Eastern District of Missouri

St. Louis – Randy Hays, 32, a former police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri to one count of using unreasonable and excessive force against a fellow SLMPD police officer, who was believed to be a protestor while the officer was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during protests following the 2017 acquittal of a former SLMPD officer on a state murder charge. Hays’ co-defendant Bailey Colletta pled guilty to committing perjury related to this assault on Sept. 6, 2019.  Co-defendants and former SLMPD officers Dustin Boone and Christopher Myers remain under indictment on federal charges related to the assault and subsequent cover-up. They have pleaded not guilty.

According to the plea agreement, in addition to facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, Hays must forfeit his law enforcement certification. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The trial of Boone and Myers is set for Dec. 2, 2019.

This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Costantin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.

Randy Hays, 32, a former police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri to one count of using unreasonable and excessive force against a fellow SLMPD police officer, who was believed to be a protestor while the officer was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during protests following the 2017 acquittal of a former SLMPD officer on a state murder charge. Hays’ co-defendant Bailey Colletta pled guilty to committing perjury related to this assault on Sept. 6, 2019.  Co-defendants and former SLMPD officers Dustin Boone and Christopher Myers remain under indictment on federal charges related to the assault and subsequent cover-up. They have pleaded not guilty.

According to the plea agreement, in addition to facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, Hays must forfeit his law enforcement certification. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The trial of Boone and Myers is set for Dec. 2, 2019.

This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Costantin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.

St. Louis, MO –Frank Brothers, 30, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to felony charges of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  Brothers appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 31, 2020.

According to court documents, on October 24, 2018, Brothers entered the Steak and Shake located in Maplewood.  Brothers pointed a firearm at the manger, forced her to the floor and then forced her to open a safe.  The manager handed Brothers the U.S. currency in the safe.  Brothers then fled out the rear door to his vehicle.

Brothers faces up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge.  In addition, Brothers faces between seven years nor more than life in prison on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Maplewood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO – Rasheme Bridges, aka “Bam” or “Benji Bam,” 19, of St. Louis, and Kelton Rucker, aka “Kellz” or “Benji Kellz,” 19, of St. Louis, were indicted today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

According to the Indictment, on January 31, 2018, Rasheme Bridges and Kelton Rucker conspired with each other to steal a quantity of marijuana from a subject in the Cardonelet neighborhood of south St. Louis City.  Rasheme Bridges brandished a firearm during the marijuana theft and Kelton Rucker discharged a firearm.   

If convicted, the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of seven years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case. 

Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

St. Louis, MO – Dr. Brij R. Vaid, M.D., 58, of Ladue, MO, and Donna A. Waldo, 59, of Saint Louis, MO, each pleaded guilty to one count of making a false claim to Medicaid or Medicare.  Dr. Vaid appeared today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 30, 2020.  Ms. Waldo pleaded guilty on October 23, 2019, and will be sentenced on January 28, 2020.

According to the plea agreements, Dr. Vaid was a medical doctor who operated St. Louis Internal Medicine (SLIM), where he saw patients at his medical office in St. Louis County, Missouri.  Waldo was a nurse practitioner and advanced practice registered nurse.  Waldo worked under the supervision of Dr. Brij Vaid at SLIM.      

As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, Dr. Vaid had a large number of patients who received Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions typically every 30 days, including opioid pain relief drugs such as Oxycodone® and Hydrocodone and anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax®.  Dr. Vaid was the only person at his office who had the credentials to legally prescribe these pain management and anti-anxiety drugs, 

Dr. Vaid traveled frequently, including trips to New Jersey and India.  Given the number of patients needing drugs and his own scheduling challenges, Dr. Vaid often signed numerous prescriptions for controlled substances in advance of patients' visits -- before patients had even visited the office and had an examination. Dr. Vaid instructed his staff, including Waldo, to provide these pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances to patients later, in his absence.  After these office visits, Dr. Vaid and Waldo caused claims for reimbursement to be presented to Medicare and Medicaid in which they represented that Dr. Vaid had met face-to-face with the patients and engaged in complex medical decision making during the office visits.   

In her plea agreement, Waldo admitted that she saw patient G.J. in the SLIM medical office on February 27, 2014.  At the time of the patient visit, Waldo was aware that SLIM could bill Medicaid under Dr. Vaid’s provider number for an office visit where the patient was seen by Waldo, but only if Waldo was acting under Dr. Vaid’s direct personal supervision, which required Dr. Vaid’s physical presence in the office during the office visit with patient G.J.  At the time of the G.J. patient visit on February 27, 2014, Dr. Vaid was out of the country and unable to provide any direct personal supervision.

In his plea agreement, Dr. Vaid admitted that on February 23, 2015, he was out of the country.  Waldo saw patient B.T.  Dr. Vaid knew that Ms. Waldo would be seeing patient B.T. while Dr. Vaid was in India.   Dr. Vaid caused the presentation of a false claim to Medicare related to the February 23, 2015, office visit. This claim, submitted under CPT code 99214 to Medicare, falsely stated that Dr. Vaid had provided a face-to-face office visit with patient B.T. when he was really out of town.

In his plea agreement, Dr. Vaid further admitted that he violated the terms of his probation agreement with the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts when committing this offense.

These charges carry a maximum possible penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both imprisonment and a fine.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, with critical assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs.

St. Louis, MO – Robert Wilfred Boevingloh, 76, of Sullivan, MO, pled guilty to one of count of Receipt of Child Pornography.  Boevingloh appeared before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White and sentencing was set for January 30, 2020.

According to court documents, between January 2016 and February 2017, Boevingloh knowingly received more than 600 images of child pornography, and those images were visual depictions involving a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Regional Computer Crime Education and Enforcement Group.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Brandon Shell, 20, of St. Louis City, Missouri, on multiple criminal counts stemming from a carjacking that took place on October 12, 2019. 

According to court documents, on October 12, 2019, in the 3700 block of Juniata, Brandon Shell approached a group of four people with a gun in his hand.  As he held the victims at gunpoint, Shell demanded their money and keys to the car they had just parked, a 2013 Kia Optima.  The victims, fearing for their safety, gave Shell their money and the keys.  Shell fled the scene in the car.  St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers were able to track the stolen car, which was found in the 5300 block or Oriole near Pine Lawn, a short time after the robbery.  Shell got out of the car and continued to flee on foot.  The police officers ultimately apprehended Shell and took him into custody. 

Shell has been charged with three felony counts of carjacking; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

If convicted, carjacking carries a penalty of not more than fifteen years and a fine of $250,000; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime carries a penalty of not less than seven years and no more than life and a fine of $250,000; and being a felon in possession carries a penalty of not more than ten years and a fine of $250,000. 

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

Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

St. Louis, MO – William Timothy Hopmeier, 48, of Des Peres, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in production of child pornography.  Hopmeier appeared before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. 

According to court documents, from June 2017 to January 31, 2018, Hopmeier used a cell phone to video record two minor females engaging in sexually explicit conduct on several occasions.

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

St. Louis, MO –Arielle Steed, 27, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of aiding and abetting the robbery of a United States Postal employee.  Steed appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for March 6, 2020.

According to court documents, in early December 2018, Steed and co-defendant Dywane Upchurch planned to rob the U.S. Post Office in Richmond Heights located on Big Bend Boulevard.  Steed was a teller at the post office and was in a relationship with Upchurch. 

On December 6, 2018, after the post office closed to the public, Steed retrieved all the cash from the registers, sorted it, and placed it in a stack on the counter.  At this time, there was only one other employee present at the post office.  Upchurch, dressed in all black and wearing a surgical mask, entered the rear door of the post office.  He was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol.  Once inside, Upchurch brandished the firearm and forced Steed and the other employee into a restroom.  Upchurch then went to the counter and stole approximately $8,800 in cash.

Upchurch pled on October 4, 2019 to felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a U.S. Postal employee while committing a robbery.  Sentencing is set for January 16, 2020.

Steed faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond Heights Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO – Nicole M. Scott, 42, of St. Louis City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of wire fraud.  Scott appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for January 23, 2020.

According to court documents, from January 2009 until January 2019, Scott embezzled more than $1.8 million from her employer.  As part of her scheme, Scott would use her company’s payroll system to access lists of the company’s former employees, change the direct deposit information for certain former employees to her own personal bank account, and then enter fraudulent “negative deduction” transactions thereby causing the company to pay funds to Scott’s personal bank account.  In order to conceal her scheme, Scott would then manipulate payroll journal entries related to the fraudulent transactions causing them to be imputed to Scott for tax purposes.  Scott used the more than $1.8 million in fraud proceeds for personal gain, including making payments on a mortgage loan, to purchase clothing and accessories, and to pay for living expenses.                         

“Nicole Scott thought she could get away with her scheme because she oversaw the payroll system and had the ability to alter it,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Like other white-collar criminals who exploit their positions of trust, she will pay for her greed.”

Scott faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Restitution is also mandatory.  In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Jaime Lynn Slade, 33, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for her involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme with her former employer Dr. Antoine Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular.

According to court documents, from January 2014 to December 2018, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular submitted or caused to be submitted numerous false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The reimbursement claims falsely indicated that Dr. Adem performed two vein procedures on patients on two different days, when he actually performed the two procedures on the same day. As a result, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular received about $2000 more per patient than he would have received if he had informed Medicare and other insurers that the two vein procedures were performed on the same day. Slade was present during the surgeries and thereafter placed Dr. Adem’s false surgery notes into the patients’ medical records.

Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular pled guilty in August 2019 and are awaiting sentencing on December 20, 2019.

Slade faces a penalty up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, Missouri –Four licensed health care professionals were indicted today by a federal grand jury for receipt of controlled substance medications by deceit, fraud and misrepresentation.  They stole Schedule II controlled substances from the locked medication cabinets where they worked and falsified patient and/or pharmacy records to conceal the theft.  The following individuals were indicted:

Alyssa Wedepohl, 29, of Hillsboro, Missouri, was a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital South. Between October 2018 and May 2019, Wedepohl stole Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Morphine, Dronabinol, Lorazepam, and Tramadol. 

Jessica Powell, 32, of St. Louis County, Missouri, an employee of Davita Hospital Services, was a registered nurse in the dialysis unit at DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton and SSM Health Lake St. Louis Hospital.  Between February 13, 2017 and February 14, 2018, Powell stole Hydromorphone and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen.

Jacob Gottreu, 26, of St. Charles, Missouri, was a licensed paramedic and worked in the ER of SSM Health DePaul Hospital.  Between May 1, 2019 and June 12, 2019, Gottreu stole Fentanyl.

Rebekkah Johnson, 27, of St. Louis, Missouri, was a pharmacist and worked the night shift at the CVS in Clayton. During 2019, Johnson stole Methylphyphenidate ER, Vyvanse, and Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine ER.

If convicted, each face a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling this case.

Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

St. Louis, MO – Bryan G. Vonderahe, 45, of Kirkwood, Missouri, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of wire fraud.  Vonderahe appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 16, 2020.

According to court documents, beginning during January 2012 and continuing through January 2019, Vonderahe schemed to defraud The Boyd Group and its affiliated companies where he was employed as chief financial officer and controller.  Vonderahe issued approximately 500 company checks to himself during that period of time, totaling approximately 3.8 million dollars, without the knowledge or authority of the company’s ownership.  Vonderahe falsified internal company records and issued false financial statements to the company’s outside auditors in order to cover up and conceal his fraud scheme.  Vonderahe used the stolen and embezzled funds for his own personal use, unrelated to the legitimate business of the company, including to pay for travel for himself and his family to locations such as Florida, Colorado, and Nevada; to make payments on his personal residential mortgage; and to pay for gambling and related activities.

“It is unfortunate that some people are willing to betray the trust placed in them,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “But when it occurs, we will aggressively act to protect businesses and the public from fraud and corruption.”

As part of his guilty plea, Vonderahe agreed to forfeit to the United States a GMC Acadia Denali; a Land Rover, Range Rover Sport; and his residence at 1943 Windy Hill Road, St. Louis, MO  63122. 

Vonderahe faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine as to each of the three counts.  Restitution is also mandatory.  In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Goldsmith and Kyle Bateman are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO –Mary Ann Gibson, 63, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of bank fraud. Gibson appeared this morning in front of United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for January 16, 2020.

According to court documents, Gibson obtained a line of credit for Mozaic Group Ltd. from Enterprise Bank and Trust and subsequently drew down on that line of credit to run the business.  From approximately January 2016 through August 2017, Gibson falsely and fraudulently inflated the cash flow of the company she reported to the bank in order to maintain and increase the line of credit from Enterprise Bank and Trust. Mozaic and Gibson thereafter defaulted on the loan because Mozaic did not, in fact, have the cash flow Gibson reported to the bank. Gibson’s fraud resulted in a loss of approximately $2.5 million to the bank.

Gibson faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or both. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Brandon Mardell Woods, 35, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in two robberies in the Central West End.  Woods appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 27, 2020.

According to court documents, on June 17, 2018, a victim was walking to her vehicle when Woods approached her, pointed a firearm at her, and ordered her into her vehicle.  Woods got into the driver’s seat and directed the victim into the passenger seat.  Victim complied and Woods drove the victim’s vehicle to an ATM where he withdrew $500.00 from the victim’s bank account.

On June 19, 2018, two victims were seated in their vehicle when Woods got into the backseat, pointed a firearm at them, and ordered one of the victims to drive him to an ATM.  Once at the ATM, Woods directed one of the victims to withdraw money from her bank account.  She withdrew $200.00 from her account and gave it to Woods.

On June 20, 2018, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department arrested Woods and found him to be in possession of a firearm.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Circuit Attorney’s Office investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis – Clint Baer, 41, of Centralia, Missouri, was charged in a federal complaint with using interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

According to the complaint, Clint Baer is employed as a police officer with the Centralia Police Department located in Centralia, Missouri.

In March 2019, Baer contacted an individual he believed was the mother of a 14-year-old girl through the social networking site FetLife.  FetLife is a website with an app that serves people interested in sexual fetishes.  This site allows users to create a profile, search a directory of fetishes, join various fetish-themed groups, and conduct private chats with other users.  Baer contacted the individual he believed was the mother of the 14-year-old girl in the FetLife incest group. In reality, Baer was speaking with an undercover FBI agent.

Over the course of months, Baer exchanged sexually detailed and explicit text messages and phone calls, via FetLife and Kik messenger, with the undercover agent.  In Baer’s sexually explicit messages, he expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with the 14-year old girl as well as the mother.

On October 1, 2019, Baer contacted the undercover agent, believing he was speaking with the mother of the 14-year-old girl, and set up a time and location to have sexual activity with the mother of the child and the 14-year-old girl.  On October 7, 2019, Baer travelled from Centralia, Missouri, to Wentzville, Missouri, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with both.  Baer was arrested in Wentzville.  Baer is currently in federal custody.   

Charges set forth in the Complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Charles Police Department are investigating this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case.  

St. Louis MO --- Tyron F. Kemp, 30, of St. Louis and Riverview, Florida, was sentenced to six months in prison for filing false claims with the Internal Revenue Service as part of a bogus tax refund scheme.  Kemp appeared before United States District Judge Audrey F. Fleissig. 

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

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

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

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

St. Louis, MO –Dywane Upchurch, 39, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to felony charges  of being a felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a Postal employee while committing robbery.  Upchurch appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 16, 2019.

According to court documents, on December 6, 2018, Dywane Upchurch entered the rear door of the U.S. Post Office in Richmond Heights located on Big Bend Boulevard.  He was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol.  Once inside, Upchurch brandished the firearm and forced both employees into a restroom.  Upchurch then went to the cash register and stole approximately $8,800 in cash.

On January 17, 2019, Upchurch was taken into custody after United States Postal Inspectors executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Blakemore Place, St. Louis, Missouri. A firearm possessed by Upchurch was seized from the residence.

Upchurch faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm and up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the assault count.  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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond Heights Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO – Robert W. Rives, 37, of New Baden, IL, was sentenced to 82 months in prison for carjacking and using a firearm during a crime of violence.  Rives appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. 

            According to the plea agreement, on October 3, 2018 in the City of St. Louis, Rives was a passenger in a Chevy Impala vehicle which had immediately turned in front of a Mitsubishi vehicle and stopped.  Rives exited the passenger side and approached the driver of the Mitsubishi vehicle who was driving for UBER Eats making a delivery.  He produced a firearm and demanded the driver to give him his vehicle.  The victim complied and Rives then entered the victim’s Mitsubishi and drove off following the Impala.  Numerous items in the stolen car included a Rock River AR-15 rifle and two handguns.

            Later that day, Rives was arrested in the same type of vehicle he had stolen and officers recovered the AR-15 rifle and handguns. 

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

St. Louis - Alonzo Payne, 37, of Hazelwood, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison by United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.  The sentence follows Payne’s July 3, 2019 guilty plea to one count of Interfering with Commerce by Threats or Violence and one count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  The charges stemmed from a December 21, 2018 robbery of a Subway restaurant in Florissant, Missouri.

According to court documents, Payne entered the Subway restaurant in Grandview Plaza in Florissant and asked to be directed to the restroom.  Instead of entering the restroom, Payne entered an “employees only” food preparation area and brandished a handgun, demanding cash.  Two employees, 17 and 18 years old, complied with his demands and emptied the cash register.  One of the two managed to enable the video camera on his/her cellular telephone and captured a recording of the incident.  After Payne fled with an undetermined amount of cash, the employees called 911 and the Subway’s manager.  Florissant Police arrived and reviewed the recording.  The Subway manager recognized the voice on the recording as belonging to “Lonnie,” the boyfriend of a former Subway employee.

After several days of searching, Florissant Police located Payne at his girlfriend’s residence in Hazelwood.  Payne left the residence in a vehicle, at which time Florissant Police conducted a traffic stop.  Payne was sitting on a handgun at the time of the stop.  Payne was on parole to the State of Missouri for burglary at the time he committed his crimes.

Following today’s sentence, United States Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen stated, “Mr. Payne is a dangerous repeat offender who continues to illegally possess firearms and victimize other citizens.  We will continue to work with our important local partners like the Florissant Police Department to prosecute aggressively any person who commits a violent crime, particularly one involving a firearm.” 

Florissant Police Chief Timothy Fagan commended the Subway employees who provided crucial evidence during the investigation.  “Importantly, these young employees did not resist Mr. Payne and complied with his demands.  At the same time, they had the presence of mind to secure vital evidence that assisted greatly in identifying Mr. Payne as a suspect.  Law enforcement depends upon the continued cooperation of citizens like these two young people in our efforts to locate and arrest violent offenders.”

This case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department.

St. Louis –Jonathen Aguilar, 32, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute between 1.2 and 4 kilograms fentanyl.  Aguilar appeared in federal court on Wednesday, October 2, 2019.

According to court documents, on September 13, 2018, a suspicious package was sent to the address of 2017 Avignon Drive in St. Charles, Missouri from California.   Aguilar and co-defendant Ruben Lopez were involved in retrieving the package from Avignon Drive and delivering it to another residence at 425 Molina Way.

On September 18, 2018, inspectors discovered a suspicious package addressed to a “Kimberly Coxx” at “2017 Avignon Dr” and a La Mirada, California return address.  Investigators obtained a federal warrant to search the package.  Inside, inspectors discovered fentanyl.  The fentanyl was seized. 

Based on additional investigation, investigators obtained a search warrant for 2017 Avignon Drive and 425 Molina Way.  During the Avignon Drive search, investigators located and seized, among other things, a stolen Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun with an ammunition magazine containing twelve rounds; two suspected pill presses with drug residue; fentanyl; and an empty postal box mailed on August 30, 2018.  During the Molina Way search, investigators located and seized, among other things, fentanyl and $19,000.

On September 20, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that an additional package was present on the porch at 2017 Avignon Drive.  Investigators obtained a federal warrant to search the package.  Inspectors located fentanyl inside.

Co-defendant Ruben Lopez pled guilty in August and will be sentenced on October 30.

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.

St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Elijah Moore, 37, of St. Charles County, Missouri, on multiple criminal counts stemming from a two-day crime spree in July 2019. 

On July 29, 2019, the indictment alleges that a Task Force Officer with the United States Marshals Service and a St. Charles County Sheriff’s department detective located Moore in Wentzville, Missouri and attempted to arrest him.   According to the indictment, Moore attempted to kill both officers and discharged a firearm in furtherance of those attempts. Neither officer was seriously injured.  The indictment further alleges that Moore carjacked a vehicle on July 29 and discharged a firearm in the process.

Moore has been specifically charged with two counts of attempting to kill a federal law enforcement officer; two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of those attempts; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; one count of possessing a stolen firearm; one count of carjacking; and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking.

Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

            St Louis - Dayon J. Fips, 37, of Florissant, Missouri, pleaded guilty to multiple criminal counts before United States District Judge John A. Ross today.  His sentencing has been set for January 10, 2020.

            According to court documents, on July 31, 2018, Fips distributed fentanyl to victim N.B. who ingested that fentanyl and died as a result.  The investigation into N.B.’s death determined that, on the date of his death, N.B. contacted Fips multiple times via mobile phone.  Shortly before N.B.’s death, Fips picked up N.B. at his residence, drove N.B. to a bank and then returned N.B. to his residence.  Ninety minutes later, N.B.’s father called 911 after finding his son unresponsive in the family’s basement.  N.B. died of acute fentanyl intoxication.

            Following N.B.’s death, Fips distributed fentanyl on multiple occasions to a confidential informant.  In connection with those sales, Florissant Police executed a search warrant at Fips’ residence in the 8800 block of Harold in Berkeley, Missouri, in August 2018.  Officers recovered heroin, fentanyl, multiple firearms, and body armor.  Fips was on parole to the Missouri Department of Corrections for Robbery in the First Degree at the time of N.B.’s death and when the warrant was executed.  During an interview with police, Fips admitted that he knew N.B. and had sold N.B. drugs on multiple occasions. 

            After Fips was arrested, incarcerated and awaiting trial, Fips attempted to tamper with one or more witnesses connected to the investigation.  Fips’ efforts were detected and prevented by jail staff.  In court today, Fips admitted that he attempted to induce others to give false testimony.

            Following today’s guilty plea, Florissant Police Department Chief Timothy Fagan stated, “Mr. Fips’ conduct resulted in the loss of one life and presented a danger to countless others.  Even incarceration did not deter Mr. Fips’ conduct, and we are grateful to the jail staff for their diligent efforts, which thwarted an attempt to tamper with a witness.  His continued criminal conduct while on parole must be met with serious consequences.”

            Fips pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of ownership of body armor by violent felons, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance drug and one count of influencing testimony of any person in an official proceeding.

            Felon in possession charges carries a penalty of not more than 10 years and a fine of $250,000; ownership of body armor carries a penalty of not more than three years and a fine of $250,000; possession with intent to distribute carries a penalty of not more than life and a fine not more than $1,000,000; and influencing testimony carries a penalty of not more than life and a fine of $250,000.

            The Florissant Police Department is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO –Lonzo Patrick, 54, of St. Louis City, MO, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in connection with three separate armed store robberies committed in October 2017.  Patrick appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry Ronnie L. White, who accepted his plea and set a sentencing date of January 8, 2020.

According to the plea agreement, on October 21, 2017, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Patrick entered the O’Reilly Auto Parts located at 1140 North Kingshighway in St. Louis City.  After inquiring about purchasing items, Patrick pointed a firearm at the clerk and instructed the clerk to open the cash register.  Patrick took money from the register drawer.

On October 25, 2017, at approximately 6:10 p.m., Patrick entered the Phillips 66 store located at 4251 Lindell Boulevard in St. Louis City.  He approached the cashier in order to purchase an item but, instead, reached over the counter to remove money from the cash register drawer.  When the cashier attempted to close the register drawer, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the cashier.  Patrick then took money from the register drawer.

On October 30, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Patrick entered the Walgreens store located at 2933 South Kingshighway in St. Louis City.  He approached the counter to buy a sucker.  During the transaction, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the clerk.  The clerk ran from behind the counter, and Patrick took the money from the cash register.

Each robbery charge carries a penalty of not more than 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000.  Each firearm charge carries a penalty of not less than seven years nor more than life and/or fine of $250,000 consecutive to any other sentence imposed.   In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney John Bird is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO – Steven Walters, 52, of St. Peters, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft or embezzlement from an employee benefit plan.  Walters appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for December 19, 2019.

According to court documents, Walters began his employment with Synergy Concepts Inc. on or about August 2001. In 2014, Walters was the Vice-President and Secretary of Synergy Concepts Inc.  Defendant Walters, on behalf of Synergy Concepts Inc., acted as the co-trustee for a company retirement plan that was funded from voluntary contributions by the employees. From May of 2015 through August 2016, Defendant Walters, as an officer of Synergy Concepts, Inc., failed to transfer withheld funds destined for the retirement plan and instead diverted the funds for other purposes, including his own personal use. Defendant Walters did knowingly embezzle, steal and unlawfully and willfully abstract and convert to his own use the money, funds, securities, premiums, properties and other assets of the employee pension plan that resulted in a total loss of $72,817.27.  

“Steven Walters abused his former fiduciary position as Trustee of the Synergy Concepts Retirement Plan by diverting employee contributions and loan repayments for his personal use.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration to protect the integrity of employee benefit plans,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

This case is being investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Demario Hunter, 33, of East St. Louis, IL; Keombra James, 25, of East St. Louis, IL; and Surrayah Hill, 21, of East St. Louis, IL were indicted last week by a federal grand jury for attempted carjacking in the 3400 block of Iowa Street in St. Louis, MO during which James Anthony Sapone was shot and killed.  The three defendants were also indicted on weapon charges relating to the March 18, 2019, incident. The indictment was unsealed September 23, 2019, once all defendants were arrested.

            If convicted, the charge of attempted carjacking resulting in death carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the imposition of death. The charge of murder in the course of a crime of violence also carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the imposition of death.  The charge of possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a minimum penalty of ten years imprisonment.  All three defendants were charged with each of those crimes.  Additionally, Hunter faces a charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment. All charges carry a potential fine of $250,000 per count.

            Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            “Gun violence and carjackings remain top priorities of this office.  We continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prevent these senseless acts of violence but, when they occur, we are committed to holding each and every perpetrator accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Jeffrey B. Jensen, United States Attorney following the indictment’s unsealing.

            This case was investigated by the FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistance was provided by St. Louis County Police and Illinois Department of Corrections Parole.

St. Louis, MO – Michael Bruce McDonald, 79, of Huntington Beach, CA, was sentenced to 174 months in federal prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. McDonald appeared before United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey. 

According to court proceedings and documents, McDonald is a former police officer from California. In 2001 he was found guilty of sexually abusing a child. He moved to the Philippines in 2009, and a short time later married. Three of his wife’s nieces moved in with them - all under ten years of age.

McDonald started producing child pornography pictures of the children and one of their friends. He sexually abused two of the children. He posted some of the images in an online account and sent images by email. McDonald sent child pornography images of the children to an undercover officer in St. Louis. The officer was able to identify McDonald and locate him in the Philippines. McDonald was indicted in the Eastern District of Missouri and was sent back to the United States to be prosecuted.

St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO –Shayne McKee, 27, of St. Louis, MO, was indicted today on three felony counts including bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm stemming from the armed robbery of the St. Louis Community Credit Union located at 7345 West Florissant Avenue in Jennings, Missouri. 

According to the indictment, on May 5, 2018, McKee and an accomplice entered the St. Louis Community Credit Union on West Florissant Avenue in Jennings, Missouri.  Once inside, McKee announced a robbery, pulled a gun on bank employees, and demanded money. Ultimately, McKee and his accomplice left with U.S. currency belonging to and in the custody of the credit union.

If convicted, the charge of bank robbery carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; felon in possession carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed and a fine of $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Louis County Police Department are investigating this case. 

Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

St. Louis, MO – Anthony Marion, a/k/a “Bird,” 36, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for heroin distribution that resulted in death from the use of such heroin.  Marion appeared today before the Honorable Rodney W. Sippel.           

According to court documents, co-defendant Lauren Martinez agreed to provide two individuals with heroin on February 26, 2016.  She contacted her source, Marion, who met Martinez in the parking lot of a White Castle restaurant in St. Charles, Missouri.  There, Marion provided heroin to Martinez, who then provided it to the victim.  At the time she distributed the heroin, Martinez described it as “strong” and cautioned the victim to be careful.  During a later interview, Martinez admitted that she knew multiple people who had overdosed on heroin. 

Despite learning of the individual’s death, Martinez and Marion continued to distribute heroin in the subsequent weeks and months.  As part of the on-going investigation into the heroin-related death, investigators arranged and made a controlled purchased of heroin from Marion and Martinez in March 2016.  On May 9, 2016, Marion was arrested for possession of heroin and a firearm.

Marion pleaded guilty to one count of distributing heroin resulting in death in February and Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of heroin distribution in February and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13.               

The O’Fallon Police Department and the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task investigated this case.

St. Louis - Rene Flores-Calderon, 35, of Mexico, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for transportation of undocumented aliens who had come to, entered and remained in the United States in violation of law and to his illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.

According to court documents, on August 2, 2018, a Missouri State Highway Patrolman stopped a maroon Chevrolet Suburban eastbound on Interstate 44, just east of the Franklin County line, in St. Louis County, Missouri. The suburban contained 10 undocumented adult aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador and three undocumented unaccompanied minor children. During the vehicle stop, Flores-Calderon fled the scene on foot but was apprehended the next day.

All of the passengers admitted they had illegally entered the United States through various locations in Arizona over the last month and were traveling to various destinations across the United States.

Flores-Calderon knew the passengers were undocumented aliens in the United States in violation of the law and that he transported the passengers within the United States with the intent to further the aliens’ unlawful presence.

Interviews were conducted of the passengers in the vehicle. In summary, they stated that they had crossed at various points into the United States illegally. Flores-Calderon picked them up at various locations in Arizona and drove eastbound. Several of the passengers indicated that they or members of their family had paid a smuggler to get them into the country and to their destination. Others indicated they paid or were going to pay the Flores-Calderon to transport them to various cities in the United States.

Flores-Calderon had previously been deported from the United States following convictions for illegal entry and reentry into the United States at least six times.

“Today’s sentence reflects our firm and lasting commitment to stopping the illicit flow of human beings who are treated as nothing more than cargo,” said Katherine Greer, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Kansas City. “HSI, and our law enforcement partners, remain vigilant against those with obvious disregard for our nation’s laws, and we will continue to seek out such people and place them before the bar of justice.”

Homeland Security, Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), St. Louis County Police Department and the Eureka Police Department investigated this case.

St. Louis, MO –Christina Weaver, 40, of Collinsville, IL; Wendell Ragsdale, 45, of Springfield, IL; Bradley Quinelle Warren, 32, of Collinsville, IL; Taylor D. James, 20, of Collinsville, IL; and Haley S. James, 21, of Collinsville, IL; were indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to maliciously interfere with communication lines by entering onto cellular tower sites.

According to the Indictment, between April 3, 2018 and August 1, 2018, Weaver, Ragsdale, Warren, Taylor James and Haley James conspired to obtain money by stealing copper grounding bars and copper wiring from cellular telephone towers and thereafter selling the stolen copper to metal salvage dealers in exchange for cash. They entered onto over 80 cellular tower sites located in 21 different jurisdictions thereby damaging cellular communications systems in the affected areas.

Defendants Warren and Weaver are also charged with one count of malicious interference with communications lines for their role in stealing copper grounding bars and copper wiring from a cellular telephone tower in Montgomery County, Missouri.   

If convicted, the conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the malicious interference with communications lines carries a penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

St. Louis, MO – Paul Kesterson, 48, of Washington, MO, who was employed as a Lieutenant with the Washington, Missouri Police Department, was sentenced to two months and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $25,556 for stealing funds.  Kesterson appeared today before U.S. District Judge Webber. 

According to court documents, between February 1, 2018 and April 2019, Kesterson served as the Director of the St. Louis Area Law Enforcement Exploring Association (STLEEA) and as a Lieutenant with the Washington, Missouri Police Department.  As the Director of STLEEA, Kesterson handled all of the finances and managed the Explorer Academy training.  He was issued a credit and debit card so he could draw upon funds of the STEELA checking account for the benefit of the organization. After the Assistant Director received a phone call from U.S. Bank regarding a late credit card payment, an investigation was conducted regarding Kesterson’s use of the STLEEA account, as well as a Washington Police Department bank account controlled by Kesterson on behalf of STLEEA. Financial records revealed that Kesterson had been using the credit/debit card to make personal purchases.  During the instant investigation regarding the STLEEA U.S. Bank account activity from 2018 to April 2019, no other members of the Washington Police Department or any other law enforcement agencies were found to be involved in Kesterson’s criminal activity.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Washington Police Department and O’Fallon, Missouri Police Department.

Bailey Colletta, 26, a former police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri to one count of making false statements to a federal grand jury about her knowledge of the arrest and assault of a fellow SLMPD police officer, who was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during protests following the 2017 acquittal of a former SLMPD officer on a state murder charge. Colletta’s co-defendants, SLMPD officers Dustin Boone, Randy Hays, and Christopher Myers, remain under indictment on federal charges related to the assault and subsequent cover-up. They have pleaded not guilty.

According to the plea agreement, in addition to facing a maximum of five years in prison, Colletta must forfeit her law enforcement certification. A sentencing date has been set for December 13, 2019. 

The trial of Boone, Hayes, and Myers is set for Dec. 2, 2019.

This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reginald Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.

Bailey Colletta, 26, a former police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri to one count of making false statements to a federal grand jury about her knowledge of the arrest and assault of a fellow SLMPD police officer, who was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during protests following the 2017 acquittal of a former SLMPD officer on a state murder charge. Colletta’s co-defendants, SLMPD officers Dustin Boone, Randy Hays, and Christopher Myers, remain under indictment on federal charges related to the assault and subsequent cover-up. They have pleaded not guilty.

According to the plea agreement, in addition to facing a maximum of five years in prison, Colletta must forfeit her law enforcement certification. A sentencing date has been set for Dec. 13. The trial of Boone, Hayes, and Myers is set for Dec. 2, 2019.

This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reginald Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.

St. Louis, MO – William Miller, 54, of Richmond Heights, was sentenced to 15 months and three years supervised release for aiding and abetting former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger’s honest services wire fraud/bribery scheme.  Miller appeared in front of U.S. District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel. 

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

The charge against Miller relates to his aiding and abetting Stenger’s criminal scheme, having taken official action to ensure that “Company One” and its principal owner obtained a 2019 state lobbying contract valued at approximately $200,000 from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.  In aiding and abetting Stenger’s criminal scheme, Miller communicated with, and personally met with Sheila Sweeney, then the CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, in order to persuade and ensure that Sweeney and the Partnership Board, of which Miller was a member, awarded the lobbying contract to Company One, over a second lobbying firm which had also bid on the lobbying contract.  In taking such official action in aid of Stenger’s criminal scheme, Miller deprived the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest services as the County’s Chief of Staff and as a member of the Board of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.  Throughout his tenure as Chief of Staff, Miller actively participated in and aided and abetted Stenger’s criminal scheme relative to a number of Stenger’s political donors in order to maintain his position as Chief of Staff within Stenger’s administration.

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

St. Louis, MO – A suppressed federal indictment was unsealed today charging six individuals with drug trafficking and firearm-related charges for the years 2018 to the present.  The individuals and charges include:

• WILLIAM GOODLOW, 37, charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin;
   
• MARCUS JERMAINE MOORE, 35, charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin;
   
• CHRISTOPHER SANTEL MOORE, 33, charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin;
   
• JEFFREY TREMAINE STIDMON, 37, charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin; 
   
• DURRELL BRENT JOHNSON, 33, charged with two counts of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin; marijuana distribution; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; being a felon in the possession of one or more firearms; and 
   
• FLORA LOUISE JOHNSON, 31, charged with two counts of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin.                        
   

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 indictment and today’s arrests are a continuation of the on-going investigation into drug trafficking, overdose deaths, homicides, and firearm offenses occurring within and stemming from illegal activity connected to the Clinton-Peabody housing complex.

Following the unsealing of today’s indictment, United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “These arrests and unsealing of today’s indictment resulted from the coordinated effort between our office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.  It is part of an active, on-going investigation focused on organized groups of individuals committing drug- and firearms-related crimes in the City of Saint Louis.”

“Parts of our city are being devastated by drugs and gun violence,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alicia Corder of the FBI St. Louis Division.  “Today's arrests show the commitment of law enforcement at all levels to work together to rid the streets of this lawlessness.”

“After recently attending an event to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic, this indictment is an example of the essential work officers do every day to combat drug-related crimes,” said Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief John Hayden after today’s indictment was unsealed.  “Our continued coordination with our federal and local partners is valued and can save lives by getting drugs and firearms off of our streets.”

If convicted, the drug conspiracy charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.  The use of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking charge carries a statutory minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to life consecutive to any other sentence imposed.  The felon in possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. 

In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department; and Drug Enforcement Administration.

St. Louis, MO – Scott B. Walsh, 48, of Kirksville, MO, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography. Walsh appeared before United States District Judge John A. Ross. 

According to court documents, in September of 2017 it came to the attention of Shelbina and Kirksville Police Departments that Walsh had solicited child pornography from a twelve-year boy in the area. The police and FBI discovered that Walsh, a registered sex offender, had befriended the twelve-year old boy, and given the child presents (such a bike and cell phone). Walsh persuaded the child, after numerous and constant text messaging, to send Walsh a self-produced video which depicted child pornography. The Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit was able to forensically locate the video on the child’s cell phone, as well as, the many text messages Walsh had sent the child.

Walsh pled guilty to Deviate Sexual Assault in an unrelated case on December 20, 2004, Boone County, Missouri and received five years in state prison.

The Kirksville Police Department, the Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Shelbina Police Department investigated the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – A federal complaint was issued today charging Teneisha D. Moore, 26, with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a) and 846, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c) and 2.

According to court documents, a federal search warrant was executed at residence in the 4600 block of Farlin Avenue in the City of Saint Louis on September 4, 2019.  The residence was occupied by Ms. Moore, a Corrections Officer with the Saint Louis City Department of Corrections currently assigned to the Medium Security Institution. 

During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement officials located and seized, among other things, approximately four ounces of a suspected fentanyl and heroin mixture; 57 grams of suspected marijuana; suspected ecstasy; a black, semi-automatic pistol; a rifle; a high-capacity, drum-style magazine; an additional approximately 15 grams of suspected heroin; and two balloons filled with a suspected mixture of heroin and fentanyl. 

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department; and Drug Enforcement Administration.

St. Louis, MO –Carlos Robinson, 28, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence arising out of four separate armed store robberies committed in early 2017.  Robinson appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey, who accepted his plea and set a sentencing date of December 3, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, on February 6, 2017, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Robinson entered the Conoco Gas Station located at 3600 Big Bend Boulevard in St. Louis County.  He pulled a bandana over his mouth and pointed a silver firearm at the clerk.  Robinson instructed the clerk to open the cash register and demanded money before exiting the service station.

On February 10, 2017, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Robinson entered the Mobil on the Run gas station located at 9371 Olive Boulevard, also in St. Louis County.  He pointed a small silver firearm at the clerk, told her to open the cash register drawer and give him the money. 

On February 13, 2017, at approximately 1:39 p.m., Robinson entered the BP gas station located at 7003 Manchester Avenue, St. Louis City.  He entered the store wearing sunglasses and asked to use the bathroom key, which the cashier provided.  Robinson returned the key, walked inside the Plexiglas partition and revealed a firearm to the cashier, demanding money.  The cashier was able to physically push Robison out of the secure cashier area, close the door, and push the alarm. 

On February 15, 2017, at approximately 7:01 p.m., Robinson entered the Family Dollar located at 4344 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, also in St. Louis City.  He approached the register and asked for a pack of Newport cigarettes.  Robinson displayed a firearm, demanded money, and threatened to hurt the cashier if she did not comply. 

The robbery charges carry a penalty of not more than 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000 on each count.  The firearm charges carry a penalty of not less than seven years nor more than life and/or fine of $250,000 on each count consecutive to any other sentence imposed.   In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maplewood Police Department, the Olivette Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

St. Louis, MO - Johnzell Moorehead, 29, of Saint Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.  Moorehead appeared today before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for December 6, 2019.

According to the plea agreement and among other things, Moorehead, his girlfriend, and an associate, Daryaun Wines, were travelling inside a vehicle in the early morning hours of October 12, 2017.  The group was being followed by two additional associates who were in a separate vehicle.  Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Federal Officer Archie Shaw was on-duty and, as part of an on-going investigation, began to follow the second of the two vehicles.  Special Federal Officer Shaw was utilizing an unmarked law enforcement vehicle.  

Moorehead noticed Special Federal Officer Shaw's vehicle.  Moorehead, his girlfriend, and Wines split-up from their other associates (who were being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw).  The vehicle being followed by Special Federal Officer Shaw led Special Federal Officer Shaw to the intersection of Miami and Iowa streets within the City of Saint Louis.  As Special Federal Officer Shaw drove through the intersection, Moorehead and Wines shot Special Federal Officer Shaw.  Moorehead and Wines travelled to that location for the purpose of committing the shooting.

Special Federal Officer Shaw's vehicle was struck several times by the gunfire.  Special Federal Officer Shaw himself was also struck by gunfire.  After being shot, Special Federal Officer Shaw was able to drive himself to safety.  Moorehead and his associates fled the area.

Under the firearm charge, Moorehead faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  As part of the plea agreement, the parties have agreed to recommend a 25-year sentence at the time of Moorehead’s sentencing.

In addition to Moorehead’s conviction, this on-going investigation into the shooting of Special Federal Officer Shaw also resulted in the federal convictions of Daryaun Wines; Paris Gordon; Don Collins; Joseph Paster; Clifton Hudson; and Darlene Calhoun.  

“Police Officer Shaw has provided nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Saint Louis.  The courage he exhibited in this incident, demonstrates his level of commitment to the protection of the community,” said Chief John Hayden, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  “The Saint Louis Police Department truly appreciates the support and assistance we receive from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and all our federal partners.”

"Mr. Moorhead and Mr. Wines ambushed FBI Special Federal Officer Shaw as he was simply doing his job, a dangerous job requiring courage and dedication.  When any officer is threatened or attacked, the Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable anyone directly or indirectly involved.  We hope Mr. Moorehead’s case, along with the other individuals charged and convicted during the course of this on-going investigation makes that clear,” said Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Rea after today's proceeding. 

The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is investigating this case.

St. Louis, MO – Christopher Helm, 30, of Kirkwood, MO, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release for Possession of Child Pornography. Helm appeared before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White. 

According to court documents, officers of the Kirkwood Police Department searched Helm’s apartment after learning he had been arrested in St. Clair, Missouri for statutory rape.  Helm’s electronics revealed over 9000 images of child pornography.

Helm pled on May 22, 2019 to one count of possession of child pornography.  Helm also pled in St. Clair County Court, Missouri on March 5, 2018 for the same conduct and was sentenced to a total of eight years in state prison.  Both sentences will run concurrent.

The Kirkwood Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Regional Computer Crimes Education and Enforcement Group investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO –Torion Caston, 29, of Ferguson, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He appeared before Federal District Judge John A. Ross. 

According to court documents, on February 20, 2019, a Berkeley Police Officer observed Caston driving a Jeep Cherokee.  Caston exited the vehicle.  When he did, the officer attempted to speak to Caston.  Caston then fled the scene.  The officer observed a loaded Glock semi-automatic 9mm pistol on the floorboard of the Jeep.  Caston later admitted he was a convicted felon and had possessed the stolen firearm. 

The Berkeley Police Department investigated the case.  United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – Mikal Hamilton, 28, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.  Hamilton appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for December 5, 2019.

According to court documents, on January 15, 2019, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department saw a vehicle driven by Hamilton commit a traffic violation.  When officers tried to stop the vehicle, Hamilton sped off at a high rate of speed before crashing.  Hamilton exited the vehicle and fled the scene of the accident.  After being apprehended, Hamilton told police he ran because was he had a stolen firearm in the vehicle he was driving.  The officers recovered a 40 caliber Glock firearm with an extended magazine loaded with 30 live rounds.

Hamilton faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of not more than a $250,000.  He may be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence greater than described.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Jorion Garrett, 21, of Hazelwood, MO, was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for three carjacking and two firearms charges.  Garrett appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry. 

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

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

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

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

St. Louis, MO – Antonio Ball, 21, St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony count of carjacking and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime.  Ball appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for November 20, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, on May 19, 2018, the victim stopped at the Elite Market on North Broadway in a rental vehicle.  Ball approached the victim with a handgun and demanded the car keys.  When the victim complied, Ball and two other males jumped into the vehicle and drove off.  Ball was later arrested by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Carjacking carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime carries a penalty of not less than 7 years nor more than life and a fine of $250,000.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO – Rehan A. Rana, 46, of Ellisville, MO, was sentenced on Friday, August 16, 2019 to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100.000 fine, restitution in the amount of $751,787 to the Internal Revenue Service, and $526,285 to the Medicare Program. Rana appeared before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. 

According to court documents, between 2009 and 2012, Rana and others associated with Allegiance Medical Services, a medical testing laboratory, paid illegal kickbacks to doctors and marketers in exchange for blood and urine specimens that they sent or referred to the lab. Allegiance Medical Services concealed the illegal kickbacks from Medicare and Medicaid, which would not paid for tests of specimens obtained by the payment of illegal kickbacks.

For the tax years 2013, 2014, and 2015, Rana, the owner of St. Louis Hills Pharmacy, filed false tax returns, indicating that he had taxable distributions from his pharmacy of only $300,000 in 2013, $150,000 in 2014, and $217,500 in 2015, when he actually had received $1,993,600 in 2013, $1,328,924 in 2014, and $1,253,372 in 2015.

“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating individuals who use their businesses as personal piggy banks,” said Steven Slazinik, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “We all pay when others swindle the government.  Tax fraud of this magnitude and with this degree of trickery, dishonesty and deceit, deserves to be punished.”

The Internal Revenue Service – Office of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the FBI, and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy McMurtry handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Antoine Adem, M.D., 49, of Festus, MO, and his company, Midwest Cardiovascular, Inc., plead guilty to their involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme. Adem appeared in federal court before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted the guilty pleas and set sentencing for November 19, 2019.

According to court documents, from January 2014 to December 2018, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular submitted or caused to be submitted numerous false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The reimbursement claims falsely indicated that Dr. Adem performed two vein procedures on patients on two different days, when he actually performed the two procedures on the same day. As a result, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular received about $2000 more per patient than he would have received if he had informed Medicare and other insurers that the two vein procedures were performed on the same day. As a result of these fraudulent claims, Medicare paid Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular $149,199, more than they were entitled to receive.

Adem faces a penalty up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. Midwest Cardiovascular faces a fine of $500,000. 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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Harpreet Mann, 41, of Vancouver, Canada, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for his participation in a multi-defendant drug conspiracy.  Mann appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry A. Autrey and was ordered deportation to Canada after completing his sentence.

According to court documents, Mann’s drug trafficking organization was responsible for trafficking multi-kilogram amounts of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine through packages in the mail to St. Louis and other areas in the United States.  After the completion of two wiretaps in January 2016, investigators executed six federal search warrants and seized 14 weapons, approximately $60,000, one kilogram of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine and three kilograms of marijuana.

Because of this investigation, seven defendants were federally indicted through the Eastern District of Missouri. Mann was on the run for nearly a year after the Indictment.  Mann also has an active warrant in Canada for possession of 3 kilograms of cocaine in March 2018. 

Co-defendant James T. Bell is awaiting trial; co-defendant Daniel Gene Bigham is awaiting sentencing; the remaining co-defendants have been sentenced— Lamar White (20 months), Jeffrey Scott Cotton (20 months), Alex Smith (5 years’ probation), and Terra Cotton (SAIL Program).

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Crystal City Police Department and the United States Marshals Service investigated the case.

St. Louis –Ryan Easter, 27, of Florissant, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony count of possessing fentanyl.  Easter appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for November 11, 2019. 

According to court documents, on February 28, 2018, Easter conducted a narcotics transaction.  Easter was eventually stopped by law enforcement.  Easter was in the possession of a loaded 45-caliber Glock firearm and a plastic bag containing 322 fentanyl capsules. 

Easter faces a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or both.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.   

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO – Sheila M. Sweeney, 62, of Ladue, was sentenced to three years’ probation for Misprision of a Felony and ordered to pay a fine of $20,000.  Sweeney appeared today before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry. 

According to court documents, Sheila Sweeney was the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, having been recommended for that position by former St. Louis County Executive Steven V. Stenger during August 2015.  Stenger believed he could exercise control of the Partnership’s contracts and grants through Sweeney, who did, in fact, take her directions from Stenger throughout her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership.  Sweeney had knowledge of Stenger’s ongoing bribery scheme, whereby Stenger accepted political donations in exchange for awarding contracts through St. Louis County and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and its affiliated organizations.  Stenger’s scheme deprived the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to the honest services of both Stenger and Sweeney.  Knowing of Stenger’s illegal bribery scheme, Sweeney failed to report the criminal conduct to law enforcement.  Sweeney also took steps and engaged in conduct to conceal and cover up Stenger’s illegal bribery scheme which allowed Stenger’s scheme to continue undetected for several years.  By her criminal conduct, Sweeney violated her fiduciary duties to the Board of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, and abused the trust of the St. Louis County citizens who deserved her honest services.   

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