Eastern District of Missouri

St. Louis, MO – William J. Richardet, 64, of Jefferson County, and Cardinal Lawn and Landscape, Inc., of High Ridge, MO, both pled guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit visa fraud.  Richardet appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Henry Autrey who accepted his plea and set sentencing for November 12, 2019. 

According to court documents, from January 2012 until December 2017, Richardet knowingly caused Cardinal Lawn and Landscape, Inc. (Cardinal) to submit false and fraudulent claims and statements on both Form 9142s (submitted to Department of Labor) and Form I-129s (submitted to Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services) related to Cardinal’s application to receive H-2B Non-Immigrant workers.  On these forms, Cardinal and Richardet fraudulently represented that they would seasonally employ foreign workers to provide landscaping and grounds keeping labor exclusively for Cardinal.  These statements were falsely made as Richardet intended to lease, and did lease, a number of the foreign workers to various other companies for profit.  Over the course of the conspiracy, Cardinal and Richardet leased 74 H-2B Non-Immigrant workers to seven different companies.

“William Richardet and his company, Cardinal Lawn & Landscape, submitted false documents to the U.S. Departments of Labor and Homeland Security to perpetrate a scheme by illegally subcontracting foreign workers he sponsored for H2-B visas.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who defraud worker visa programs for their own personal gain,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

Richardet faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.  Cardinal faces a maximum fine of $500,000 and 5 years probation.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – David Jones, 20, St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for carjacking.  Jones appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White. 

According to court documents, on May 22, 2018, the victim and a friend were sitting in a 2008 Malibu in the 1300 block of Ferguson when Jones and two other individuals approached and told them to get out of the car.  Members of the group pointed a short-barreled shotgun and handgun at the victims.  The victims complied.  The three carjackers jumped in the car and drove off. 

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

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

St. Louis, MO – Rodney Grant Sullivan, 55, St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography. Sullivan appeared before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White. 

The investigation was started by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office investigated a complaint that Sullivan was looking at child pornography on a computer and cell phone. Officers located the devices and found child pornography images on the cell phone.

Sometime later, St. Charles County Cyber Crimes Task Force officers assisted in locating Sullivan at his employer’s address in Crestwood, Missouri. At that time, Sullivan had a different cell phone with him and allowed the law enforcement officers to examine it. The officers found additional child pornography images on that phone. Some of the images depicted young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Sullivan, who was previously convicted in 2011 of two counts of sexual misconduct involving a child during, was indicted in federal court for Possession of Child Pornography on September 12, 2018. On May 14, 2019, he pleaded guilty to possessing at least 450 images of child pornography on his cell phone between April 1, 2017, and May 4, 2018. He was sentenced today to 10 years in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Charles County Cyber Crimes Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Nathan Cavin, 38, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for his involvement in a multi-defendant methamphetamine conspiracy in the Eastern District of Missouri.  Cavin appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.

According to court documents, in April 2017, a multi-pound supplier of methamphetamine was identified, who had several sources of supply for drugs in Oklahoma City and Kansas City.  Eleven people were indicted and connected to this conspiracy, which was responsible for at least 40 kilograms of methamphetamine.  The methamphetamine was transported to the St. Louis area from Oklahoma City and Kansas City between April and August 2017.  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized approximately nine kilograms of methamphetamine, 11 guns (including a silencer and a short-barrel rifle) and $148,000 in U.S. currency.

Defendants also sentenced in the conspiracy are as follows:

Eric Broadaway, 49, 120 months in prison;

Keith English, 27, 180 months in prison;

Tommy Hopkins, 37, 144 months in prison;

Brandon Jones, 36, 135 months in prison;

Dione Schwartz, 50, 120 months in prison;

Bryan Warren, 40, 180 months in prison and;

David Wilson, 38, 60 months in prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Charles Drug Task Force and the St. Ann Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Koppenaal handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

St. Louis, MO – Donald L. Robison, 57, Ballwin, MO, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering before United States District Judge Stephen R. Clark.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2019. 

According to his plea agreement, from August 1998 through November 2018, Robison stole millions of dollars allocated for New and Retained Job Training Programs established by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.  Robison stole program-allocated funds from both the Missouri Department of Revenue and St. Louis Community College.  Robison subsequently moved the stolen funds between bank and investment accounts to conceal their origin.

"All the money stolen was meant for a program designed for people who wanted to better themselves by learning new skills to become employable," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Instead, Donald Robison helped himself to millions of taxpayer dollars and deprived the program of money destined to help Missouri workers."

Wire fraud and mail fraud carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment for each count and a fine of $250,000 or both.  Money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for each count and a fine of $250,000 or both.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.  Restitution to the victims is also mandatory. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with the assistance and cooperation of St. Louis Community College and the State of Missouri.  Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO –Jerrinon Tate, 28, of St. Louis, MO, sentenced to a term of fourteen years in federal prison for brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey. 

According to court documents, on June 21, 2018, at 1:00 a.m., Tate entered the QuikTrip located at 10845 Lilac in Bellefontaine Neighbors in Saint Louis County.  He pointed a black semi-automatic pistol at the clerk and demanded money.

Hours later, Tate entered the Moto Mart located at 11005 Riverview Drive in the City of St. Louis.  He again pointed a black semi-automatic pistol at the clerk and demanded money.  Approximately 20 minutes later, Tate entered the Family Dollar store located at 8971 Halls Ferry, St. Louis, Missouri.  Tate pointed a firearm at the clerk, demanded money, and threatened to shoot the clerk.

The total combined cash that Tate took in the armed robberies was approximately $847.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. 

St. Louis, MO – Steven V. Stenger, 47, of Clayton, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, a fine of $250,000, three years’ supervised release, $130,000 restitution and a $300 special assessment related to his guilty pleas to three felony counts of honest services bribery/mail fraud.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning during October 2014, even before he was officially elected County Executive, and continuing through December 31, 2018, Stenger engaged in a systemic scheme to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services by soliciting and accepting bribes in exchange for county contracts and grants.  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 his favorable official action in issuing government contracts and grants to those political donors.  Stenger directed members of his executive staff, including his chief of staff and chief of policy, and various other high level county employees to take steps to ensure that his political donors would win in the bidding process for various county contracts.  In doing so, other companies who expected a level playing field in the county’s bidding process were victimized, as were the approximately one million residents of St. Louis County.  For over four years, Stenger treated important county contracts and grants as something to barter away as if they were his own personal thank you gifts. 

One businessman from whom Stenger solicited and received political donations was John Rallo.  In exchange for campaign donations and several fundraising events, Stenger directed the county’s Director of Operations to award John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Insurance, insurance contracts through St. Louis County during 2015 and 2016.  Further, Stenger directed the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Sheila Sweeney, to award John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Creative Consulting, a 2016 consulting contract for $130,000 through the St. Louis County Port Authority.  Additionally, Stenger took official action to ensure that John Rallo and his company, Wellston Holdings, LLC, obtained  two properties in Wellston, Missouri, which were held by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County during 2016 and 2017.  Stenger also admitted to steering a 2019 - 2021 state lobbying contract from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership to a company identified as “Company One” in exchange for political donations and fundraising efforts from the company’s owner.  Stenger took steps to hide, conceal and cover up his illegal conduct, including making false public statements and directing others with knowledge of his scheme to make false public statements.

"Steve Stenger abused his power as an elected official to benefit himself," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Had the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office not stopped Stenger from misusing taxpayer dollars for his personal gain, he would have continued to run St. Louis County into the ground. He will now have years in federal prison to reflect on the cost of his greed.”

“Public service is a public trust,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith.  “Through his illegal pay to play scheme aimed at filling his own political coffers, the former County Executive shattered that trust.  The residents of St. Louis County and St. Louis County government employees have suffered immeasurable harm as a result.  The Department of Justice will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute public corruption wherever it exists, and work to restore the public’s trust in its elected officials.” 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. 

St. Louis, MO – Armin Harcevic, 41, of Ballwin, MO, appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry.  Harcevic was sentenced to 66 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and providing material support to terrorists.  Harcevic was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal to begin his sentence immediately. Based on the offenses for which Harcevic was convicted he is subject to deportation and removal from the United States.

According to court documents, Armin Harcevic, Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, Nihad Rosic, Jasminka Ramic and Mediha Medy Salkicevic conspired with others to support the activities of Abdullah Ramo Pazara and others, including a conspiracy to commit outside the United States an act that would constitute the offense of murder or maiming if committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.  Harcevic intended to and did provide support and resources to Pazara, knowing that he and his co-conspirators would use the support and resources in furtherance of their combat against Syrian government forces and others.  Harcevic’s support consisted of money, which was used by his co-conspirators to purchase supplies such as U.S. military uniforms, rifle scopes, combat boots, tactical gear, clothing, firearms accessories, range finders, and other supplies useful to fighters engaged in combat in Syria and elsewhere.

Co-defendants Ramiz Zijad Hodzic and Sedina Unkic Hodzic are awaiting sentencing; Nihad Rosic is awaiting trial; Jasminka Ramic and Mediha Medy Salkicevic were sentenced to 36 and 78 months in prison, respectively.

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

St. Louis, MO –Malachiah Williams, 23, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm.  Williams appeared today before U.S. District Judge Richard Webber.

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

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

Williams pled in May 2019, to two counts of carjacking and two counts of brandishing a firearm.

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

St. Louis, MO – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Franklin County resident Patrick Estes, 57, with enticement of a minor (18 USC 2422(b)), solicitation of child pornography (18 USC 2252A(a)(3)(B)(ii)), and committing a felony involving a minor while a registered sex offender (18 USC 2260A). Estes has been taken into custody and ordered detained pending trial. 

The defendant is a registered sex offender having been previously convicted by the State of Missouri for sexual offenses against minors.

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. 

Pursuant to our continuing effort to keep children safe, law enforcement is requesting that anyone with more information about this case or other possible victims please contact FBI Task Force Officer Det. Jacob Walk at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 636-583-2567 or Investigator Donya Jackson with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 314-539-2200.

St. Louis, MO – James Flannel, 37, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty this morning to one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of carjacking that resulted in the death of Boris Iouioukine, a Laclede Cab Company driver.  Flannel appeared before U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for October 31, 2019.

According to the plea agreement, Flannel was in the possession of a nine-millimeter firearm and magazine on June 25, 2018.  Flannel called the Laclede Cab Company and ordered a taxi.  A red minivan taxi being driven by victim Boris Iouioukine responded to Flannel’s request.  Flannel got into the taxi at approximately 8:52 p.m.  Flannel was armed with the nine millimeter firearm when he entered the taxi.

At approximately 9:14 p.m. while inside the taxi, Flannel shot and killed Boris Iouioukine with the nine-millimeter pistol.  The shooting occurred inside the cab while the taxi was present in 2500 block of East Dodier within the City of St. Louis.  Boris Iouioukine’s body was left in the street by Flannel.  Flannel drove the taxi from the area after the shooting.  Flannel drove the taxi to the area of Castle Point in Saint Louis County, Missouri.  Flannel parked the taxi at the driveway of a residence in the 10000 block of Duke Drive and fled. 

At approximately 9:26 p.m., the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department received calls for help relative to a man down in the middle of the street.  Police and the fire department responded and located Boris Iouioukine.  Paramedics pronounced Boris Iouioukine dead at the scene.   

Victim Borsi Iouioukine’s taxi was located by police on the morning of June 26, 2018.  Among other things, a nine-millimeter shell casing was located and seized from the driver’s side floorboard.  Other items were seized from inside the taxi, including a water bottle.  Analysis of the water bottle located Flannel’s print on it.  Flannel was charged by way of federal complaint on June 27, 2018.   

On August 10, 2018, investigators initiated an investigation within Spanish Lake Park in an effort to locate and recover the nine millimeter firearm utilized by Flannel during the armed carjacking and murder.  A search within the park eventually located a Taurus make, Millennium G2 model, nine millimeter semi-automatic pistol.  The firearm was operable and loaded with 13 rounds.  It was seized.  Subsequent ballistic analysis of the firearm confirmed that the shell casing recovered from the within taxi was fired from the nine millimeter firearm located and seized from within Spanish Lake Park.       

The charge of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years to life.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  As part of Flannel’s plea agreement, the parties will recommend at the time of sentencing that a sentence of life imprisonment be imposed.

"We continue to work tirelessly to reduce violence and the number of murders that occur within our community.  Our entire office is dedicated to it.  When a guilty plea like this is achieved, it is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication our law enforcement partners expend to bring the culprit to justice as soon as a murder, or any crime for that matter, occurs,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen following Flannel’s guilty plea.  “Boris Iouioukine was a superb, hardworking, valued member of our community.  His murder was senseless.  We hope today’s guilty plea brings some measure of solace to Mr. Iouioukine’s family, co-workers, and all of those who loved him.”

“The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department greatly appreciates the continued assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This partnership, coupled with the perseverance of all the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, led to today’s guilty plea. I hope this display of justice will help us combat these violent incidents that occur in our region,” said Chief John Hayden, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

This case was made possible, in part, by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.

“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of using ballistic intelligence to identify those using firearms to commit violent crimes in our community.  By targeting these offenders we are able to disrupt the shooting cycle that fuels violence and instantly make neighborhoods safer,” said Marino Vidoli, ATF Special Agent in Charge.

The St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments; United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Metro West Fire Protection District’s Dive/Rescue Response Team investigated this case.

St. Louis, MO – Ahmaad Ali, 24, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 132 months in prison for carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence and robbery charges.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.

According to court documents, on October 17, 2017, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to 3880 Meramec after a report of a robbery and carjacking at that location.  Specifically, the female victim was driving a 2002 Pontiac Aztek and had stopped at the curb to make a phone call.  As she did, co-defendant Jevante Phillips approached the driver’s side door pointing a military style weapon at her.  The victim opened the car door and attempted to hand over her purse; the co-defendant Jevante Phillips refused the purse, and ordered her out of the vehicle.  The victim complied.  As co-defendant Jevante Phillips entered the driver’s seat, Ali entered the passenger side of the vehicle.  Ali and Phillips fled in the vehicle. 

On October 18, 2017, Ali, along with co-defendants Jevante Phillips and Travion Lindsey -- all armed with firearms -- entered the 7-11 store located on Christy Avenue in South St. Louis.  The three arrived at the 7-11 in the stolen Pontiac.  They entered the store brandishing their firearms and wearing masks.  Phillips walked around the counter and began stealing lottery tickets and money from the cash register.  He was armed with a black long barrel pistol grip firearm.  Ali jumped over the counter and began removing the cash register.  He was armed with a black handgun, containing an extended magazine.  Travion Lindsey stood guard at the door and eventually walked over the counter and assisted in removing currency.  He was armed with a black handgun, which he held in his left hand the entire time.  After two minutes inside of the store, the three ran out of the store taking liquor bottles, cigarettes, and candy on their way outside.  The males then re-entered the Aztec and fled the area.   

Co-defendants Lindsey and Phillips were previously sentenced to 108 and 132 months in prison, respectively.

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

St. Louis - The United States Marshals Service today arrested Megan Lowe, 41, of Bevier, Missouri and Kimberly Ann Basler, 44, of Atlanta, Missouri on Federal drug charges.  The Indictment against Lowe and Basler was unsealed following their arrests.  It alleges that on October 5, 2018, Lowe and Basler distributed controlled substances, and that two people, identified only as E.O. and M.J., ingested those drugs.  M.J., of Columbia, Missouri, died as a result, and E.O., also of Columbia, became seriously ill.  Lowe and Basler are each charged with two counts – one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.  They are expected to make their initial appearances in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis on August 1, 2019.

The case was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Columbia, Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Lowe and Basler face mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years on each of the two counts with which they are charged.  These sentences could be ordered to be served concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (one after the other).

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 – Robert W. Rives, 37, of New Baden, IL, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.  Rives appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for October 25, 2019.

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. 

Carjacking carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000; and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence carries a minimum penalty of five years and a fine of $250,000.

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

St. Louis MO --- Christopher Crivolio, 47, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, pled guilty today to one count of identity theft.  Crivolio appeared before United States District Judge John A. Ross.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2019. 

In or about August of 2018, Christopher Crivolio, sent unauthorized emails purporting to be from an employee of Mantality Health in the Eastern District of Missouri.  Crivolio had previously been employed with and terminated from Mantality Health.  Without the authorization of his former employer, Mantality Health, Crivolio used the name of a current employee to send emails to numerous job applicants who had applied for positions at Mantality Health.  The emails purported to reject the applicants stating, “Thank you for your interest in careers at Mantality Health. Unfortunately we do not consider candidates that have suggestive “ghetto” names. We wish the best in your career search.”  Crivolio signed the emails in the name of a nurse practitioner who still worked at Mantality Health.

After the emails were sent, multiple news outlets reported on the story of the offensive rejection emails, and the employee and Mantality Health began to receive comments on social media and harassing telephone calls.  Personal information regarding the employee was posted on social media, which caused the employee to temporarily relocate.  At no point in time had the employee, or anyone at Mantality Health, authorized Crivolio to use the employee’s identity or to send the communications purporting to be on behalf of Mantality Health.

Crivolio faces up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 along with a forfeiture allegation for identity theft.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by the F.B.I. offices in St. Louis and Milwaukee with assistance from the Western District of Wisconsin. 

“Identity theft not only affects individuals when their personal information is stolen,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “In this case, Chris Crivolio assumed the identity of a former co-worker to falsely represent the company in responding to job applicants with the intent to destroy the company’s reputation.”

AUSA Gwendolyn Carroll is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Charles T. McRoberts, 49, of St. Louis, and Gernell Armour, 47, of St. Louis, were indicted today on two felony counts each – one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to the court documents, on July 9, 2019, detectives with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were conducting a narcotics investigation at the United Parcel Service (UPS) Shipment Sorting Center on Jefferson Avenue in St. Louis, MO.  After becoming suspicious of a brown package addressed to 4715 Sacramento Avenue, a K-9 dog conducted a sniff of the package and gave a positive response to the odor of narcotics.  After obtaining a search warrant and conducting a search of the package, officers located and seized two cylinders wrapped in green electrical tape, each of which contained a plastic bag with fentanyl.  The total amount of fentanyl seized was approximately 962 grams.

On July 12, 2019, a UPS security representative delivered a decoy package to the address on Sacramento where it was accepted by Armour.  Shortly after acceptance, McRoberts arrived and approached the package.  McRoberts was arrested. 

If convicted, each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine each.  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 and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Nauman Wadalawala is handling the case for the U.S. 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 –Dr. Abdul Naushad, 55, and his wife, Wajiha Naushad, 44, both of Town and Country, MO, were indicted today in a 21-count indictment for purchasing non-FDA approved medical devices, Orthovisc, from Canada and England and smuggling the same devices into the United States.  The couple was also charged with health care fraud related to billing for the same devices, when they knew Medicare and Medicaid would not reimburse for the non-FDA approved devices. Orthovisc, in a pre-filled syringe, is injected into the knee to relieve osteoarthritis pain and is available only by prescription. Dr. Naushad did not disclose to his patients that they were receiving non-FDA approved Orthovisc.  

Dr. Naushad and Wajiha Naushad own and operate a number of pain management clinics, at times simultaneously owning as many as six pain management clinics in Missouri. All the clinics operate under the name Advanced Pain Center or APC.

In 2010, Dr. Naushad, Wajiha Naushad, their pain management clinics, and their billing company reached an $820,000 civil agreement with the United States for submitting false reimbursement claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. The claims falsely indicated that a physical therapist provided one-on-one services to patients, when they knew the services were provided on a machine that was experimental and not covered by federal health care programs.  

If convicted, Dr. Naushad and his wife will be excluded from participating in any way with the federal health care programs for a minimum of five years.

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 Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case.  

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

St. Louis, MO –Angela K. Williams, M.D., 34, of Florissant, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2018 on two felony charges of fraudulently obtaining narcotic opioid prescription drugs. 

According to the Indictment, Dr. Williams wanted to obtain prescription drugs that contained controlled substances for her own personal use, outside the bounds of professional medical practice and not for legitimate medical purposes.  Accordingly, Dr. Williams used her own prescription pad to write and sign numerous prescriptions for controlled substances using other persons’ names, including prescriptions for the narcotic opioid pain relief drugs hydrocodone and oxycodone.  Dr. Williams then went to the pharmacies and presented the prescriptions for the drugs, posing as a patient.  Dr. Williams also fraudulently used another doctor’s prescription pad, name, and Drug Enforcement Administration number to write herself some additional controlled substance prescriptions. 

If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 4 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.

DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge William Callahan stated “The purpose of the DEA’s Diversion Control Program is to maintain the integrity of the supply chain of prescription drugs to the American public.  The diversion of prescription drugs outside the bounds of professional medical practice puts the supply chain at risk and has the potential to jeopardize public safety.  The DEA will continue to closely work with our law enforcement partners to prevent the illegal distribution of prescription drugs.”

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florissant Police Department, the Town and Country Police Department, and the St. John Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs of the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services and the St. Louis County, Missouri Prosecuting 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 --- Aaron Mitchell, 30, of St. Louis City, pled guilty today to one count of preparing false tax returns and one count of filing false claims for tax refunds.  Mitchell appeared before United States District Judge Audrey F. Fleissig.  Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2019. 

According to court documents, Mitchell admitted that from 2013 through 2015, he prepared approximately 160 federal income tax returns for individuals and electronically filed the returns.  He was not registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a return preparer and submitted the returns only in the names of the individuals.  Most of the tax returns prepared and filed by Mitchell were false and constituted fraudulent claims for refund. 

Mitchell submitted false W-2 information which reflected false employer names as well as false wage and income tax withholding amounts.  He often added in bogus claims for education credits---so-called American Opportunity Credits--- by falsely claiming that individuals had upwards of $4,000.00 in expenses attending Forest Park Community College or Meramec Community College.  The false tax returns prepared and filed by the Mitchell for the years 2012, 2013 and 2015 caused a tax loss of $99,576.00, which was the amount of refunds paid out by the IRS.

“An integral part of the IRS’s mission involves detecting and catching fraudulent tax refund claims,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge.  “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue to be on the front lines to fight tax fraud.”

Mitchell faces up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for preparation of false tax returns and up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for filing false claims for tax refunds.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation office in St. Louis.  Criminal Chief James Crowe, Jr. is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Myron Cornelius Wilson, Jr., 27, of St. Louis, was sentenced today to a term of 120 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey.  In March 2019, Wilson pled guilty to one count of aggravated assault on a federal law enforcement officer and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. 

According to court documents, on April 17, 2018, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Most Violent Offenders Unit (along with detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department) executed a search warrant in the 4100 block of Camellia in the City of St. Louis.  Upon arrival at the residence, investigators observed a number of individuals seated in or near the porch area.  As investigators arrived, the individuals scattered, with a number of them retreating into the residence. When FBI Task Force Officers and Special Agents approached wearing tactical vests clearly identifying them as “POLICE,” Myron Wilson, Jr. fled towards the rear entrance of the residence.  Wilson then pointed a handgun at FBI personnel.  FBI agents and task force officers defended themselves and others by discharging their weapons, striking Wilson and ending the threat he posed. 

Wilson appeared in court in a wheelchair.  He is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of this incident.  Information presented at sentencing revealed that Wilson had also been shot by police in 2010 after he refused multiple commands to drop a weapon he was holding.

United States Attorney Jeff Jensen reiterated his commitment to combatting violent crime by stating, “Myron Wilson is a dangerous felon who has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to carry guns and to use those guns against law enforcement officers and others.  His conduct left agents with no choice but to protect themselves and the community.”

“From a young age, Myron Wilson repeatedly engaged in violent encounters with law enforcement demonstrating his blatant disregard for the law,” said Alicia Corder, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI St. Louis Division. “Today he was held accountable for his actions.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. 

St. Louis - Jaleel Zakee Adams, 23, of Florissant, MO was sentenced today to a term of 20 years in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge E. Richard Webber.  At the time of his guilty plea in April 2019, Adams admitted that on November 15, 2017, he knowingly sold acetyl-fentanyl to R.I. of Florissant.  After meeting with Adams and purchasing acetyl-fentanyl, R.I. returned home and was later found unresponsive.  The Medical Examiner determined that R.I. died as a result of acute acetyl-fentanyl intoxication.  Acetyl-fentanyl is a powerful and often deadly analogue of fentanyl developed strictly for the illicit market.  It has no legitimate medical use.

Shortly after R.I.’s death, the Florissant Police Department made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Adams, and later executed a search warrant at his family’s residence in the 100 block of Kendl Court.  During the search, police located drugs and multiple firearms.  Adams admitted that he sold heroin and fentanyl to make money.  Firearm charges against Adams were dismissed in exchange for his guilty plea.

United States Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen praised the Florissant Police Department, which investigated the case.  Jensen noted, “[t]his case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of opioids, and particularly fentanyl.  Fentanyl and its analogues are dangerous and their use all too frequently results in deaths.  When such tragedies occur, the individuals responsible will be held accountable.” 

Florissant Police Chief Timothy Fagan reiterated his commitment to the aggressive investigation of overdose deaths.  “Individuals who engage in the sales of opioids prey upon their neighbors suffering from substance use disorders.  We will continue to use every resource available in an effort to stem the tide of opioids in this community, and we will continue to seek justice for the victims of illegal drug trafficking.” 

St. Louis, MO –John Rallo, 53, formerly of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty to three counts of Honest Services Mail Fraud/Bribery.  Rallo appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber who accepted his plea and set sentencing for October 15, 2019.

According to court documents, beginning in October 2014 and continuing through December 31, 2018, former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger schemed to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of former CEO of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Sheila Sweeney, through a pay to play bribery scheme.  The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from businessman John Rallo and other individuals in exchange for favorable official action in the awarding of contracts and grants through St. Louis County and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. 

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

Rallo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.  Restitution is also mandatory. 

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 – Leaman George Crews, III, 44, of St. James, Missouri, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud the company he worked for – Brewer Science Incorporated (BSI), Rolla, Missouri.  Crews appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey.

According to court documents, between May 2, 2008 and August 11, 2017, Crews was employed as the Director of Information Systems for BSI.  He was given a BSI credit card to order software equipment on behalf of the company.  Instead of purchasing software and computer equipment for the company, Crews used the credit card to fund over one thousand wire transfers to various PayPal and bank accounts.  Crews ultimately used the BSI funds for personal expenditures unrelated to the legitimate BSI business, including cash withdrawals and personal credit card purchases.  The total amount of loss is approximately $1,851,520.

The Rolla division of the FBI investigated this case.  Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s office.

St. Louis, MO – Anas Alshurafa, 50, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and three counts of wire fraud this morning before Chief Judge Rodney Sippel in St. Louis.  Judge Sippel accepted Alshurafa’s plea and deferred sentencing until October 4, 2019.

According to his plea agreement, in April 2017, investigators received information that the operator of Autoway Car Sales, Anas Alshurafa, and its owner, Wasim Charfa, were fraudulently obtaining motor vehicle loans. 

The investigation revealed that Alshurafa submitted fraudulent loan applications with counterfeit supporting documents and stolen identifying information to various credit issuers that operated in interstate commerce.  The documents were presented to the credit issuers by mail and through interstate wires. 

When an audit of the submitted documents revealed numerous inconsistencies, Alshurafa falsely claimed that an employee presented the documentation without his knowledge.  To bolster his story, Alshurafa emailed the credit issuer’s representative a forged letter of admission from an individual who was not associated with his business.  He also sent the credit issuer a counterfeit driver’s license bearing the identifying information of that individual, but the photograph of another person. 

Despite the execution of a search warrant by state and federal investigators in May 2017, and the seizure of his vehicles by the City of Pagedale, Missouri Police Department, Alshurafa electronically transmitted a fraudulent loan application using the identifying information of a past customer in order to secure funding from one of his credit issuers.  On June 7, 2017, Alshurafa used the identifying information and previously submitted loan verification documentation of J.L.G. to obtain a loan for which Autoway Car Sales received a commission of $6,878.83 for the loan financing they obtained. 

A forensic examination of computers seized during the execution of a search warrant on May 31, 2017 revealed templates of counterfeit bank statements in electronic folders bearing defendant’s name.

The government estimated that the defendant’s scheme caused losses to the victims of more than $250,000 between January 1, 2016 and December 20, 2017. 

Wire fraud and mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment for each count and a fine of $250,000 or both.  Restitution to the victims is also mandatory. 

The case was investigated by the investigated by the Missouri DOR – Compliance and Investigation Bureau, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The agencies were assisted by the Pagedale Police Department.  Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – William Timothy Hopmeier, 48, of Des Peres, pled guilty to two counts of Production of Child Pornography.  Hopmeier appeared before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig and set sentencing for October 23, 2019.

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

Hopmeier faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 15 years.  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 St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Renell Mace, 36, of Atlanta, GA, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in preparing fraudulent tax returns.  Mace appeared today before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr.

According to court documents, between January 1, 2010 and February 1, 2015, Mace worked as a tax return preparer for two business entities called Mace Property Group, LLC and Simplee Amazing Catering, LLC.  Mace filed nearly 100 false tax returns, stating false wages for the purpose of increasing a taxpayer’s Earned Income Tax Credit refund or stating false educational expenses for the purpose of falsely claiming various refundable educational tax credits and the names of his clients. The actual amount paid to Mace and others through this scheme was $342,741.

The Internal Revenue Service – Office of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Gwen Carroll is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO –Deven Strauther, 28, St. Louis, MO, was indicted today on two felony counts of attempted interfering with commerce by threats of violence and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence stemming from the attempted armed robbery of the Robinson Jewelry Company on Chippewa Street in the City of St. Louis. 

According to court documents, on May 25, 2019, Strauther and another individual arrived on the parking lot of Robinson Jewelry in a stolen vehicle.  Strauther was armed with a semi-automatic weapon.  The lower portion of his face was covered.  Strauther attempted to enter the jewelry store. 

An off-duty officer working security and the business owner were armed and fired their weapons at Strauther.  Strauther was struck by the gunfire.  Strauther fired his weapon into the business as he and the other suspect ran, entered the stolen vehicle, and fled from the scene.

Strauther was located approximately 30 minutes after the shooting at an area hospital with two gunshot wounds to his abdomen.

If convicted, the charge of attempted interfering with commerce by threats of violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 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 St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives are investigating this case.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is handling the case.

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

St. Louis, MO – Anthony B. Camillo, 62, of Madison County, Illinois, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to pay illegal kickbacks for health care services.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig and ordered Camillo to pay $3,469,810 in restitution.

According to court documents, Anthony Camillo, the owner of Allegiance Medical Laboratory and AMS Medical Laboratory, paid illegal kickbacks to “marketers” for urine and saliva specimens sent to the labs for testing. In some instances, doctors’ names were used on orders for the tests, although the doctors had never seen or evaluated the patients and did not know their names were being used on the orders. During the conspiracy, many disabled and elderly patients living in residential care facilities were repeatedly subjected to medically unnecessary testing. Camillo usually paid the marketers, operating in Missouri and other states, $150-$200 for each specimen that Medicare and Medicaid paid the labs.

This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of by the Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy McMurtry handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis - Alonzo Lamar Payne, 37, of St. Louis, entered guilty pleas today to one count of Interference With Interstate Commerce by Means of Robbery and one count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. 

According to court documents, on December 21, 2018, Payne entered a Subway restaurant in Grandview Plaza in the City of Florissant with his face partially concealed.  After asking employees to direct him to the restroom, Payne instead entered an “Employees Only” area and demanded cash while brandishing a handgun.

Following the robbery, Payne fled from the Subway with an undetermined amount of money.  Employees called 911.  Florissant Police responded.  Investigation into the crime quickly identified the robber as Payne who was the boyfriend of a former Subway employee.

On December 27, 2018, Florissant Police observed Payne leaving his girlfriend’s residence.  He got into a car and began to drive away.  Florissant officers stopped the vehicle and ordered Payne to show his hands.  After refusing multiple orders, Payne was removed from the vehicle and discovered to be sitting on a handgun.  Payne, who is on parole to the State of Missouri for a prior Robbery conviction, is prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Payne subsequently confessed to robbing the Subway on December 21, 2018.  Payne also admitted that he returned to the same Subway two days later and burglarized it.

Payne is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4th, 2019.  He faces up to 20 years on the robbery charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least seven years on the firearm charge, which must be imposed consecutively to the robbery sentence. 

United States Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen praised the work of the Florissant Police Department, stating, “Alonzo Payne victimized two teenage-employees.  The Florissant Police Department worked tirelessly to swiftly arrest Payne and prevent him from victimizing others in our community.”  Florissant Police Chief Tim Fagan echoed Jensen’s sentiments, saying “We are proud of our Department’s work and appreciate the assistance of our Federal partners in addressing any dangerous, repeat offender who preys on the citizens of Florissant.”

This case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department.

St. Louis –Jonathen Aguilar, 31, of St. Charles, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute between 1.2 and 4 kilograms fentanyl.  Aguilar appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Rodney L. White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for 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.

Aguilar faces a penalty of imprisonment of not more than life, a fine of not more than $10,000,000 or both.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  

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, MO – Jermaine R. Clay, 23, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm stemming from an altercation at the Galleria Mall.  Clay appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for September 26, 2019.

According to court documents, on June 10, 2018, Clay was at the Galleria Mall when a fight broke out.  After Richmond Heights Police Officers responded to the area, Clay was seen running across Brentwood Boulevard toward The Boulevard with a black satchel on his right side.  Police pursued him.  Clay pulled a black semi-automatic pistol from the satchel and threw it.  Clay also threw the satchel.  Clay continued running.

The satchel and firearm were both seized by law enforcement.  The satchel contained six bags of marijuana, cocaine base, and a cell phone.  The firearm was a loaded Smith & Wesson, MP40, with a 40 caliber magazine.  The firearm was stolen. 

Clay was later apprehended, and a computer check revealed that he was a convicted felon. 

Clay 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richmond Heights Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Beth Orwick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Bradley A. Seyer, D.D.S., 53, of Florissant, Missouri, pled guilty today to two felony charges for making false statements to Medicare and illegally distributing narcotic opioid drugs, specifically hydrocodone, without a legitimate medical purpose.  Seyer appeared before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for September 25, 2019. 

According to the plea agreement, Dr. Seyer provided a hydrocodone prescription to a woman identified by her initials E.A. in the plea agreement.  Dr. Seyer has a personal relationship with E.A. that lasted over ten years.  Dr. Seyer gave E.A. money and jewelry, and took her on vacation trips.  During their relationship, defendant prescribed E.A. with over 14,000 units of  Alprazolam (sometimes marketed and sold as Xanax®), Diazepam (sometimes marketed as Vaium®), Carisoprodol (sometimes marketed and sold as Soma®), Hydrocodone, and Tramadol (sometimes marketed and sold as Ultram®).  Dr. Seyer prepared and kept some dental treatment records for E.A., but they are incomplete.  Dr. Seyer’s records fail to contain all of the prescriptions that he prescribed for E.A.  Further, the records do not document office visits and examinations by Dr. Seyer of E.A. before he issued some of the prescriptions.

In his plea agreement, Dr. Seyer admitted that he and E.A. together consumed some "street" and prescription drugs for recreational purposes.  E.A. often requested prescription drugs by text, leading Dr. Seyer to call in the prescriptions at her request.  E.A. was depressed and had suicidal ideation, and had a history of mental illness.  On several occasions during summer 2018, Dr. Seyer and E.A. discussed her desire to commit suicide.  Ultimately, E.A. died at her home during July of 2018 of a fentanyl overdose.  Dr. Seyer did not prescribe fentanyl to E.A. 

Further, in the plea agreement, Dr. Seyer admitted that he prescribed Tramadol® to E.A.’s father, identified by his initials in the plea agreement as G.A.  G.A. has Medicare coverage.  Dr. Seyer had no records showing any dental treatment for G.A.  However, Dr. Seyer issued five prescriptions to E.A. using G.A.'s name, and Medicare paid for these five prescriptions, including a Tramadol® prescription dated December 2, 2015.

“The diversion of licit opioids for illicit purposes is illegal no matter the circumstances and when carried out by a member of the medical community is nothing but irresponsible and dangerous.  Medical professionals are trained to responsibly dispense opioids, and those who don’t violate every aspect of the oath to protect human life,” said Special Agent in Charge William Callahan of the DEA’s St. Louis Division.  “This behavior is unlawful, which is why the DEA will continue our fight to expose violators, including those who operate behind the shield of a medical license.” 

Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Kansas City Region, stated, “Our office will continue to vigorously pursue healthcare providers who submit improper claims for reimbursement to publicly funded healthcare programs and, more specifically abuse their position by irresponsibly prescribing narcotics that endanger the well-being of their patients.”

The charges of false statements to Medicare carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The drug distribution charge has a maximum penalty of either 10 years in prison and 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.  Sentencing has been set for September 25, 2019. 

This case was investigated by the Department of Public Safety for the City of Des Peres, Missouri and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs of the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Deandre LaJuan Jackson, 27, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 228 months in prison for carjacking and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White. 

According to court documents, over a four-hour period between May 9, 2017 and May 10, 2017, Jackson committed a series of three carjackings in the greater St. Louis area during which he either discharged or brandished a firearm.  In each incident, Jackson pointed a semi-automatic pistol at the victim and demanded their vehicle and money. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Bird is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Mediha Medy Salkicevic, a/k/a Medy Ummuluna, a/k/a Bosna Mexico, 39, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.  Salkicevic appeared today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry.

According to court documents, on or before February 5, 2015, Salkicevic conspired with others to support the activities of Abdullah Ramo Pazara and others, including a conspiracy to commit outside the United States an act that would constitute the offense of murder or maiming if committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.  Salkicevic intended to and did provide support and resources to Pazara, knowing that he and his co-conspirators would use the support and resources in furtherance of their combat against Syrian government forces and others.  The support consisted of money and supplies such as U.S. military uniforms, rifle scopes, combat boots, tactical gear, clothing, firearms accessories, range finders, and other supplies useful to fighters engaged in combat in Syria and elsewhere.

Co-defendants Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, Sedina Unkic Hodzic and Armin Harcevic are awaiting sentencing; Nihad Rosic is awaiting trial; and Jasminka Ramic was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

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

St. Louis, MO – Christopher Lamar Smith, 34, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for bank fraud, misuse of a social security number, and fraudulent use of identification documents.  Smith appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Rodney W. Sippel who ordered him to pay $24,852 in restitution to the victim.   

According to court records, Smith fraudulently obtained a Social Security Administration check properly payable to another individual related to disability insurance benefits.  Smith then used the victim’s name and other personal information to create a fictitious Missouri non-driver’s license and open a bank account in the victim’s name.  Smith then deposited the check into the fraudulent account and withdrew the funds over the course of the next month for his own personal use...

Smith pled guilty in February 2019.

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging St. Louis resident Clyde Jefferson, 26, with multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery; felon in possession of a firearm; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and passing counterfeit currency.  Jefferson appeared in federal court this morning for his initial appearance. 

Co-defendant Ebony Cannamore, 31, of St. Louis, is charged with one count of possession of counterfeit currency with the intent to defraud.  She appeared in federal court last week for her initial appearance.

According to the Indictment, Jefferson used online marketplaces including Facebook, OfferUp, Letgo, and Craigslist to arrange for victims to sell him their iPhones at locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County.  When meeting the victims, Jefferson would offer them counterfeit currency in exchange for their iPhones.  Jefferson brandished a firearm during several of the transactions and shot a victim during one transaction.  The Indictment charges Cannamore with possessing counterfeit currency during the same time period Jefferson was committing his crimes.

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. 

If convicted, the interference with commerce by threats carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; uttering counterfeit obligations carries a penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, nor more than life, consecutive to all other counts.  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 United States Secret Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Richmond Heights Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Benjamin David Danneman, 37, of Eureka, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for healthcare fraud, social security fraud and aggravated identity fraud.  He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White. 

According to court documents, Danneman was not a nurse, but used the name and nursing license number of an actual licensed registered nurse to obtain work in the St. Louis area at Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village, the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, and Des Peres Healthcare. Danneman was hired by Des Peres as the assistant director of nursing at the Quarters of Des Peres at an annual salary of $68,000. At these health care facilities, he was responsible for the day to day care of patients needing skilled nursing care. Further, according to court documents, during 2017 and 2018 in at least six states, Danneman used the names, Social Security account numbers, nursing license numbers, and other personal identifying information of several persons to rent apartments and to obtain a driver’s license, loans, credit cards, and insurance.

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. Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Fifteen individuals were indicted for conspiracy to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of heroin and 400 grams of fentanyl from 2018 to the present.

Beginning prior to 2018, the conspiracy began transporting multi-pound loads of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl from Houston, Texas and Fort Lauderdale, Florida for distribution in the St. Louis area.  The drugs were transported utilizing tractor-trailers and vehicles containing specially built concealed compartments.  Upon arrival, the drugs were off-loaded at a residence in Spanish Lake, Missouri and then sold throughout the St. Louis area.  The proceeds from the sales were compiled by the top St. Louis area distributors at various locations in St. Louis County and St. Louis City, loaded into the transport vehicles, and driven back to Houston, Texas and elsewhere for payment.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s and the United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation began in March of 2018 and has resulted in the seizure of over 50 pounds of cocaine, over 25 pounds of heroin and fentanyl, and over $2,000,000.00 in drug proceeds.    

“This 15 month long drug investigation by DEA agents and task force officers extended from the Southern U.S. border to north St. Louis City,” stated DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge Bill Callahan.  “This drug trafficking organization was responsible for bringing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl into north St. Louis City, and preyed upon our neighbors who suffer from the disease of addiction.  The DEA and our state and local law enforcement partners work hard every day to interdict these dangerous drugs and hold drug traffickers accountable for the destruction they cause families and communities effected by drug addiction and drug violence.”

The following fifteen individuals were charged:

Guy R. Goolsby, 39, of St. Louis, Missouri,

Grant A. Berry, 41, of St. Louis, Missouri,

David M. Foston, 47, of St. Louis, Missouri,

Kennerson L. Gooden, 50 of Houston, Texas,

David M. Martinez, 47, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida,

Chivas Holmes, 42, of St. Louis Missouri,

Antonio T. Boyd, 52, of St. Louis, Missouri

Jonathan W. Jefferson, 57 of Houston, Texas,

Harold Arceneaux, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia,

Otis B. Dodd, 67, of Houston, Texas,

David Lee Trevino, 46, of San Antonio, Texas,

Carlos Macias, 40, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida,

Lina Katiuzca Macias, 43, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida,

Jorge A. Lopez-Duran, 41, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida,

Shannon L. Holmes, 52, of St. Louis, Missouri.

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 Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the DEA’s Houston, Texas and Miami, Florida Divisions, the United States Marshal’s Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Charles County Police Department, and the Phelps County Sherriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney John Mantovani of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force of the United States Attorney’s Office is handling the case.

St. Louis, MO – Paul Kesterson, 48, of Washington, MO, was employed as a Lieutenant with the Washington, Missouri Police Department, pled guilty to a one count Information – Access Device Fraud.  Kesterson appeared before U.S. District Judge Webber today who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for September 10, 2019.

According to his plea agreement, 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.  The total loss to obtain goods and services totaled over $29,000. 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.

Kesterson faces not more than 15 years, fine of not more than $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

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

St. Louis, MO – Tayon Hutchins Fowler, 41, of Florissant, was indicted on Thursday with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of making false statements about being disabled to the Social Security Administration (“SSA”).  Fowler surrendered this morning to U.S. Marshals.

The indictment alleges that Fowler submitted an application for disability payments to SSA in 2012, claiming to be depressed and unable to work.  After Fowler began receiving periodic disability payments from SSA, she started a home health care business and received more than $100,000 per year from this business during 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.  In July 2017, Fowler sold the home health care business.  In March 2018 and again in September 2018, Fowler made two false statements to SSA about not working and not receiving any income since December 2016.   

Further, in December 2017, Fowler bought a luxury automobile from a local dealership.  To obtain financing, Fowler made false representations to the dealership, falsely claiming that she still owned the home health care business and further was still receiving income from that business.  These false representations are charged in Counts Three and Four of the Indictment as wire fraud.       

If Fowler is convicted, the false statement charges have a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the wire fraud charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Restitution to the victims 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. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration is investigating this case, with assistance from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. 

St. Louis, MO - Paul Creager, 40, of St Louis County, and William Glaser, 61, of Ellisville, were sentenced to 78 months and 36 months imprisonment, respectively.  Creager pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud on December 21, 2017 and appeared before U.S. District Court Ronnie White for sentencing.  Glaser pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud on February 26, 2019 and appeared before U.S. District Court John Ross for sentencing. 

According to court records, Creager solicited over $4 million from multiple investors in exchange for equity interests in his construction firm.  Creager admitted that during his negotiations with the victims, he presented false financial records which omitted a massive debt owed by his company to a hard money lender which lender possessed a secured interest in virtually all of Creager’s business and personal assets.  Soon after receiving victims’ investments, Creager’s business was not able to meet its financial obligations and stopped operating.  By mid-2017, Creager’s primary lender foreclosed on virtually all of his assets rendering the investors’ equity stakes in his business worthless.  While Creager’s business was failing and his subcontractors and vendors went unpaid, Creager maintained a luxurious lifestyle which included homes in Wildwood and the Lake of the Ozarks as well as a host of vehicles including a Bentley automobile and a 52-foot yacht.

One of Creager’s associates, William Glaser, admitted to misleading and defrauding clients by cashing out money from their retirement portfolios to fund investments with Creager.

"Paul Creager and Bill Glaser defrauded friends and business associates, some of whom were elderly and vulnerable, of hard-earned savings and financial security," said FBI-SL SAC Richard Quinn.  "The FBI will continue to hold accountable those who defraud the public for their personal enrichment."

The St. Louis division of the FBI investigated this case.  Gwen Carroll handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s office.

St. Louis, MO – Fernando Reyes, 38, a resident of Florida, was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in prison for conspiracy and mail fraud.  He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry. 

According to court documents, beginning in April 2016, a Missouri resident over the age of 80 began receiving telephone calls from unknown individuals that he had won large sums of money through a sweepstakes.  In order to secure his winnings, the Missouri resident was advised to mail various amounts of money to an individual in New Hampshire and Reyes in Florida.  The callers identified Reyes as a federal attorney.  That representation was false as Reyes was not, and had never been, affiliated with any federal agency or department. 

Reyes acted as a money mule by receiving funds from victims of the lottery scheme and forwarding them to his co-conspirators in Costa Rica.  Although he received a fraction of the total amount defrauded, his role was essential because his participation served to obscure the Costa Rican organizers from ordinary view.  In addition, the use of his United States address and financial institution based in the United States provided a level of comfort for the victims that lulled them into a sense of security.

Reyes received four checks totaling $53,000 from the Missouri resident and deposited them into his personal financial accounts.  After the deposits, Reyes electronically transmitted a portion of the funds to an individual in Costa Rica and kept the remaining funds for his personal use. 

Reyes also admitted engaging in similar conduct with a resident of the Northern District of Alabama and received $45,000 from that elderly individual. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing effort to combat elder fraud nationwide.  Elder fraud and other fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.

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

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

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

This case was investigated by the Chesterfield Police Department.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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