Dametrius Creighton, accelerated his Grand Prix in the direction of the special agent and the other members of the SRT team. Special Agent Hansen fired several times into the vehicle in an effort to stop it. One of the rounds fatally struck Myron Pollard who was riding in the front passenger seat of the Grand Prix. The Government argued that the agent’s use of deadly force was reasonable under all of the circumstances and the jury agreed. Creighton was convicted of conspiracy and firearms charges based on this incident and is serving a sentence at the federal prison facility in Marion, Illinois.
The case was tried by Karin Schute and Nicholas Llewellyn of the United States Attorney’s Office who were assisted by Stephen Brodsky who is an ATF area counsel.
Facebook Seller Indicted for Robbing and Shooting CustomerRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Natez Fisher, 18, of St. Louis, MO, was arrested this morning stemming from a two-count indictment charging him with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the Indictment, on April 16, 2018, Natez Fisher placed an ad on Facebook Marketplace for the sale of a gaming system. S.K. agreed to purchase the item and met with Fisher at which time Fisher pointed a firearm at S.K., demanded S.K.’s money, and shot him.
If convicted, the robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the defendant could face an additional consecutive mandatory minimum of ten years because the defendant shot the victim during the robbery. 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 and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former St. Louis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Accept BribesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Cauncenet Brown, 42, of Perris, CA, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to accept bribes in connection with a scheme to obtain un-redacted accident reports for use in Dr. Mitchell Davis’ Chiropractic Clinic.
According to court documents, former Police Officer Cauncenet Brown received payments from Galina Davis, the wife of Dr. Mitchell Davis – a St. Louis chiropractor, for providing accident reports and information. Brown was a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) police officer from about 2003 to November 2011 and again from 2013 until she left the SLMPD for the last time in 2015. While at the SLMPD, Brown knew and worked with Police Officer Marlon Caldwell and Police Officer Terri Owens. For a time, Caldwell provided the accident reports or information to Galina Davis; later both Caldwell and Brown provided the reports and information. Before Brown left the SLMPD in 2011, she told Owens that she could make some money by providing information contained in the un-redacted accident reports to Galina Davis. Brown told Owens that she should contact Galina Davis, if she was willing to provide the information to Galina Davis. When Brown returned to the department in 2013, she again received payments from Galina Davis in return for disclosing un-redacted accident reports or information from those reports.
Marlon Caldwell and Mark Taylor are awaiting trial on conspiracy and bribery charges.
Co-conspirators Terri Owens, Dr. Mitchell Davis, and Galina Davis have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Brown faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Reginald Harris are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal Indictment Details Years of Drug Trafficking, Homicide and Deadly Drug Overdoses at Clinton-Peabody Housing ComplexRead the Press Release
A Federal Indictment unsealed today alleges a conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance that is deadly in doses of only a few milligrams, centered in the Clinton-Peabody public housing complex on the near south side of the City of St. Louis. Many of the defendants lived outside the area but utilized the housing complex to distribute drugs.
In addition to the drug distribution, the Indictment ties three deaths to the conspiracy.
The conspiracy names fifteen individuals who have been arrested today. In addition to the arrests, more than fifteen federal search warrants related to the investigation have been executed by a number of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies this morning. Search warrants led to the seizure of numerous firearms and federal firearm charges will be brought against three additional subjects.
“I believe that the drug distribution organization operating at Clinton-Peabody has been dismantled this morning,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen. “The fentanyl dealt by this organization is literally poison.
The Indictment details the roles of the various members of the conspiracy, describing sources, means of communication, operators of stash houses, financial operatives and street level dealers.
Deaths Resulting from the Conspiracy
The Indictment alleges that Defendants Demetrius Johnson (also known as “Meechie” “DJ” and “Huncho”) and Armond Calvin (also known as “Mon”) and Christopher Rhodes, Jr. (also known as “Lil Chris”) murdered victim David Bryant in furtherance of their drug trafficking conspiracy on December 3, 2016.
In addition to the conspiracy, the Indictment alleges that Defendant Demetrius Johnson distributed a lethal dose of fentanyl to victim J.W. which dose resulted in J.W.’s death on October 14, 2016.
The conspiracy alleges another lethal dose of fentanyl was distributed to victim C.P. by Defendants Christopher Pipes (also known as “Cram” “Bam” and “Mike”) and Gregory Ivy (also known as “Scooby” and “S”) on May 3, 2018.
Firearms Counts
Defendant Lebaron Jackson (also known as “LB”) is alleged to have possessed a Taurus 9 millimeter handgun on May 11, 2018 having previously sustained a felony conviction.
Defendant Marquise Brown (also known as “TJ”) is alleged to have used a Glock 9 millimeter handgun in furtherance of the fentanyl conspiracy on May 24, 2018.
Money Laundering and Forfeiture
Throughout the conspiracy, beginning in March 2016, Defendant Ashley Dickerson is alleged to have engaged in financial transactions with the proceeds of the conspiracy with the intent to conceal the nature, location, source and ownership of the proceeds.
In addition to the criminal counts, the Indictment seeks the forfeiture of all proceeds of the conspiracy and any firearms or ammunition used in it or in the specified violent crimes and firearms offenses.
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.
Penalties
All Defendants named in the conspiracy face a ten-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a maximum term of life.
All Defendants named in the homicide and distribution resulting in death face a twenty-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a maximum term of life.
Defendant Marquise Brown faces a five mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a maximum term of life, consecutive to his term of imprisonment for the conspiracy, and a maximum term of life.
All Defendant are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Town Hall Meeting
The U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative and its law enforcement partners announce a town hall meeting for July 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Peabody Elementary School at 1224 S. 14th Street to address this enforcement action and help residents of the neighborhood address the many social and community needs existing in the Clinton-Peabody development. In addition to law enforcement agencies, community groups and local officials will participate in the town hall meeting and will listen to the concerns of the Clinton-Peabody neighborhood and discuss services available to the community.
Jimmie Edwards, Public Safety Director for the City of St. Louis, stated, “I appreciate the collaborative efforts of federal law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the St. Louis Police Department to act in a proactive way to remove the criminal element off the streets of the city of St. Louis. This is a positive thing for the citizens of St. Louis.”
“Knowing that at least 50% of homicides and gun violence in our city are drug related, the long-term collaboration on this case and the ongoing efforts between the St. Louis City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, and the FBI is absolutely going to make the Clinton-Peabody housing complex safer. I believe the residents in this community are going to feel safer by day, and sleep better at night because of our initiative. We are committed to the long-term safety and security of the residents in the Clinton-Peabody complex,” said Police Commissioner John Hayden.
“Today’s law enforcement actions remove violent criminals from the streets of St. Louis, particularly those perpetrating gun violence and the spread of drugs such as fentanyl, both of which are killing our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We will continue joint law enforcement efforts like these until the streets of this great city are safe.”
“DEA is committed to protecting our community from the ravages of opiate trafficking and addiction,” William Callahan, III, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis DEA said. “With our federal, state and local law enforcement partners we seek to disrupt and dismantle the groups who are trafficking these drugs, oftentimes to the most vulnerable members of society. This group, many of whom have a history of drug dealing and violence, sold a potent and sometimes lethal drug (fentanyl). We hope that the enforcement action taken today will provide some sense of justice to our community and the people they have preyed upon.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crime Initiative is committed to a long-term solution to gun violence in St. Louis,” continued Jensen “and law enforcement understands that this enforcement action, as comprehensive as it is, is not a long term solution. We are committed to working with the people of St. Louis to rid their community of gun violence using every resource we can.”
St. Louis Woman Sentenced on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Carol J. Dotson was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment on wire fraud charges. She was also ordered to pay restitution in excess of $2,043,248 million dollars.
According to court documents, from July 2003 to February 2017, Doston embezzled more than $2 million dollars from a commercial real estate property management company in Olivette, Missouri where she was the office administrator. Dotson wrote multiple checks to herself, withdrew large sums of cash to spend on elder care for her mother, mortgage payments, home renovations, home cleaning services, law services and shopping at local stores.
Dotson, 71, St. Louis, pled guilty in March to one felony count of wire fraud. She appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Richard Webber.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Olivette Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
St. Louis County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Obstructing FBI InvestigationRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dr. Vidal Sheen, 58, St. Louis County, Missouri, pled guilty to obstructing an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) regarding whether he billed the Medicare program and private insurers for “face to face” office visits performed on dates when he was actually traveling outside of Missouri, and sometimes traveling outside of the United States.
According to his plea agreement, Dr. Sheen operated a medical office in St. Louis County, Missouri. At the medical office, Dr. Sheen created medical records using a template falsely recited patients’ symptoms and histories, and sometimes recorded vital signs (e.g. pulse rates) that did not change between patients’ visits.
Moreover, from time to time, defendant traveled to various destinations, including Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Florida. For these timeframes when Dr. Sheen was out of town, he created office notes with false entries reflecting that he had seen patients in his office, using his electronic signature. Dr. Sheen's medical records did not discuss the role of the other employees in his office during the out-of-town visits, or his absence from the office on the dates of service.
The United States served Dr. Sheen’s office with a subpoena requesting medical records regarding his office visits in late 2016. In response to the subpoena, on December 1, 2016, Dr. Sheen produced medical records to the FBI in which he had made false entries about face-to-face office visits, in an effort to impede, obstruct, and influence the FBI’s billing investigation.
Dr. Sheen pled guilty to one felony count of obstructing an investigation before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. Sentencing has been set for October 23, 2018. He now faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, per count. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Carjacking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Kerry Caldwell was sentenced to 15 years in prison for carjacking and gun charges.
According to court documents, on October 27, 2017, a woman was sitting in her car at a Commerce Bank using the ATM machine when Kerry Caldwell approached her driver’s door. He pointed a firearm at her and ordered her out of the car. She exited the passenger side door and ran. When she looked back, she saw Caldwell driving her car off the lot.
While investigating the carjacking, a St. Louis Police Officer observed Caldwell driving the stolen car in a dangerous and reckless manner and began a pursuit. Shortly thereafter, the officer observed Caldwell walking and after recognizing him as the driver of the stolen car, detained him. The stolen car, containing items stolen from the woman, was found crashed into a tree.
“This sentence and the good work of the St. Louis Police Department has ended the criminal career of this longtime violent offender,” said Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney.
Caldwell, 55, of Florissant, MO, pleaded guilty on April 12, 2108, to one felony count of carjacking and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Henry Autrey.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Falsifying Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Filmon Tekle was sentenced on Thursday to 21 months in prison for obstructing the administration of the internal revenue laws.
Tekle, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty in May 2018 to one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and four counts of falsifying tax returns.
According to court documents, between 2013 and 2015, Tekle operated tax preparation stores under several different names. He paid nominees to use their names to obtain Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) for the operating years of 2014 to 2015. New employees at the tax preparation businesses were trained to report the existence Schedule C income without the necessary documentation. Tekle instructed the employees how to prepare the returns and how to interact with the customers.
Tekle facilitated the filing of numerous false income tax returns between 2013 and 2015. The defendant charged significant fees for the filing of the false tax returns and had a system for paying the preparers a kickback for the false returns after the refund checks were mailed to the business. The total loss to the Internal Revenue Service as a result of the false tax returns filed is at least $167,469.
“The United States tax system depends on the voluntary compliance of taxpayers and the skill and integrity of tax professionals,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Co-defendants Eddie Buren is awaiting trial and LaJohnda Dunger has pled – sentencing is set for July 17, 2018.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeannette Graviss handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Local Man Sentenced on Federal conspiracy Charges Involving Synthetic Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Charles Wolfe, 57, from St. Peters, MO was sentenced to 186 months in prison in connection with conspiracy charges involving synthetic drug trafficking and money laundering. Wolfe’s co-defendants Mark Palmer, 47, from Granite City, IL, was sentenced to 168 months in prison and Sam Leinicke, 27 from Arnold, MO was sentenced to 48 months in prison.
According to court documents, Charles Wolfe d/b/a Psychedelic Blur, was a large scale distributor of synthetic cannabinoids also known as “K2” or “incense” and synthetic cathinones also known as “bath salts”. Wolfe distributed these dangerous drugs to customers located throughout the United States. Wolfe had a number of sources of supply, including Mark Palmer who manufactured the synthetic drugs with chemicals imported from China. Wolfe’s other suppliers included, but were not limited to defendants Anwer Rao, from O`Fallon Illinois, Michael Lentsch, from O`Fallon, IL, Brett Beeman, from O`Fallon, MO, Roy Ehrett, from Kansas City, MO and Robert Jaynes, from Indianapolis, IN whom have pled guilty. Samuel Leinicke manufactured the synthetic drugs for a period of time on behalf of Palmer.
After making adjustments for sentencing, Wolfe was responsible for the distribution of the marijuana equivalent of over 481,000 kilograms of marijuana and the laundering of millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
The charges include conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues for human consumption, conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to import controlled substances and controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption into the United States and conspiracy to receive in interstate commerce imported goods with a false manifest or documentation. In order to prove the substances are controlled substance analogues it must be shown that the substance had a substantially similar chemical structure as a controlled substance and that it also had a substantially similar stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system as a controlled substance. If intended for human consumption, the substance is treated as a Schedule I controlled substance.
The manufacture of synthetic drugs is a recent development designed to circumvent traditional drug laws by creating new chemical compounds that mimic the effects of drugs like marijuana and cocaine but purport to avoid the classification of a controlled substance because of a chemical alteration. The synthetic drugs are most frequently marketed as legitimate products and sold in typical commercial outlets such as convenience stores and gas stations. The drugs masquerade as incense, potpourri, glass cleaner, bath salts, and plant food, just to name a few and are usually sold in 1 gram, 3 gram, 5 gram, and 10 gram packages for prices ranging from $15.00 to $100.00 each.
Synthetic cathinones, also known as “bath salts,” are human-made substances with stimulant effects. These synthetic cathinones are typically smoked, snorted or injected and are packaged in containers with names such as Full Throttle, Fresh, Limited, Starry Nights, Twisted, Pump It and Blitz. Rao and Lentsch manufactured and marketed cathinones under the name “Go Go.” Reported effects have included hypertension, paranoia, anxiety, psychosis and in some cases death.
Synthetic cannabinoids mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), the main psychoactive chemical in marihuana. Unlike THC, however, most synthetic cannabinoids are “full agonists.” That is, they activate the body’s type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) to a greater degree (i.e., at 100%) than THC, which activates the CB1 receptors only at 30 to 50 percent. Additionally, unlike THC, synthetic cannabinoids do not contain the additional substances that moderate their adverse effects. Synthetic cannabinoids are typically smoked, and are packaged in multi-gram packets with names such as Mega Kush, Mad Hatter, Bayou Blaster, Avalon, Pirates Booty, Lights Out, and Golden Leaf. Rao and Lentsch manufactured and marketed their own blends of synthetic cannabinoids under the names “Mad Hatter,” “Deew,” “Cloud 9 Optima,” “Crazy Eyes,” and “Primo.” Although commonly referred to as synthetic marijuana, the effects are far more powerful and dangerous than so-called natural marijuana, with reported additional effects including excessive heart rate, vomiting, organ failure and death.
Charles Wolfe, Mark Palmer and Samuel Leinicke were found guilty in October 2017 after a 15-day trial to conspiracy drug charges and money laundering charges.
This case was investigated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Postal Inspection Service. Additional assistance was received from the St. Louis County Police Department, St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department, MO Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group, Metropolitan Enforcement Group for Southern IL, Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as well as the prosecuting attorney offices in St. Louis County, MO, St. Charles County, MO, Madison County, IL and St. Clair County, MO. Assistant United States Attorneys James Delworth, Erin Granger and Jennifer Winfield are handling the cases for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Continued Increase in Federal Regional Violent Crime ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers. Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime. At least 85% of federal sentences must be served; there is no parole in the federal system. None. Sentences are served in prisons far from St. Louis. Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in June as a result of the hard work of police and agents:
Robert Childs, 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Don Collins, 36, Jennings, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy with the intent to distribute heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Joseph Paster, 30, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Clifton Hudson, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy with the intent to distribute heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Daylin Crafton, 30, Florissant, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Joseph Dixon, Jr., 21, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Joey Foster, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Davian Hampton, 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Virgil Johnson, 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Langston, 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Terrence McGee, 40, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Robert Siebert, 63, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and user of illegal narcotics in possession of a firearm.
Tredell Wilkes, 40, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jevin Fossie, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Eric Jackson, 28, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Corzelius Kent, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Luis Sanchez-Padilla, 21, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Tobias-Haywood, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Clarence Hill, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Terrance White, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jaleel Adams, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of distributing acetyl-fentanyl and that the death of a person resulted from the use of such acetyl-fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; and possessed a stolen firearm.
Jesse Calhoun, 51, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jeremy Dickerson, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Michael Dilworth, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Leroy Eason, III, 43, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
John Ehrsam, 33, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Ewing, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Dominick Foote, 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession of a firearm in furtherance of one or more drug-trafficking crimes; and felon in possession of a firearm.
Danny Harris, 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Leona Jackson, 43, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Cyrano Jones, 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Jeffrey Jones, 21, St. Ann, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Avion Kincade, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jared Levitt, 19, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of drug user in possession a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute liquid marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
De’Andre Logan, 18, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
William Young, 25, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Lorenzo Luna-Espinoza, 22, Midland, TX, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Donte Parks, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Clark Roberts, 49, Cahokia, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Travis Robinson, 21, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Devin Thompson, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Cory Chandler, 43, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Vinson Griffin, Jr., 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Victor Mora, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of interference with commerce by violence.
Tyrell Phillips, 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jerome Rankins, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Earl Rice, 60, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of one or more firearms.
Darius Scott, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
John Spudich, Jr., St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Quoc Tran, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Kenneth Watkins, 40, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Emanuel Wesseh, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Brandon Woods, 34, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; interference with commerce by violence; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and carjacking.
Roger Goff, 21, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Dyanthany Proudie, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute.
Jamarco Cousins, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Williams, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Cortez Cooper, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Justin Willis, 24, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Domonique Isreal, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Christopher Wilson, 28, Omaha, NE, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Marlon Adams, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Devosha Gray, 19, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Alex Wheelis, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Donovan Jacobs, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kirk Wallace, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
William Johnson, 23, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Corey States, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Andre Adams, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Devin Tate, 25, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Devosha Gray, 19, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Maurice Cooper, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Demarco Moorehead, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Deandre Thompson, 45, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Acotra Weaver, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Darryl E. Allen, 50, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Tito Santiago, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Damen Gascic, 33, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm; possession of an unregistered firearm; possession of controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Wilbert Anderson, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Squacar Gray, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Donnell Witherspoon, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Melvin Cooper, 49, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Damon Catchings, 44, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Charles D. Smith, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Marvin Williams, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm; forcible assault with a firearm; and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.
Marquis Shores, 35, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Sterling Turner, 39, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Donovan Jacobs, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Deon D. Story, Jr., 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Justin I. Morrow, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to armed robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Charles J. Jones, 45, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kenneth Foster, 44, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Donnell Witherspoon, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Kenneth J. Pace, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Darryl Easley, 48, St. Louis, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Dominique D. Simpson, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Kenyetta Chapman, 22, Stockton, CA, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Raynard Davison, 44, St. Louis, was sentenced to 8 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Amin Suluki-Bey, 48, St. Louis, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for armed robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Rashad Faries, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for receipt of a firearm while under Indictment.
Joshua Brison, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for importing a firearm/ammunition into the United States.
Johnnie Stewart, 36, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Demante Syms, 26, St. Louis was sentenced to life in prison for his participation in the killing of three individuals in furtherance of drug trafficking and his tampering with a witness.
Jerome Hughes, 31, St. Louis, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Anthony Young, 45, St. Louis, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
George Grice, 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Terrell Raney, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 19 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Chad M. Jackson, 34, Florissant, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Cory Smith, 29, Fenton, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for possession of a firearm/ammunition.
Jacobi Temple, 27, St. Louis, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and two counts of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking where deaths resulted.
Ramiro C. Valenzuela, 29, St. Charles, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Jake Richardson, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Willie McFarland, 43, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Quavo D. Williams, 22, Washington Park, IL, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Michael Thomas-Williams, 35, Hazelwood, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Michael E. Broom, Jr., 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Dane Reed, 41, St. Louis, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Wine Lover Developed a Taste for Embezzlement - Sentenced to 63 Months on Fraud and Money Laundering ConvictionsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jason Arnold was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and five years supervised release for his bank fraud and money laundering convictions related to a scheme to defraud a financial institution and the company he worked for as a controller out of more than $7.6 million. He was also ordered to pay restitution in excess of $6.4 million.
According to court documents, Arnold created a company that had the same name as his employer. He then opened a sham bank account for that company. Between October 2009 and November 2017, Arnold fraudulently deposited into the sham bank account more than 50 checks totaling more than $7.6 million. Arnold then used the proceeds from his scheme to defraud for his personal gain, including to purchase artwork and nearly one million dollars’ worth of rare wine.
Arnold appeared before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry, who noted that “greed” appeared to be the sole motivator for Arnold’s malfeasance.
In addition to the criminal prosecution, extensive forfeiture activities have been undertaken to facilitate the payment of restitution. More than $2.8 million dollars in property including financial accounts has been forfeited by the government. The victim company recovered more than $1.2 million directly from Arnold in the form of wine, watches, coins and firearms.
“This sentence combines incarceration, forfeiture and post-prison supervision. It is a comprehensive response to this significant economic crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Washington Park Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison on Carjacking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Quavo Delmontae Williams was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted carjacking and gun charges.
In the early morning hours of July 15, 2016, the owner of a local restaurant in the City of St. Louis was walking to his vehicle after work when Williams approached him and asked for directions. After the Victim gave him directions, Keonta Douglas and Stephen Reed, came from around the corner. All three were armed with firearms. They demanded all that the Victim had including his car keys. The Victim handed them the keys to his car and the three entered his car but could not figure out how to start it and asked for assistance from the victim. The Victim gave them instructions on how to start the car but took that opportunity to run from the scene.
Williams then told Redd to “get him” and Redd exited the car and fired one shot striking the victim in the leg. The Victim was able to get away from the scene.
As the three robbers were unable to start the car, they ran from the attempt carjacking. Douglas accidently left his phone in the Victim’s car. The FBI was able to trace the phone to Douglas. Williams admitted to participation in the attempt carjacking and brandishing his firearm.
Williams, 22, of Washington Park, IL, pleaded guilty on March 28, 2108, to one felony count of attempted carjacking and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Ronnie White.
Co-defendants Keonta Carnell Douglas and Stephen Redd were sentenced in April to 102 and 144 months in prison, respectively.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Union Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Corey Murphy, 26, of Union, Missouri was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment to be followed by lifetime supervision for receiving child pornography in 2016. Murphy pleaded guilty in March and appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry for sentencing.
According to his plea agreement, Murphy first came to the attention of law enforcement on suspicion of statutory rape of a 15-year-old in Pacific in 2016. Initial investigation by that victim’s aunt and the Pacific Police Department through social media confirmed the encounter and revealed that Murphy was in contact via social media accounts with numerous 14 and 15-year-old girls. Murphy’s smart phone was seized when Murphy was arrested on unrelated charges and searched pursuant to Murphy’s consent. On Murphy’s smartphone, police found text communications with the victim and a locked app containing images of child pornography which Murphy admitted he had obtained through a communication app on his smartphone. Forensic analysis of Murphy’s smartphone also revealed search histories consistent with a child pornography seeker.
As the investigation continued, Murphy admitted to the FBI he had carried on an inappropriate relationship with another 14-year-old girl during which he provided the second victim with marijuana.
“This case was born out of the vigilance and the bravery of a concerned family member. All parents should be aware of the dangers lurking for children in the world of social media. I applaud the work of the Pacific Police Department, the St. Louis County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI and all partners in the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood for their good work in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
St. Louis Man Taken to the Cleaners in Connection with an Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Victor Mora, 33, of St. Louis, was charged in a federal indictment charging him with one felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence.
According to the indictment, on or about May 29, 2018, Robbery victims “T.D.” and “A.A.” were employees at the Goodfellow Laundromat, 5950 Goodfellow Boulevard when they were robbed at gunpoint by Mora. Mora threatened physical violence to the two victims in order to obtain cash.
If convicted, the charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
Mora is currently in state custody and will be brought to federal court shortly to answer the new charges. The prosecution of Mora is being coordinated with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.
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.
This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Accessing with the Intent to View Child PornographyRead the Press Release
St. Louis - Rolf Rathmann, 53, of St. Louis, already a registered sex offender by virtue of a 2003 conviction for eight counts of statutory sodomy in Missouri state court, admitted to accessing numerous images and videos of child pornography, including images of children involved in sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Rathmann admitted to visiting an online "meeting room" within an online video conferencing application during 2015 and 2016. In the meeting room, Rathmann repeatedly viewed and commented on images and videos of child pornography. Rathmann also repeatedly professed his preference for pre-teen and early teen boys.
Rathmann was identified as the individual behind the username "hi" from the online meeting room and a search warranted was obtained for his residence in the City of St. Louis. A search of the residence revealed electronic hardware and storage containing additional evidence of his possession and receipt of child pornography. Forensic analysis of Rathmann’s computer equipment revealed saved Skype chats that appeared to be between him and underage boys and in which he appeared to admit to historical sexual misconduct against underage boys.
"This is a serious case of misconduct by a convicted sexual offender. Rathmann is a threat to the community and I believe this plea agreement reflects that serious threat," said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Due to his criminal history, Rathmann faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years. The statutory maximum term of imprisonment for accessing with the intent to view child pornography is twenty years. Rathmann also faces lifetime court supervision when released from prison.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – HIS. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Project Safe Childhood is the Justice Department’s multiagency response to crimes against children.
Convicted Felon Charged in a Federal Indictment in Connection with Two Armed Robberies in the Central West EndRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Brandon Mardell Woods, 33, of St. Louis, was charged in a federal indictment charging him with two felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence; two felony counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; two felony counts of carjacking; and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the court documents, on or about June 17, 2018, Robbery victim “R.C.” was walking to her vehicle in the 4400 block of Maryland when an individual later determined to be Brandon Mardell Woods (“Woods”) approached her from behind. Woods stuck a gun in her stomach and demanded that R.C. give him her money. When R.C. advised Woods that she didn’t have any money, Woods ordered her to take him to an ATM.
Woods pointed the firearm at her as he drove her car to a U.S. Bank ATM in the 3500 block of North Kingshighway. Woods attempted to use R.C.’s ATM card but the ATM didn’t work. He drove to an Action Banking ATM at a BP Gas Station in the 5000 block of Natural Bridge and used R.C’s ATM card to withdraw $500.00. Woods eventually got out of the car and R.C. was able to drive away. Security photographs show Woods using R.C.’s ATM card.
On June 19, 2018, Woods approached robbery victim “M.F.” with a gun and ordered her to take money out of the same ATM as the June 17th victim.
On June 20, 2018, St. Louis Police officers spotted Woods walking in the 5100 block of Natural Bridge. Seeing the police, Woods dropped the backpack he was carrying and fled. Woods was soon after taken into custody nearby. He was found to be in possession of more than 30 rounds of ammunition. The police seized and searched his backpack. In it, they found a .38 special handgun.
If convicted, the charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, not more than life, consecutive to all other counts, and a $250,000 fine; the charge of carjacking carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“I am grateful that an armed robber has been taken off the streets as a result of continued cooperation between the St. Louis Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen. “This is another case made through the courageous cooperation of crime victims. This type of cooperation is essential to effectively addressing our community’s gun violence.”
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.
This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Circuit Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Man Sentenced to 50 Years Imprisonment for Committing Three Drug-Related HomicidesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO - Jacobi Temple, 27, of Saint Louis, MO, was sentenced to 50 years imprisonment for his for his killing of James Lacey, Paige Schaefer, and Tammie Thurmond on March 27, 2015. Mr. Lacey and Ms. Schaefer were shot and killed inside a residence located in the 4400 block of Itaska in the City of Saint Louis. Ms. Thurmond was found by police in an alley behind the 4200 block of South 37th Street. She died a short time later.
Temple was sentenced on one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and two counts of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking where deaths resulted. United States District Court Judge John A. Ross imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, Temple, along with his two co-defendants, Demante Syms and Samuel Spires, traveled in a vehicle to the area of 4467 Itaska Street. Temple went there to obtain payment for heroin previously distributed by him that had not been paid for. Temple learned of the 4467 Itaska location from Tammie Thurmond who was the mother of Paige Schaefer. While inside 4467 Itaska demanding payment, Temple shot and killed James Lacey and Paige Schaefer. A third occupant, Brittney Brown, was shot in the head and severely injured. Shortly after, Temple, Syms and Spires located Ms. Thurmond. Temple took Ms. Thurmond to an alley, then shot and killed her.
After being shot in the head inside the Itaska residence, Brittney Brown struggled to, but successfully contacted 911. Ms. Brown survived but was hospitalized for a significant period of time. While hospitalized (and continuing after her release), Ms. Brown provided invaluable support and assistance to law enforcement officials. Ms. Brown provided a powerful, moving victim impact statement during today’s sentencing for the court’s consideration in fashioning an appropriate sentence:
“After 21 years of being uncertain of who I was, [Temple’s] actions changed that for me. I was stripped down to my core; you took away my worth, privacy, energy, time, safety and my confidence. Do you know how that feels? I do because of [Temple]. The one thing [Temple] did not take away was my voice, and with that, I found my wounds led me to my purpose, and I was able to change this tragic event into something positive. There were many bumps along the way, but I refuse to let them, [Temple] or my circumstances define me. Today, I love myself for who I am -- scars and imperfections. I have learned to be a better person. I have learned to show compassion because you never know how you might influence someone’s life. I believe in miracles, because I am one…I have somehow managed to piece together all of the broken pieces that [Temple] left for me…
One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you can’t change. I was brave, strong, and broken all at once, and I pulled through…The fact that I am standing here today, sober, walking, talking and living my life, is proof that I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become. Today I choose to be a survivor, not a victim.
I am a woman of substance; don’t define me by the way I look. I am way more than meets the eye. Define me by the tough battles that I fight each and every day. Define me by the courage that I have found to face [Temple] no matter how difficult. I will survive despite any struggle because I am strong through and through.”
Temple’s sentencing is the last of the three named defendants. It concludes a three-plus year investigation and federal prosecution resulting in the convictions of all three charged participants. Syms and Spires were previously sentenced to terms of life and 20 years imprisonment, respectively. Likewise, the investigation resulted in the separate prosecution and convictions of Syms and his mother, Tabitha Hunt, for witness tampering in connection with the underlying homicide investigation. Tabitha Hunt was previously sentenced to a period of supervised release.
United States Attorney Jeff Jensen again applauded the courage of Ms. Brown and the commitment of the investigative team, “it is impossible to understate the importance of strong people like Ms. Brown who courageously stand up to violent offenders like Jacobi Temple. She epitomizes the good people of St. Louis that our violent crime initiative seeks to help.”
This case was investigated as part of the on-going effort between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to address the violent crime within the City of Saint Louis.
Florissant Man Indicted on Fentanyl and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jaleel Zakee Adams, a/k/a “Jay,” 23, of Florissant, MO, was indicted on June 21, 2018 for allegedly distributing acetyl-fentanyl to R.I. on November 15, 2017, resulting in the death of R.I. In addition, Adams is charged with possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and with possessing a stolen firearm. Deputy United States Marshals arrested Adams on June 26, 2018 at a hotel in Hazelwood, Missouri, and he appeared the same day in federal court before United States Magistrate John Bodenhausen for his initial appearance.
R.I. was found deceased in his Florissant, MO home on November 15, 2017. The Medical Examiner determined that R.I. died as a result of acetyl-fentanyl intoxication. Acetyl-fentanyl is an analogue of Fentanyl and, unlike Fentanyl, acetyl-fentanyl has no legitimate medical use. Investigation revealed that Adams was the likely source of the acetyl-fentanyl, and the Florissant Police Department executed a search warrant at his parent’s home on December 29, 2017. During the search, the Florissant Police recovered six firearms, including a stolen handgun recovered from Adams’ rented vehicle.
If convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, Adams faces a minimum mandatory term of 20 years in prison, and he could be ordered to serve up to life. The offense also carries a fine of up to $1 million. Upon conviction of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Adams would be required to serve an additional term of at least five years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence, along with a fine of up to $250,000. Possession of a stolen firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
“The toxic drug fentanyl is a scourge on our community and represents a serious danger not only to its users but to the law enforcement officers who encounter it. I applaud the hard work of the Florissant Police Department and the skillful assistance of the ATF in bringing this offender to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen.
This case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
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.
Final Defendant Sentenced on Federal Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Yakov Pisman, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiring to traffic in contraband cigarettes and money laundering.
According to court documents, Pisman and others conspired for more than four years to buy contraband cigarettes in St. Louis, Missouri and Atlanta, Georgia, low tax markets, and transport and distribute them in New York, a high tax market. Multiple New York and St. Louis residents and co-defendants including Oleksandr Zyuz, Sergei Kishchenko, Mykalo Zyuz, Volodymr Zyuz have been sentenced to terms ranging between 30 to 60 months imprisonment. Illegal profits from the contraband cigarette sales were laundered through numerous accounts associated with the defendants and their fictitious companies. The amount of laundered money was in excess of $56 million dollars. Pisman was one of the leaders of the organization and guided the operations in St. Louis, Atlanta and New York.
Pisman, 60, of New York, NY, pled guilty on February 21, 2018, 2018 to two felony counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and trafficking in contraband cigarettes. He appeared today for sentencing in front of U.S. District Judge Ronnie White.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and various state and local authorities.
Sullivan Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – James Ricky Johnson, Jr., 40, of Sullivan, MO, pled guilty on Monday to four counts of Production and Possession of Child Pornography charges. Johnson appeared before United States District Henry E. Autrey and sentencing is set for September 18, 2018.
According to court documents, Johnson admitted to taking child pornographic photographs of a 11-year-old minor child, as charged under Title 18, United States Code Section 2251(e) which calls for a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years. The crime happened between 2014 and 2016, in Sullivan, Missouri. The images of the child were located during a search of the defendant’s email account by law enforcement.
Possession of Child Pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 and Production of Child Pornography carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 and. 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 the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Several Individuals and Corporation Plead Guilty to Shipping Hazardous WasteRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Raymond Williams, Daryl Duncan, Penny Duncan, and U.S. Technology Corporation pled guilty to charges involving the transportation of 9 million pounds of hazardous waste from Yazoo City, Mississippi to Berger, Missouri between October 2013 and December 2013.
According to court documents, Raymond Williams was the President, owner, and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Technology Corporation (“UST”). UST was a registered corporation in the State of Ohio, with headquarters in Canton, Ohio. UST was a company that leased blasting material to various consumers for use in removal of paints and other materials. The consumers were often military bases and agencies, using the blasting materials to remove paints from things such as tanks and planes. The paints used often contained numerous heavy metals including cadmium, chromium, and lead. During the blasting process, heavy metals from the paint become imbedded in the material. Since the consumers leased the blasting material, consumers returned the heavy metal rich blasting material to UST upon completion.
In or around October 2013, Raymond Williams contacted Darryl Duncan in need of his assistance. Raymond Williams explained that he was in possession of over 9 million pounds of hazardous waste located in Yazoo City, Mississippi at the former Hydromex site. Williams asked Darryl Duncan to receive the hazardous waste in Berger, Missouri. Darryl Duncan agreed and worked with Penny Duncan to create Missouri Green Materials (“MGM”) for the sole purpose of receiving the hazardous waste from Yazoo City, Mississippi.
From October 2013 until December 2013, UST and Raymond Williams shipped approximately 9 million pounds of hazardous waste from Yazoo City, Mississippi to MGM and the Duncans in Berger, Missouri in violation of state and federal laws.
Williams, 71, of Atlanta, GA, pled guilty to conspiring to transport hazardous waste before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.
U.S. Technology Corporation pled guilty to conspiring to transport hazardous waste before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.
Daryl Duncan, 67, of Chicago, IL, pled guilty to placing a person in imminent danger by releasing hazardous waste into the air before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.
Penny Duncan, 60, of Chicago, IL. pled guilty to placing a person in imminent danger by releasing hazardous waste into the air before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protect Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna R. Collins and Hal Goldsmith are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Last Defendant of the Meth Ring Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
St. Louis - The last of 52 defendants charged in a wide-ranging methamphetamine conspiracy entered a guilty plea before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Defendant Israel Angeles-Moctezuma, also known as “Amigo,” entered his plea on the morning his Federal conspiracy trial was scheduled to begin. Without benefit of a plea agreement, Angeles-Moctezuma, 41, of Stockton, California, admitted to conspiring with others to transport methamphetamine into the St. Louis Metro area for distribution. He is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2018. He faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and a maximum sentence of life.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s investigation into Angeles-Moctezuma’s organization spanned some two years, and resulted in the seizure of nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine, most of which was nearly 100% pure. In addition, the DEA seized at least 18 firearms and over $300,000 in cash, all of which has been forfeited to the United States.
Included among the seizures was a 56-pound load of methamphetamine recovered in South St. Louis in April 2016, believed to have been the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in the history of the Eastern District of Missouri. Eight individuals were arrested and charged at that time, all of whom entered guilty pleas in a separate case. Two female couriers were also arrested after they were discovered to be carrying 10 pounds of methamphetamine through O’Fallon, Missouri in July 2016. Both women subsequently pled guilty. The government has alleged that Angeles-Moctezuma was responsible for hiring the couriers to transport these shipments to St. Louis, where the methamphetamine was distributed through a network of people acting at his direction. Angeles-Moctezuma and the remaining 41 co-conspirators were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in September 2016. Angeles-Moctezuma was arrested in Stockton, California in October 2016 after investigators learned that he was preparing to flee the United States.
Most of Angeles-Moctezuma’s co-conspirators have already been sentenced. Notable sentences include:
Alan Cardenas, 27, of Stockton, CA --- 262 months
Michael Chandler, 35, of Kansas City, MO – 240 months
Amanda Young, 39, of O’Fallon, MO -- 228 months
Holly Politte, 40, of DeSoto, MO – 180 months
Mark Huse, 34, of St. Louis, MO – 188 months
Kenneth Karrenbrock, 39, of Arnold, MO -- 192 months
Nearly all of the 52 defendants have significant criminal histories, with some having previously served Federal sentences for drug offenses.
The Office of the United States Attorney and the Drug Enforcement Administration extend their thanks to the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Overland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, all of which assisted in the investigation.