Eastern District of Missouri

St. Louis, MO – Rodney Gardner, 52, St. Louis, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for robbing Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.  He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber. 

According to court documents, on March 6, 2018, Gardner entered the Central West End ice cream shop and posed as a customer before he demanded that employees hand over money from the cash register.  Gardner punched one employee multiple times in the face, breaking her nose, grabbed the cash register, and ran from the store.  Police officers arrested him after a brief foot chase. 

Gardner pled guilty on June 12, 2018 to one felony count of Hobbs Act robbery.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer J. Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Cape Girardeau – Bobby David Lowrey, 51, of Parma, MO, and Lowrey & Lowrey Inc. were indicted on November 13, 2018 for illegally applying Dicamba to crops.

According to the indictment, Bobby David Lowrey owned and operated Lowrey Farms.  In the calendar year 2016, Lowrey Farms, under the management of Bobby David Lowrey, engaged in the cultivation of cotton and soybean crops on approximately 6,700 acres over numerous fields and plots located in the Eastern District of Missouri.  The soybean and cotton crops planted on Lowrey Farms in 2016 were genetically modified to be resistant to the pesticide dicamba.   Dicamba is a broadleaf herbicide used to kill unwanted weeds.  The dicamba-based pesticide product was not approved for post-planting application to cotton crops and had limitations on its soybean application.

On multiple occasions in 2016, under the direction of Bobby David Lowrey, dicamba-based pesticides were applied at Lowrey Farms post-planting to cotton and to non-mature soybean crops prior to the approved preharvest application interval.  Multiple farmers with crops growing in the vicinity of soybean and cotton fields or plots cultivated by Lowrey Farms reported damage to their crops in May and June of 2016 consistent with drift from the use of dicamba-based pesticides applied on Lowrey Farms.  In response to numerous reports of crop damage in the vicinity of Lowrey Farms, Missouri Department of Agriculture responded to the area in late June 2016.  Investigators with MDA requested to meet with Bobby David Lowrey and asked Lowrey Farms to provide current spray application records for cotton and soybean crops. 

On several dates in 2016, Bobby David Lowrey made false statements to investigators and provided fraudulent documentation to investigators certifying that dicamba-based products had only been applied during burndown applications.  In truth, Bobby David Lowrey knew he had provided altered documents to investigators to hide the fact that dicamba-based products had been used at Lowrey Farms outside of the application guidelines.

If convicted, Bobby David Lowrey faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine 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 Indictment alleges forty-nine instances of misapplication of a pesticide, a false statement and three acts of obstruction of justice.

“Although weed killers like Dicamba have been around for decades, it is critical that applicators follow manufacturer instructions when applying them,” said EPA Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Martinez.   “The misuse of this product has resulted in significant crop damage at neighboring farms.  Yesterday’s indictment shows that EPA and its law enforcement partners will do what it takes to ensure the safe and legal use of herbicides.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Agricultural.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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. 

St. Louis, MO – Cory Hutcheson, 35, of East Prairie, MO, pled guilty to wire fraud and to illegally possessing and transferring the means of identification of others, in this case mobile telephone numbers, without lawful authority, and in connection with the commission of the state felony crime of Forgery.  Sentencing has been set for February 28, 2019.

In his plea, Hutcheson admitted from April of 2014 through March 2017, he devised a scheme to obtain hundreds of individual’s location data.  The defendant submitted thousands of Securus LBS requests and obtained the location data of individual phone subscribers without valid legal authorization, and, often, without the consent or even knowledge of the targeted individual.  The defendant obtained the location data of mobile telephone users, including law enforcement officers, personal associates and friends, as well as a judge, without required legal process or authorization.  He would routinely upload false and fraudulent documents to the Securus LBS platform.  The location information request was submitted using wire communications transmitted in interstate.

Hutcheson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 on the wire fraud charge and not more than 5 years and a fine of $250,000 on the transfer of identification information charge.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  As part of the plea, Hutcheson agreed to resign as Sheriff not later than November 24, 2018.

“Sheriff Hutcheson simply misused an important law enforcement tool for his own purposes and, as a result, invaded the privacy of hundreds without the appropriate legal process,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.   

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

St. Louis, MO –Terrance Wilson, a/k/a “Mutt,” 30, of St. Louis, was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking offense resulting in death. 

On April 24, 2018, Terrance Wilson, a/k/a “Mutt,” entered pleas to drug conspiracy and a firearms charges.  According to the plea agreement, defendant Wilson also served as an enforcer for the Donald White Drug Trafficking Organization and participated in the murders of Ronald James, Michael McGill, and Darrion Williams, Jr.

According to Wilson’s plea agreement he participated in several murders.  On July 28, 2009, Wilson participated in the murder of Ronald James in front of Dismas House.  The Donald White Organization enlisted Wilson and another to gun down James as part of an ongoing drug war.  On March 26, 2010, Michael McGill was lured to the 5100 block of Maffitt, where he was murdered by members of the White Organization, including Wilson, who acted as a shooter. On July 23, 2010, Darrion Williams, Jr. was lured to an alley behind the 5100 block of Maffitt for a purported drug deal where he was gunned down by members of the White Organization.  As part of his plea agreement, Wilson also admitted to his involvement in the murder of Damon Walker on April 30, 2010. 

In May 2018, a jury convicted Donald Stewart, Wilson’s codefendant, of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and firearms charges related to the murders of Michael McGill and Darrion Williams, Jr.  Stewart’s sentencing is set in January 2019. 

The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Intelligence and Homicide Divisions, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

St. Louis, MO – Stephen R. Fuller, 46, of St Louis, pleaded guilty to making false statements to the U.S. Navy review board and charged with evaluating his claims for disability and retirement benefits.  Fuller admitted to making false statements today by fabricating deployments and exaggerating the length and circumstances of his prior deployments between 2016 and 2017 while stationed in St. Louis as a reservist.  He appeared before Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing hearing for February 28, 2019.

The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) - Economic Crimes Unit.  Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Daniel Halford, 24, of St. Louis County, was indicted on November 15th of conspiring to make, utter, and possess counterfeit securities; three counts of possessing counterfeit securities, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of possessing stolen mail. 

The indictment alleges that between August 17, 2018 and October 23, 2018, Halford on multiple occasions produced counterfeit checks for the purpose of passing them at stores in the St. Louis area.  The checks were drawn on both non-existent and actual accounts.  One of the actual accounts Halford attempted to use belonged to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.  Halford had been arrested with counterfeit security making implements several times in rooms at different hotels in the metropolitan area.  In the latest of these arrests, occurring at the Hollywood Casino Hotel, Halford was found to be in possession of a firearm having been previously convicted of a felony offense.

If convicted, Halford faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, Maryland Heights Police Department, Breckinridge Hills Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. John Ware is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s office.

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.                       

St. Louis, MO – Dr. Vidal Sheen, 58, St. Louis County, Missouri, was sentenced today to two years’ probation, after previously pleading guilty to obstructing an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) regarding whether he billed the Medicare program and private insurers for “face to face” office visits performed on dates when he was actually traveling outside of Missouri, and sometimes traveling outside of the United States.  The Court further imposed a fine of $45,000 and restitution in favor of Medicare and several private insurance companies in the total amount of $142,053, which he has paid in full. 

According to his plea agreement, Dr. Sheen operated a medical office in St. Louis County, Missouri.  At the medical office, Dr. Sheen created medical records using a template which falsely recited patients’ symptoms and histories, and sometimes recorded vital signs (e.g. pulse rates) that did not change between patients’ visits. 

Moreover, from time to time, defendant traveled to various destinations, including Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Florida.  For these timeframes when Dr. Sheen was out of town, he created office notes with false entries reflecting that he had seen patients in his office, using his electronic signature.  Dr. Sheen's medical records did not discuss the role of the other employees in his office during the out-of-town visits, or his absence from the office on the dates of service. 

The United States served Dr. Sheen’s office with a subpoena requesting medical records regarding his office visits in late 2016.  In response to the subpoena, on December 1, 2016, Dr. Sheen produced medical records to the FBI in which he had made false entries about face-to-face office visits, in an effort to impede, obstruct, and influence the FBI’s billing investigation.            

Dr. Sheen pled guilty to one felony count of obstructing an investigation before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on July 13, 2018. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

St. Louis, MO – David Thelix McGee was sentenced to 115 months in prison for committing bank robberies. 

According to court documents, on April 17, 2017, McGee entered the Great Southern Bank in Ferguson and slid a piece of paper to the teller stating that she should give him some money.  McGee wanted large bills and provided a plastic bag for the teller to put the money in.  The teller grabbed a large stack of U.S. Currency and asked if that was enough to which McGee responded yes and left the bank. 

On May 8, 2017, McGee entered the Bank of America in St. Charles and handed a teller a plastic bag and a note, which read that he needed straps of $100s, $50s and $20s.  The teller gave him the U.S. Currency and McGee left the bank. McGee was on supervised release for a bank robbery in Illinois.

McGee, 48, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty on July 27, 2018, to two counts of committing bank robberies.  He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – William Davidson was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his use of unauthorized access devices.  Davidson appeared before Judge Ronnie L. White and is scheduled to have a supervised release revocation hearing before Judge Catherine D. Perry on November 19, 2018 on an unrelated matter.  Davidson remains in federal custody pending the hearing.

According to court documents, Davidson obtained employment with a retail establishment in August 2017 while completing a sentence with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  He maintained that employment upon his release from the Bureau of Prisons to the supervision of the United States Probation Office in August 2017. 

During a review of store surveillance tapes in December 2017, fraud investigators realized that Davidson was fraudulently obtaining store gift cards by pretending to conduct merchandise returns for non-existent customers.  He used a fictitious employee number as well as the employee number of a co-worker in order to initiate the fraudulent returns.  The majority of the returns were obtained between August 16th and September 28th, 2017. 

Davidson admitted that he used the fraudulent obtained gift cards to purchase items for friends and family members in the St. Louis Metropolitan area and in other states.  The total intended loss is approximately $6,500.

Davidson, 63, of Chesterfield, pleaded guilty on August 2, 2018 to one count of access device fraud.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the City of Des Peres Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – Joshua John Pollard was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possessing stolen firearms and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,643.65 to the St. Louis County Police Department. 

According to court documents, on January 12, 2018, Pollard broke the windows of a St. Louis County Police vehicle and forcefully stole a Colt AR-15, fully loaded with a 20-round magazine and a Remington 870 pump action shotgun loaded with four rounds.

On January 29, 2018, Pollard broke a window of a second St. Louis County Police vehicle and forcefully stole a Rock River, AR-15 and a Remington 870 pump action shotgun.

On January 30, 2018, Pollard broke the window of a vehicle and stole a 40-caliber Glock model G23 generation 4 semi-automatic firearm.  Investigation by members of the St. Louis County Police Department led to the arrest of Pollard on February 1st who admitted breaking into the two police vehicles and another vehicle in St. Charles.

Pollard, 20, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty on July 31, 2018, to three counts of stolen firearms.  He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey. 

This case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – Omar Jaber, 31, of St. John, Missouri was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release and $197,213 in restitution to the IRS.  Jaber admitted to stealing government funds while a tax preparer for Rapid Tax Service in St. Louis during 2015 and 2016.  Jaber pleaded guilty on May 7, 2018 and appeared for sentencing in St. Louis today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry.

In his plea, Jaber admitted to stealing the personal identification of forty-two different individuals, filing false tax returns in their names and converting some or all of their purported tax refunds to his own use.

At sentencing, the government pointed out that while the U.S. Treasury is the ultimate victim of Jaber’s malfeasance, many of the individual victims depending on refunds due to the Earned Income Tax Credit.  The delay in their receipt of tax refunds was a significant economic hardship to taxpayers who depend on the EITC to supplement their wages.

“Today’s sentence highlights the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field Office.  “Today, Mr. Jaber is being held accountable for his criminal activity.”

“Vigorous prosecution and substantial sentences in cases of tax fraud, especially those involving tax preparers, is essential to our nation’s voluntary tax compliance system,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

This case was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigation Bureau.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – Ricky McDonald, 36, of West Fort, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to access device fraud today in U.S. District Court.  McDonald appeared before Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for February 12, 2019.  McDonald remains in federal custody pending sentencing.

In his plea, McDonald admitted to possessing personal identifiers for more than 700 individuals and more than 70 counterfeit bank card, credit cards and personal checks with his co-defendant, Brittany Cook.  Cook pleaded guilty to the same charge in September and awaits sentencing in December.

McDonald and Cook were stopped by the St. Louis County Police on July 18, 2018 for a traffic violation and a search of their car revealed a large cache of personal identification information, including victims’ home addresses and social security numbers, as well as counterfeit cards and other equipment used for economic crimes such as check stock, a printer and books and records containing detailed lists of others’ identifiers.

McDonald faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both at sentencing.  Restitution to any victims of Defendant’s conduct is also mandatory.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Gwen Carroll is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – United States Attorney Jeff Jensen announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Hal Goldsmith will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election.  AUSA Goldsmith has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Missouri, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Jeff Jensen said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud.  The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur.  The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.  For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law.  Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated that AUSA Hal Goldsmith will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (314) 539-7733.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (314) 231-4325 or (314) 589-2563.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.

Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate.  It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.

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St. Louis, MO – Melvin Harmon was sentenced to 33 months incarceration and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,359.92 for conspiracy to defraud the United States and mail fraud by assisting Missouri residents in registering their cars in Illinois.

According to evidence at trial, between January 1, 2015 and December 20, 2016, Melvin Harmon was employed at a Granite City, Illinois office registering vehicles for the State of Illinois Secretary of State.  He used his employment to assist Missouri residents in obtaining fraudulent motor vehicle registrations for others in exchange for a fee.  Some of the Missouri residents learned of his services when they saw flyers advertising Harmon as “The Plate Man.”

In March 2016, investigators with the Illinois Secretary of State discovered that Harmon had been charging Missouri residents $350.00 to $700.00 in order to fraudulently register their cars in Illinois.  Doing so enabled the Missouri residents to evade payment of Missouri taxes.  In addition, Harmon altered the price of the vehicles in order to reduce any payments that would be paid to the State of Illinois as a result of the fraudulent registration.  The alteration increased the amount he profited through the scheme.  The State of Missouri lost in excess of $119,359.92 in sales tax revenue due to the fraudulent conduct.  The precise loss of personal property tax income to the State of Missouri and local municipalities has not been determined.

Harmon, 40, Belleville, IL, was found guilty on May 18, 2108 after a federal jury returned five guilty verdicts.  He appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.

The case was investigated by the Missouri Department of Revenue-Compliance and Investigation Bureau and the State of Illinois Secretary of State Police.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Berry and Dianna Collins.

Four alleged members or associates of the Aryan Circle (AC) have been indicted and three arrested for their alleged roles in a Nov. 9, 2013 aggravated assault in Jefferson County, Missouri.

The indictments were announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri.

Thomas B. Wilson, 43, of Villa Ridge, Missouri; Daniel B. Jerome, 31, of Wentzville, Missouri; Thomas Tisher, 34, of St Louis, Missouri; and Dustin M. Haney, 28, of Hermann, Missouri are charged in an indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on Oct. 31, and unsealed today, with aggravated assault in aid of racketeering.  Daniel B. Jerome remains at large. 

“These four defendants are alleged to have brutally assaulted their victim in order to establish or maintain their own status in the Aryan Circle gang,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski.  “Gangs like the Aryan Circle threaten the safety and security of all Americans, and the Criminal Division will target and aggressively prosecute any individual who commits acts of violence on behalf of a gang.”

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

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

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

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

 

# # #

Four alleged members or associates of the Aryan Circle (AC) have been indicted and three arrested for their alleged roles in a Nov. 9, 2013 aggravated assault in Jefferson County, Missouri.

The indictments were announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri.

Thomas B. Wilson, 43, of Villa Ridge, Missouri; Daniel B. Jerome, 31, of Wentzville, Missouri; Thomas Tisher, 34, of St Louis, Missouri; and Dustin M. Haney, 28, of Hermann, Missouri are charged in an indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on Oct. 31, and unsealed today, with aggravated assault in aid of racketeering.  Daniel B. Jerome remains at large. 

“These four defendants are alleged to have brutally assaulted their victim in order to establish or maintain their own status in the Aryan Circle gang,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski.  “Gangs like the Aryan Circle threaten the safety and security of all Americans, and the Criminal Division will target and aggressively prosecute any individual who commits acts of violence on behalf of a gang.”

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

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

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

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

St. Louis - Curtis Alford, 20, of St. Louis, MO, and Jana Stowers, 18, of St. Clair, IL, have been indicted in connection with the June 16th carjacking that resulted in the death of Michael Arnold.  The case was filed in the Eastern District of Missouri on October 10, 2018 and the defendants made their initial appearance in federal court yesterday.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office has sought their pre-trial detention.  These charges follow assault, robbery and armed criminal action charges filed by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney.

Arnold was struck by a stolen Ford F-150 pickup truck and died from his injuries several days later.  The federal indictment alleges Alford and Stowers took the truck by force, intimidation and violence and that their actions resulted in Mr. Arnold’s death. 

The case was investigated by the St. Louis Police Department and the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The U.S. Attorney’s office has brought these charges as part of a joint investigation of this matter with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office as part of the office’s violent crime initiative.

St. Louis, MO – Jennifer Saake was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment for her wire fraud conviction related to a scheme to defraud her ex-employer of approximately $1.4 million.  She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,323,671.05. 

According to court documents, between April 2010 and November 2017, Saake fraudulently diverted $1.4 million of company funds to her own bank accounts.  As part of her scheme to defraud, Saake marked the transactions as “confidential” in the banking software so as to prevent others in the company from seeing them.  Saake also created false journal entries and made false payable and bank reconciliation adjustments in the accounting records.  Saake then used the proceeds from her scheme to defraud for her personal gain, including to improve her residence, to pay for her children’s education expenses, to make vehicle lease payments, and to pay for living expenses.  In addition, Saake used some of her criminal proceeds to purchase equity interests in Company investments that paid out more than $160,000 in dividends and distributions. 

“Today’s sentencing is a reminder that financial crimes are not victimless crimes,” said Trevor Fenwick, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service St. Louis Field Office. “The defendant victimized her employer for her own personal gain.  The Secret Service will continue to investigate and pursue prosecution of those who engage in financial fraud.”

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

St. Louis - Dale Johansen, 63, of Rocky Mount, Missouri, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement during the course of an investigation of the Rogue Creek water and sewer system.

Johansen admitted in his plea agreement that Rogue Creek is a vacation community in Potosi, Missouri.  Johansen’s company, Johansen Consulting Services, LLC, became the receiver for the water and sewer provider and was responsible for overseeing the drinking and wastewater utilities beginning in 2012.  Since 1994, drinking water in Rogue Creek had been treated for lead after high levels of lead were detected in the water supply. A treatment system was first used and later replaced with a lead reduction system under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Johansen’s duties at Rogue Creek included the operation of the drinking water facilities and sampling and testing of the drinking water for lead.  A routine inspection of Rogue Creek drinking water in March 2016 revealed that the lead reduction system was not operational.  A subsequent investigation revealed that the Rogue Creek drinking water had not been treated for lead for approximately six months.  The Missouri Department of Natural Resources imposed a DO NOT DRINK order for the Rogue Creek system which was not lifted until May 2017.

Johansen admitted making a false statement to investigators in March 2016 that the lead reduction system had only been offline for six to eight weeks when in truth it had been offline for nearly six months.

The maximum penalty for making a false statement is five years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.  Johansen appeared before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig, who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date of January 29, 2018. 

The case was investigated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“The defendant’s actions exposed the residents of the Rogue Creek community to elevated levels of lead in their drinking water,” said EPA Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Martinez. ” This case shows that EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to taking action to protect the public from lead exposure.”

St. Louis, MO – Dr. Devon Golding, 72, of St. Louis County, was convicted by a jury today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis for participating in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and four substantive counts of health care fraud.  Dr. Golding’s trial took place before Judge Audrey G. Fleissig, who ordered a presentence report and set a sentencing hearing for January 29, 2019.

The jury found that Dr. Golding and other doctors solicited and received illegal kickbacks from Allegiance Medical Services, a clinical laboratory, in return for referring and sending blood and urine specimens to Allegiance for testing. Allegiance then billed Medicare and Medicaid for the testing of the specimens and gave Dr. Golding and other doctors kickbacks, derived from the payments received from Medicare and Medicaid. Golding knew that Medicare and Medicaid would not pay for any service provided in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. 

In 2015, Dr. Golding was convicted of health care fraud and false statements in connection with another scheme in which he improperly billed Medicare and Medicaid for non-rendered physician services and also signed blank prescription pads on which he permitted a non-qualified nurse to write prescriptions for controlled substances.  

The misconduct involved in the present trial predated Golding’s 2015 conviction.  Dr. Golding is excluded from participation in Medicare and Medicaid as a result of his 2015 conviction. 

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 Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Gil Sison handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – John C. Verstraete, 55 of Kansas City, KS, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment today in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri for health care fraud and illegal prescription of drugs.  Dr. Verstraede appeared before Judge Gary A. Fenner who accepted his plea to health care fraud and distribution of controlled substances outside the scope of legitimate medical practice in April.

Verstraete admitted to prescribing Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to a number of patients who, having received reimbursement for the prescription through their health care plans, resold the hormones back to Verstrade for cash.  This re-sold HGH provided Verstreade’s medical practice with an inventory of HGH which he then resold to other patients for unauthorized purposes.

Verstraete also admitted to obtaining approximately 25,000 units of illegal, anabolic steroids from foreign countries and dispensing them to patients with no medical need for them.  This receipt and prescription practice occurred totally outside the FDA and DEA regulatory oversight process.

Verstraete maintained medical offices at 3215 Main Street in Kansas City.

In response to today’s sentencing, William Callahan, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Division said, “No one, especially a medical professional who takes an oath to practice medicine, is above the law. Those who try to deceive the system and willingly do harm to others by prescribing unnecessary medications will be brought to justice.”

“Health care professionals who illegally distribute prescription drugs and controlled substances may put their patients’ health at risk,” said Charles L. Grinstead, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice criminals who jeopardize the public’s health.”

This case has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Mitchell Davis, DC, 50, a St. Louis chiropractor, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and fined $350,000 for his role in a scheme to illegally obtain confidential information from St. Louis Police Department reports with which he would solicit clients to his practice.  David appeared in federal court before Chief Judge Rodney Sippel on Wednesday. 

David admitted to a scheme whereby he and his wife solicited unreduced police reports in exchange for cash payments from St. Louis Police Officers who had access to the unredacted reports.  The reports contained the names and personal information of individuals involved in automobile accidents in St. Louis.  Davis also admitted to, once contacting and signing up patients, making false and exaggerated claims for reimbursement from health care benefit plans.  As part of his sentence, Davis was ordered to pay more than $696,000 in restitution which included overpayments from insurance plans for unnecessary and unauthorized services.

Davis was the first person to be sentenced in relation to this scheme.  His wife, Galina Davis and two former St. Louis Police officers, Cauncenet Brown and Terri Owens have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.  Two other former St. Louis Police Officers have pleaded not guilty and await trial.

The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes the cooperation and assistance of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

 

St. Louis, MO – Israel Angeles-Moctezuma, a/k/a “Amigo,” 41, of Stockton, CA, was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.  Moctezuma appeared before Judge Catherine D. Perry in United States District Court today.

This investigation resulted in the seizure of nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine, most of which was nearly 100% pure.  The Drug Enforcement Administration seized at least 18 firearms and over $300,000 in cash, all of which has been forfeited to the United States.  In April 2016, 56 pounds of methamphetamine was recovered – the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in the history of the Eastern District of Missouri.  Moctezuma directed a vast network of co-conspirators, whom he recruited to transport methamphetamine to St. Louis, where it was distributed through a second network of people acting at his direction.  Moctezuma admitted to being response for hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, as well as hundreds of kilograms of marijuana and heroin, all of which was smuggled into the United States from Mexico by his network.

Each of the 52 defendants indicted as a result of this investigation entered guilty pleas, including Moctezuma. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – St. Louis Field Division, and the U.S. Marshals Service.   

St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers.  Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime.  At least 85% of federal sentences must be served; there is no parole in the federal system.  None.  Sentences are served in prisons far from St. Louis.  Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in September as a result of the hard work of police and agents:

Charles T. Currie, 30, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Adam Francisco, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Derrick Franklin, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Shawn Gordon, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Earl Murray, 37, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm.

Myron Coffee, 26, Creve Coeur, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one felony count of possession of felon in possession of a firearm.

Stanford Morris, 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute Fentanyl and cocaine base (crack).

Quincy Nelson, 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Jametric A. Steele, 48, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Akenele Williams, 32, University City, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Melvin Willis, 47, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of one or more firearms; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Antonio Ball, Jr., 20, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Jermaine Clay, 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Damon Douglas, 30, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

William Jones, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Clyde Lockett, 46, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Malachiah Williams, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Carman Ford, 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Manuel Francisco, 47, Edgar Springs, MO, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm; unlawful to receive a firearm not registered; and fraud and misuse of Visas/Permits.

Reginald Holmes, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of one or more firearms.

Calvin Johnson, 60, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Harold Lee, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Herbert Palmer, 57, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Lavon Washington, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Wilton Fortson, 61, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Myron Gunter, 37, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Wendell Corey Jones, 58, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Arvell Keithley, 21, Woodson Terrace, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Marqus Parker, 19, Ferguson, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Braylon Roberts, 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of armed robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Charles Lamar Roby, 30, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Angelina Jones, 36, Florissant, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Calvin Monger, Jr., 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Earnest Harris, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Tyrone Davis, 46, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Darion Johnson, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Lorenzo Luna-Espinoza, 22, Midland, TX, pled guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by illegal immigrant.

Glenn Reynolds, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Marquise Q. Dukes, 28, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Dirrell Taylor, 26, Wentzville, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jamel Green, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Deandre Johnson, 24, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Glenn Reynolds, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Goss, 23, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Darian Clark, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Terry Stubblefield, 47, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Daylin L. Crafton, 30, Florissant, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Terry Parker, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Savon Durphey, 24, pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possessing with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Rafael Foster, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

William C. Howard, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

David Staples, 49, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Vergil Thomas, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Roland Garner, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Charles G. Ivy, 46, Sullivan, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jeremiah Hart, 22, St. Peters, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Armon Harris, 39, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.

Ernis Basic, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of one or more drug trafficking crimes.

Michael Brown, 21, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Ameche W. Baldwin, 32, Olivette, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Bryian T. Fips, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Terrence Akins, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Darkel D. Martin, 32, East St. Louis, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Cortez Cooper, 38, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Andre Legardy, 25, St. Louis, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for stealing a firearm which is moving in interstate commerce.

Devoshia Gray, 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Marlon Adams, 37, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Charles D. Smith, 29, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Deandre Thompson, 46, St. Louis, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Terran Eggleston, 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Guest, 61, St. Louis, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Markquis Bryant, 29, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Acotra Weaver, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Andre Adams, 33, St. Louis, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Maurice Cooper, 38, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Deon D. Story, Jr., 38, St. Louis, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Justin I. Morrow, 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 144 months in prison for robbery and discharging a firearm during the commission of a federal crime.

Darrius T. Shannon, 37, St. Louis, was sentenced to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Christopher Wilson, 29, Omaha, NE, was sentenced to 38 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Darryl E. Allen, 50, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Tito Santiago, 34, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Kevin Nailor, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm.

Trevon Sykes, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 180 months for felon in possession of one or more firearms.

St. Louis, MO – Ten individuals were indicted in St. Louis on charges of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and gun charges.

Indicted were the following individuals:

Nathaniel Hill, a/k/a “BJ,” 37, St. Louis;

Lamar McDonald, a/k/a “Mike,” “Marty,” 36, O’Fallon, MO;

Maurice Love, a/k/a “Reece,” “Peanut,” “Fat Boy,” 37, San Diego, CA;

Candace Hill, 35, St. Louis;

Earl Murray, a/k/a “E,” 37, St. Louis;

Timothy Wright, 22, San Diego, CA;

Jeffrey Will, a/k/a “Skinny,” 37, St. Louis;

Victor Parker, a/k/a “Blu,” 23, Granite City, IL;

Doug Kelsay, 42, Granite City, IL; and

Myron Coffee, 26, Creve Coeur.

Defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2018 charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Nathaniel Hill was also indicted for distribution of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; and money laundering.  Maurice Love was also indicted for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering.  Candace Hill was also indicted on four counts of money laundering charges.  Earl Murray was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm.  Timothy Wright was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering.  Jeffrey Will was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Myron Coffee was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

If convicted of the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge, this carries a penalty of 10 years to life.  If convicted of the distribution of methamphetamine charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 20 years. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge, this carries a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison.  If convicted of the felon in possession of firearm charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  If convicted of the money laundering charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and with fines up to $1,000,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis County Police Department.

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

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The United States Attorney's Office announced that Demarlon Richardson, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Germonde Brunner, Arlandus Howard, Norlando Jackson and Antywan Seawood, of East St. Louis, Illinois, were sentenced for the burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer known as Instapawn, which is located near Poplar Bluff, Missouri and for a carjacking crime that occurred in Clayton, Missouri.

The burglary of Instapawn occurred on February 28, 2017, when the five men stole over 60 firearms.  Howard was found guilty by a jury and the other four men entered guilty pleas.  During Howard’s trial, the evidence disclosed that the five men committed the Instapawn burglary by breaking a window and entering the store.  Around twelve of the firearms were recovered. The remainder of the firearms are still missing. 

Brunner, Howard, Jackson and Seawood were also found guilty of committing Carjacking and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence for a carjacking crime that occurred in Clayton, Missouri, on February 27, 2017.  The men used the stolen car during the commission of the firearms theft.  During Howard’s trial, the evidence disclosed that Brunner, Howard, Jackson and Seawood approached a young woman sitting in her car in Clayton, Missouri, late one night.  The men had just finished breaking into several parked cars in the neighborhood and needed a vehicle to get back to their home in Illinois.  Jackson and Seawood pointed pistols at the woman and threatened to harm her if she did not open her car door.  When she did, Jackson reached in, grabbed the victim by her arm and threw the victim to the street.  Brunner and Howard acted as lookouts during the carjacking.          

Demarlon Richardson was sentenced on May 1, 2018 to 12 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms.  Germonde Brunner was sentenced on May 15, 2018 to 48 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  Norlando Jackson was sentenced on May 29, 2018 to 300 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, two counts of Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  Antywan Seawood was sentenced on September 18, 2018 to 240 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  Arlandus Howard was sentenced on October 2, 2018 to 240 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  All five men were sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr.  All five men were ordered to make restitution for the firearms theft in the amount of $57,169.10. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Butler County Sheriff’s Office; the Poplar Bluff Police Department; the Clayton, Missouri Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Sorrell handled the prosecution for the Government.

            St. Louis – A woman traveling on Interstate 44 in Phelps County, Missouri, was charged in federal court for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine today in United States District Court in St. Louis. 

            Michel F. Garcia-Adame, 23, of Kentucky, was taken into custody yesterday after being pulled over for a traffic violation.  After an officer of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department approached the Toyota sedan, he was able to smell the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.  The officer asked Garcia-Adame for consent to search the trunk of her vehicle, which she provided.  Upon gaining access to the trunk of the vehicle, the officer observed two black trash bags, one on either side of the trunk.  Garcia-Adame also admitted to the officer that there was a small bundle in a black bag located in the foot well of the front passenger seat.

            After the officer conducted a field test of the small bundle in a black bag which tested positive for cocaine and weighed in at approximately 568 gross grams of cocaine.  The officers also removed 14 bundles from the black trash bags in the trunk which were wrapped entirely in clear plastic tape.  The bundles contained slightly more than 45.75 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

            Garcia-Adame is charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine which carries a mandatory 10 years minimum and possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries up to 20 years. They are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty.

            These charges are a result of a joint investigation between the St. Louis Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – A civil judgment in the amount of $5,495,931 was entered today in favor of the United States against Dr. Sonjay Fonn and Ms. Deborah Seeger of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and their professional corporations DS Medical and Midwest Neurosurgeons.  Previously, in November 2017, a federal jury sitting in St. Louis, Missouri found that the couple conspired to violate the civil False Claims Act and also violated the False Claims Act and the Medicare Anti-Kickback statute.      

The Government’s complaint and evidence at trial established that Dr. Fonn was a neurosurgeon during 2009-12.  Dr. Fonn used spinal implants during the spinal fusion surgeries that he performed.  Dr. Fonn practiced through his professional corporation Midwest Neurosurgeons.  Ms. Deborah Seeger, who has been Dr. Fonn’s fiancé since 2008, started a spinal implant distributorship business called DS Medical in November 2008.  Dr. Fonn then used DS Medical as his spinal implant distributor for most of the spinal implants he chose to implant during his surgeries from 2009-12.  Many of Dr. Fonn’s patients had insurance coverage through Medicare and Medicaid, which are federal programs.  The trial involved federal program payments for 228 spinal surgeries involving Medicaid and Medicaid patients. 

Once DS Medical began operating, Ms. Seeger typically received 50% commissions on the implants Dr. Fonn used during his surgeries, meaning Dr. Fonn’s treatment choices directly impacted his fiance’s distributorship income.  The evidence at trial established that when Dr. Fonn used expensive implants, or multiple implants during surgeries, her commission income increased.  After Ms. Seeger received commission income through DS Medical, the evidence at trial established that Ms. Seeger spent some of that income to benefit Dr. Fonn through home improvements, a Sea Lion yacht, and many other purchases and expenditures.  The United States alleged that that this conduct by defendants and their corporations violated the Anti-Kickback statute, a federal law that prohibits health care providers from making patient referrals in exchange for any direct or indirect benefits.  Further, the United States alleged that this conduct violated the civil False Claims Act, in that defendants submitted or caused to be submitted claims for the surgeries and professional surgeries associated with these implants. 

Through their verdicts, the federal jury agreed with the Government on 2/3 of the counts brought in the civil complaint from the case.  The jury had made a number of findings in its verdict, including a $1,652,557 recovery to the Medicare and Medicaid program under the Government’s conspiracy claim, and a specific finding that each defendant conspired to submit 228 separate false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. 

Typically, under federal law, damages are trebled under the False Claims Act.   Courts also impose a statutory penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim.  Accordingly, the total amount of defendants’ civil liability was determined by the Court through the judgment issued today after the parties filed briefs, using the factual findings from the jury’s verdict. 

Today’s judgment resolves a lawsuit that was filed by several Cape Girardeau, Missouri  doctors and health care providers under the qui tam or “whistleblower” provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Cairns et al. v. DS Medical et al., Case No. 1:12-CV-0004 AGF.  The United States appreciates the relators’ interest in program integrity, and their assistance with this successful outcome. Defendants could further be liable for additional sums beyond the judgment issued today, including the costs of the lawsuit and attorneys’ fees of the relators.                        

The case was jointly handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Civil Frauds section of the Commercial Litigation Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. 

St. Louis - The first of three Atlanta-area men charged last month with stealing mail as part of an identity theft ring pleaded guilty this morning.  Willie Joe Trice, 28, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal mail and faces up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both.

According to court documents, Trice admitted that, when he was stopped by St. Charles County police late in the evening of August 6, 2018, he had stolen mail from a business in the area and intended to acquire personally identifiable information from the mail and use that information on counterfeit checks and access devices.   Trice also admitted he had traveled to the St. Louis area from Atlanta for the purpose of obtaining personal information to be used in the conspiracy.

Trice appeared before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and deferred sentencing until December 20, 2018.  Trice remains in federal custody pending sentencing.

“It is rare to apprehend an identity thief in the act of stealing personal information.  Too often, these offenders are not identified until they have stolen information and successfully exploited it many times.   Thanks to the good work of this federal-local investigation, that will not be the case here,” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen.

The case was investigated by the St. Charles County Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis - Two St. Charles residents were charged in federal court for possessing with the intent to distribute two kilograms of fentanyl today in United States District Court in St. Louis. 

Ruben Lopez, 27, and Jonathen Aguilar, 31, of St. Charles, Missouri, were taken into custody yesterday after federal search warrants revealed one kilogram of fentanyl bound for an apartment in the 2000 block of Avignon Drive in St. Charles and another kilogram of the opioid painkiller at another apartment.  The government has sought detention of both defendants, who are entitled to a probable cause hearing and a detention hearing next week.

According to the statement filed in support of a criminal complaint, federal investigators intercepted a suspicious Priority Mail package addressed to the Avignon address with a return address in La Mirada, California.  The investigators obtained a warrant to open the mail parcel which contained a one-kilogram brick of fentanyl concealed inside clothing. 

The investigators secured the fentanyl, which is too hazardous to be safely handled, and conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to the Avignon address.  Defendant Lopez brought the package inside the residence and the investigators entered soon thereafter to execute another warrant for the residence.  Inside, they found a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun and two machines capable of encapsulating drugs.  Another warrant executed yesterday in the 400 block of Molina Way, also in St. Charles, revealed a second quantity of approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and $19,000 in cash.  Two kilograms of fentanyl carry a street value of more than $100,000. 

Lopez and Aguilar are charged with possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a charge carrying a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence.  They are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty.

These charges are a result of a joint investigation between the St. Louis Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the St. Charles County Police Department, the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force, the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the St. Peters Police Department.

“Through our strategic, investigative operations we removed more than 1.5 million potentially lethal doses of poison from hitting the streets of St. Charles County,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the DEA St. Louis Division.  “The DEA’s mission is clear and we will continue to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug trafficking organizations who impact our communities.” 

Assistant Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s St. Louis Field Office J.R. Ball stated, “Criminals who believe they can use the U.S. Mail to transport dangerous illegal narcotics into our communities are mistaken.  The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to identifying these individuals and bringing them to justice.  Today’s arrests are examples of that commitment.”

St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Tim Lohmar added, “I am proud of the collaboration between the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force, St. Peters Police Department, St. Charles County Police Department, DEA and the United States Postal Inspector.  It’s outstanding efforts like these that cut off the supply lines fueling the opiate epidemic that plague our communities.” 

St. Louis, MO – After a two-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict for the United States finding Philandias Samuel Calvin guilty of assaulting federal law enforcement officers as they attempted to arrest him pursuant to two valid arrest warrants.

According to evidence at trial, on December 6, 2017, Calvin was present inside the United States Probation Office located in the Thomas F. Eagleton federal courthouse.  Days earlier, two arrest warrants had been issued as a result of Calvin’s continued violations of his federal supervised release.  (Calvin had previously been convicted of at least two separate federal crimes and, as part of his sentence following incarceration, Calvin was placed on federal supervised release.)

As two United States Probation Officers and three Deputy United States Marshals informed Calvin of his arrest warrants, Calvin became verbally combative.  Calvin then punched one Deputy United States Marshal in the face.  Calvin continued to resist arrest as the federal officials attempted to arrest him, injuring two other federal officials.

U. S. Attorney Jeff Jensen applauded the courage, efforts and support of the United States Marshal Service and United States Probation Office that directly resulted in this verdict, “The evidence showed these federal officers and professionals were injured in the course of their duties which included trying to help the Defendant through his court supervision.  I am pleased the jury agreed and vindicated their efforts.”

Calvin, 33, St. Louis, MO, was indicted on January 10, 2018 charging him with one felony count of assaulting a federal official engaged in their duties. 

He faces up to eight years of imprisonment for the conviction, and a potential fine of $250,000.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.

Sentencing has been set for December 20, 2018 before the Honorable Catherine D. Perry.       

The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service with the assistance of the United States Probation Office.

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St. Louis, MO – James Guccione, 51, of St. Louis County pleaded guilty to wire fraud this afternoon before Chief Judge Rodney Sippel in St. Louis. 

According to his plea agreement, Guccione admitted to a fraud scheme whereby he ordered computer hardware and software through his employer and converted the equipment to his own use.  Additionally, Guccione admitted to falsifying reimbursement requests from his employer which were directed into his personal bank account.  As Director of Finance, Guccione admitted he abused a position of trust in the execution of the fraud scheme.  Guccione did not agree to a particular amount of loss but the U.S. Attorney’s Office contends more than $331,000 was taken during the scheme.

Judge Sippel accepted Guccione’s plea and deferred sentencing until December 21, 2018.  The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. 

The case was investigated by the Clayton Police Department with assistance from the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Alfredo Quintero, 21, of Chicago, and Alonso Villalvazo, 22, Chicago, were charged in a federal criminal complaint regarding a traffic stop which resulted in the seizure of approximately 7.5 pounds of cocaine. 

According to the affidavit of the complaint, on September 10, 2018, a DEA Task Force Officer stopped a grey Chevrolet pickup truck traveling eastbound on Interstate 44 in Phelps County, Missouri, for a traffic violation of failing to properly affix a valid and readily identifiable license plate to a vehicle.  The driver, Alonso Villalvazo, and passenger, Alfredo Quintero, both gave completely different accounts of their travel to Chicago.  Quintero gave the officer consent to search the vehicle for suspected illegal narcotics or large bulk currency.  During the search, he disclosed to the officer that narcotics were inside the vehicle hidden in a void inside the front vehicle differential and showed the officer the location of the narcotics.  After dismantling the front vehicle differential, seven individually wrapped bundles were recovered and investigators seized approximately 3,489 gross grams (7 ½ lbs.) of cocaine.

Quintero and Villalvazo were charged with one felony count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.  The United States Attorney requested that both be detained pending trial.   

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

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Beth Orwick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Jonathan Bobadilla-Soto, 26, of Adelanto, California, was charged in a federal criminal complaint regarding a traffic stop which resulted in the seizure of approximately 34 pounds of ICE (crystal methamphetamine). 

According to the affidavit of the complaint, on September 12, 2018, Task Force Officers stopped a white colored Chevrolet Traverse SUV travelling westbound on Interstate 70 in Foristell, Missouri, for a traffic violation of failing to signal when changing lanes and for failing to stop at a red light. The driver, Jonathan Bobadilla-Soto, and front seat passenger were informed by the officers the reason for the stop and began to converse with Bobadilla-Soto about his purpose of his travel.  Officers asked Bobadilla-Soto for consent to search the vehicle for suspected illegal narcotics or large bulk currency, which he granted. 

After a brief search of the vehicle and while opening the rear SUV hatch by an officer, the hatch would not automatically stay up and came crashing down on the officer. After the officer became suspicious that the hatch was too heavy to remain in the open position, he observed a small gap in the plastic interior molding of the hatch.  After dismantling the rear SUV hatch, officers discovered 17 individually wrapped bundles of ICE, placed inside the vehicle’s natural void.  A continued search revealed five (5) individually wrapped bundles in the rear passenger side quarter panel, six (6) individually wrapped bundles in the rear ceiling compartment and six (6) individually wrapped bundles in the rear driver side quarter panel which all contained ICE.

Bobadilla-Soto was charged with one felony count of Possession with Intent to Distribute ICE.  The United States Attorney requested that he be detained pending trial.   

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

This case is being investigated by the St. Charles County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Beth Orwick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Barbara “Basia” Skudrzyk, a/k/a Barbara “Basia” Najarro, of St. Louis, was indicted last Thursday on six counts of mail fraud. 

The indictment alleges that beginning in May 2010 and continuing through July 31, 2018, Skudrzyk defrauded Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri of in excess of approximately $300,000 through various means.  Skudrzyk was employed as the Business Director for the Division of Medical Education at Washington University.  On many occasions, Skudrzyk hired contractors and other service providers to perform personal services for her benefit, and at her personal residence.  She would then create, submit and approve false invoices and false W-9 tax forms for these contractors and other service providers to make it appear as if they had performed work for the Division of Medical Education when they had not.  Skudrzyk approved and processed payment to these contractors and other service providers from Washington University’s funds.  Further, Skudrzyk purchased VISA gift cards at the Washington University bookstore, forging another Washington University employee’s signature on the receipts and charging the purchases to the Division of Medical Education.  Skudrzyk then used the VISA gift cards for her own personal use, including for purchases at restaurants, a jewelry store, and other retailers.  Additionally, Skudrzyk falsified and changed invoices from two different travel companies for airline flights for herself and her family to such places as Krakow, Poland, Munich, Germany, Bangkok, Thailand, Guatemala City, Guatemala, and Toronto, Canada.  Skudrzyk submitted, processed and approved these falsified invoices in order to get Washington University to pay for the personal trips.   

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

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

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

St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers.  Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime.  At least 85% of federal sentences must be served; there is no parole in the federal system.  None.  Sentences are served in prisons far from St. Louis.  Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in August as a result of the hard work of police and agents:

Antonio Brown, 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Brown, 21, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Shawn Fritschle, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Jermaine Gibbs, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Orlando Grimmett, 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Lamont Hamm, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Joshua Matthews, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Deverin Myers, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Jamar Robinson, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Christine Smith, 60, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one felony count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Deandre Evans, 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Samuel Taylor, 39, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Tommie Williams, 66, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Devin Barnett, 35, St. Louis, Simmons, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Michael Finley, 34, Florissant, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Cyrus Jackson, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Bryant Johsnon, 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

A.Y. McClenton, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Adam Moore, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Reiko Perry, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Smith, 28, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Laron Brown, 40, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Gene Cumberland, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Larry Lott, 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Terry Mooney, 33, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Antwuan Morrow, 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Maurice Murphy, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.

John Oliver, 26, Alton, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Lawrence Patterson was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Elizabeth Reid, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Trevion Hopson, 20, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Keith Spearman, 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Percy Word, 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Derek Bowser, 33, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of false statement in connection with acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer and user of illegal narcotics in possession of a firearm.

Roy Cooper, 34, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Dayon Fips, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Levander Williams, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jason Aubuchon, 31, Fenton, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Chad J. Coffman, 37, pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm.

Horatio Sumrall, Jr., 29, Belleville, IL, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Zackary Ward, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Joseph Saunders, 39, Hazelwood, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Anthony Frazier, 29, Florissant, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jerome Green, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Kerry Bolden, 43, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert E. Jones, 54, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Juzzton A. Hill, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jalen Sherrell, 22, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Mario McKnight, 24, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Travis Robinson, 21, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Steven Conner, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Isiah Williams, 25, Hazelwood, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

John H. McIntosh, 59, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Donald L. Shaw, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Wilbert Anderson, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Lywayne M. Scott, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and acting with others to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.

Corey Ward, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Cameron M. Bryant, 24, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Edward R. Watson, 68, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Shagretta Turner, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.

Dennis Washington, 36, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Lyle Deloch, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Enzie Walton, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Vernon DeFrance, 52, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Caldra Williford, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Dewayne Franklin, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Derrick Hudson, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Derrick Perryman, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Decoreyon J. Harris, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Nathan Allen, 58, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kristin D. Johnson-Arnold, 24, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

David Staples, 49, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Charles Alicea, 36, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jeffrey M. Meyer, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Dyanthany Proudie, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Parron Walker, 47, St. Louis, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Pruitt, Jr., 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Marlon Williams, 46, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Tayler Griffin, 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Anthony Tucker was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Terrill Watt, 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Cortez Davis, 39, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Derek Brown, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 93 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm; manufacture a controlled substance drug; and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Harold J. Hoskin, Jr., 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Edward Crawford, 37, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Deandre Jones, 29, was sentenced to 23 months in prison for carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.

Daniel Eldridge, 41, Mineral Point, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Otis Jones, 25, St. Louis, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Ronell Williams, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Frank Hart, 45, Jennings, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and carjacking.

Jerry Massey, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance drug.

Jurmont Clark, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert J. Moore, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Alex Taylor, 21, St. Louis, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day for felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Reinhardt, 53, St. Louis, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance drug.

Marlon Williams, 46, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Wardell Polk, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 252 months in prison for robbing a Taco Bell (Hobbs Act), discharing a firearm during a federal crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm.

Dedrick Conley, 27, East St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance drug.

Ishmael L. Hargrove, 21, Florissant, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

David Lee, Jr., 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

The United States Attorney’s Office has charged two foreign nationals with credit card fraud.  Mrejuica Madalin, 30, and Laszlo Solomes, 31, were arrested by St. Louis County Police on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 on suspicion of credit card fraud.

On Tuesday morning, the pair were observed using a succession of different cards at an ATM in the 4300 block of Telegraph Road in South St. Louis County.  Responding to a citizen complaint, the St. Louis County Police stopped their vehicle and discovered a large quantity of cash, stolen mail and financial documents in the name of a third party.  The investigation continued and a search of the pair’s hotel room revealed a large cache of counterfeit gift cards and stored value cards, a laptop computer and a card encoding machine.

The United States Attorney’s Office has sought detention of Madalin and Solomes as it appears neither is legally in the United States.  Madalin was traveling under a counterfeit Belgian passport in the name of another.  Solomes was in possession of a valid Hungarian passport but appears not to hold a valid visa to be in the United States.

Both men appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging them with possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1029(a)(3), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000 or both.

The case was investigated by the St. Louis Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Immigration and the Customs Enforcement (ICE) Bureau of the Department of Homeland Security.  Tom Albus is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Keith English, 26, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession with the intent to distribute more than a kilogram of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug dealing activities.  English appeared before Judge E. Richard Webber in United States District Court in St. Louis this morning.

English admitted to a string of arrests during which he was found in possession of drugs and weapons in St. Louis County during 2017.   The final confrontation involved a sale of two ounces of methamphetamine on a north county parking lot during which English was arrested with a 9 millimeter handgun after briefly trying to outrun the police.  In all, English admitted to possessing three different handguns.  English also admitted to using straw purchasers to obtain firearms for himself and other convicted felons who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

“Drug dealing and illegal weapons are a dangerous combination for our community.  This sentence reflects that danger and will keep a violent drug dealer out of the community for a long time,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

The case was investigated by the St. Ann Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Hazelwood Police Department, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – St. Louis Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Koppenaal handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

St. Louis, MO – Antwan Crossland, 21, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to possessing counterfeit currency.  Crossland appeared this afternoon before United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey.  Sentencing is set for November 28, 2018.

On September 20, 2017, Antwan Crossland was stopped by officers with the St. Peters Police Department driving a stolen U-Haul truck.  The officers found an AR15 rifle in his lap, counterfeit United States Currency, and a driver’s license in the name of another individual. 

Prior to the stop by the police officers, Crossland had driven Desiree Hill and another individual to a local retailer, and instructed them to purchase a television with the money he provided.  Store personnel refused the transaction when they realized the money was counterfeit.  Their alert to the St. Peters Police Department resulted in the vehicle stop. 

Desiree Hill was sentenced on June 1, 2018 to a six month term of incarceration after pleading guilty to making false statements to law enforcement officials.  The false statements arose when Hill lied as to the source of the counterfeit currency she attempted to pass at Crossland’s behest.   

The counterfeit currency found was less than $1,500.00.

Possessing counterfeit currency carries a penalty of not more than ten years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000 or both.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the St. Peters Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the government.

St. Louis, MO – Dr. Philip Dean, 62, a resident of Warren County, Missouri, pled guilty today to two felony charges, illegally distributing opiate medications and making a false statement to the Medicare program.

According to his plea agreement, Dr. Dean operated a medical office in Warren County, Missouri.  Dr. Dean had personal relationships with three women, living with these women for some time periods.  While engaging in personal relationships with these women, Dr. Dean also prescribed them with prescription opioid pain relief medications, including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and several forms of Fentanyl.  The two felony charges from Dr. Dean’s plea agreement involve two of these women, referred to by their initials in the plea agreement as R.W. and C.H. 

Regarding patient R.W., before his prescribing decisions at issue in this case, Dr. Dean was aware that R.W. had lost her health care provider license after experiencing serious prescription drug abuse problems.  Dr. Dean was also aware that R.W. had been involved in motor vehicle accidents and traffic stops by police after driving while intoxicated because of prescription drugs.  Nevertheless, during 2015-16, Dr. Dean prescribed R.W. with assorted opioid medications, including a fentanyl medication that was only approved for medical use by cancer patients with break-through pain.  R.W. does not have cancer.  R.W. repeatedly consumed her thirty day supplies of these prescription drugs before thirty days had elapsed.  Recognizing that prescribing R.W. with duplicative and overlapping prescriptions for thirty day supplies of opiates would raise suspicion, Dr. Dean repeatedly prescribed R.W. with additional opiate prescriptions using the name of R.W.’s family member.  Medicare funded these prescriptions, not knowing that R.W. was ending up with these medications.  Dr. Dean personally picked up and paid a co-payment for one of these hydrocodone prescriptions that he wrote for R.W. using another patient’s name.                   

Regarding C.H., defendant issued her a prescription for Codeine, an opiate pain medication and controlled substance, on March 31, 2017 after exchanging text messages of a personal nature with her.  Dr. Dean did not examine C.H. before issuing the prescription on March 31, 2017.  According to medical records seized during the execution of a search warrant at the medical office, C.H. had not visited Dr. Dean’s office since January 24, 2017.     

Dr. Dean admitted in his plea agreement that his opioid prescribing decisions exposed these patients to a risk of serious bodily injury, given the potency and side effects of the drugs he was prescribing and the patients’ histories of drug problems. 

Dr. Dean pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge E. Richard Webber.  Sentencing has been set for November 20, 2108.  He now faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $500,000, for the drug distribution, and a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 for the false statement to Medicare.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. 

“This is an outrageous violation of the trust our society commits to physicians.  Dr. Dean violated that trust and exploited his drug dependent patients.  On top of it all, the taxpayers were forced to foot the bill for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Kansas City Region, stated, “Regarding our agency’s ongoing efforts in combating our nation’s opioid crisis, our office will continue to aggressively pursue those who misuse their positions and recklessly prescribe medication to our beneficiaries.”

“Prescription opioids serve an important purpose when used legitimately for patients suffering from chronic pain and illness.  In this particular case, we had a doctor with the power to write prescriptions misrepresenting the truth, supplying narcotics to people with serious addiction issues that he was aware of and bilking all of us who pay taxes while doing it.  The Drug Enforcement Administration will continue to pursue these bad actors to bring them to justice.  Addiction to opioids is a serious illness and we will not allow doctors to abuse their authority for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Warrenton Police Department, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Asmerom “Ace” Keleta was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and prepared fraudulent tax returns.  He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $662,645.

According to court documents, Keleta operated University City Tax Service starting in 2012.  He conspired with employees Miyoshi Lewis and Teklom Paulos to prepare fraudulent tax returns for clients.  He directed the employees to fraudulently inflate client tax refunds by listing false American Opportunity educational tax credits and federal fuel tax credits as well as creating false Schedule C income in order to fraudulently maximize the Earned Income Credits.  Keleta also prepared false tax returns for clients.  Keleta, as the owner of University City Tax Service, received a percentage of the clients’ inflated tax returns.            

Keleta, 33, of St. Louis, was found guilty by a federal jury on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and preparing fraudulent tax returns.  He appeared before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White.

“This tax preparer exploited tax credits designed to assist the working poor and middle class families who seek higher education,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.  “This stiff sentence will help protect the integrity of our voluntary tax system.”

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins. 

St. Louis, MO – Lywayne Marquis Scott, 35, of St. Louis, pled guilty to two counts – one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.  He appeared in federal court on Wednesday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey. 

According to court documents, prior to October 20, 1016, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were informed that Scott was in possession of an AK-47 type firearm while occupying a vacant house on Bacon. After officers executed a search warrant, Scott was present in the house and found on the table was a loaded ROMARM SA/Cugir, WASR-10 semi-automatic firearm (a AK-47 type) and other firearms.  He admitted possessing that firearm.

On September 25, 2017, Scott was incarcerated in the Jennings jail for the above conduct.   During the guards’ investigation of an inmate using a contraband cell phone in the yard of the facility, a search of Scott’s pants revealed a golf ball size amount of white powder which fell to the ground.  The white powder was analyzed and found to be 20 grams of heroin.

Scott faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on the felon in possession of a firearm count and faces not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on possession with intent to distribute heroin. Sentencing has been set for November 14, 2018.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

An August 2nd traffic stop on Interstate 44 in southwest St. Louis County has led to the indictment of nine previously deported aliens who are alleged to have taken part in an alien smuggling scheme.

            Rene Flores-Calderon, age, 34, is alleged to have smuggled eight previously deported aliens into St. Louis County before being discovered during a traffic stop on Interstate 44 in the southwestern part of St. Louis County.  Flores-Calderon is also alleged himself to have illegally re-entered the United States after being deported from Del Rio, Texas in 2016 to Mexico.

            The eight other previously deported aliens Flores-Calderon is alleged to have smuggled and who are each alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States after deportation are:

1. Eladio Velasquez-Velasquez, age 24, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Calexico, California earlier in 2018 to Mexico.
    
2. Elias Velasquez-Vleasquez, age 30, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Brownsville, Texas in 2009 to Mexico.
    
3. Enrique Sebastian Cedillo-Santiago, age 24, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Brownsville, Texas in 2017 to Guatemala.
    
4. Mynor Lucas Galvez-Galvez, age 28, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Phoenix, Arizona in 2015 to Guatemala.
    
5. Jose David Hernandez-Salazar, age 34, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Chandler, Arizona in 2007 to Honduras.
    
6. Aaron Danilo Rivera-Urbina, age 29, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Phoeniz, Arizona in 2016 to Honduras.
    
7. Carlos Joel Perez-Merino, age 32, who is alleged to have been previously deported from Phoenix, Arizona earlier in 2018 to El Salvador.
    
8. Jose Danilo Balan-Boc, age 21, who is alleged to have been previously deported earlier in 2018 to Guatemala.
    

All nine defendants named in the Indictment have been in Immigration custody since being discovered on August 2nd.   They will remain in custody until the conclusion of their criminal cases.

Flores-Calderon, the alleged smuggler, faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years for each of eight alien smuggling charges and an additional ten years on his unlawful re-entry charge.

Because of his prior criminal convictions, Rivera-Urbina faces up to twenty years imprisonment for unlawful re-entry.

Title 8 United States Code Section 1326 sets out enhanced penalty ranges for those convicted of unlawful re-entry with prior criminal convictions.

The seven remaining defendants face a term of imprisonment of up to 2 years on the charges of unlawful re-entry.

If convicted, all nine defendants also face removal from the United States after completing a term of imprisonment.

“Human smugglers are driven by greed and demonstrate a total disregard for our laws and for human life,” said James M. Gibbons, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Chicago.  “HSI will continue to enforce the laws these criminals attempt to skirt, in our commitment to pursue those that exploit and endanger the people they smuggle into our country.”

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from the Missouri Highway Patrol, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Eureka Police Department and the Pacific Police Department.

St. Louis, MO – Lawrence K. Patterson, 25, of St. Louis, was charged in a federal indictment charging him with one felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to the indictment, on or about July 16, 2018, Lawrence Patterson walked into a Dollar General Store and approached two employees with a firearm.  Patterson demanded that they open the store safe and give him the money contained therein.  Patterson was arrested by the St. Louis Police Department in the 5900 block of Delmar on the city’s west side shortly after the robbery.  

If convicted, the charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, not more than life, consecutive to all other counts.

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

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives with assistance from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers.  Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime.  At least 85% of federal sentences must be served; there is no parole in the federal system.  None.  Sentences are served in prisons far from St. Louis.  Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in July as a result of the hard work of police and agents:

Lavelle Bolden, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Melvin T. Cunigan, 62, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Leroy Shipp, 50, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm during a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Leontaye Combs, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

Norris Douglas, Jr., 26, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Tiara Johnson, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

Addrian McKissic, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of one or more firearms; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Michael Moore, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Eddie Morrow, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Cristian Perez, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Upchurch, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of one or more firearms.

Alexander Williams, 25, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Kevin Carter, 60, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Mark Hayes, 45, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Josh Hudson, 28, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Jeffrey Kelly, 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Andre King, 20, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Hayward Travis McKinney, 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possess with intent to distribute Fentanyl; possessing one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Reginald Saddler, 27, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Tra’mayne Street, 20, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Gregory Thompson, 38, East St. Louis, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Keivin Cole, 33, Spanish Lake, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Cameron M. Bryant, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possess a controlled substance drug; carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Kirk K. Darden, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possess a controlled substance drug; carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Jalen Sherrell, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Deandre Smith, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possess a controlled substance drug and carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Jerrinon Tate, 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a federal crime of violence and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Drew Conley, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Eric Davis, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Steed, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Larry Weeden, Jr., 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Joshua J. Pollard, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to three felony counts of possessing stolen firearms.

Jamacian Brown, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Willie Curtis, 53, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Corvon Dixson, 21, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Booker Young, Jr., 50, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Arthur Garrett, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Cameron Sutton, 26, St. Ann, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

Raymond Willis, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Brian O’Neal, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Cecil Cooper, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

Shelton Bailey, 45, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Charles J. Jones, 45, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Demetris A. Bradley, 41, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Deron Smith, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Carl Terry, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Carl G. Nettles, 56, Park Hills, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Carl W. Willis, 64, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

David E. Teague, 50, Jennings, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Corey Felton, 46, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Travis, Garner, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Clinton Murphy, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Larry Belcarist, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Garnett, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kevin Setlzer, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Tommie Lee, 67, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methadone.

Deandreck Johnson, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kyle Miller, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Christopher Walter, 44, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kevin Chattman, 41, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Marqus Shores, 35, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Justin Cordes, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Dormond Hampton, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Devon M. Harris, 23, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jamare Ash, 32, Jennings, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Antoine Bonnett, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Craig Allen, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Lemario Q. Johnson, 39, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert E. Jones, 53, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Willie J. Mitchell, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kenneth White, Jr., 23, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Keith West, 60, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jermayne Welch, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Derrill Watt, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Leo Adams, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Tyrone L. Williams, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Nathanial L. Archie, 43, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

William L. Owens, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

James Bradley, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

John H. Harvey, 34, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Deante Works, 39, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

William Bowen, 39, St. Louis, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Melvin Pryor, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Jerry B. Jones, 30, Belleville, IL, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Xaviaire D. Moton, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Odell A. Pickett, Jr., 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 204 months in prison for carjacking; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; and possession with intent to distribute.

Nicholas O. Johnson, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance drug and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.

Tawana Cunningham, 28, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for Hobbs Act Robberies.

Donald Haynes, 33, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Clarence Bradford, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Derick Bowers, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Demarye Briggs, 20, St. Charles, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Tyrell Reed, 32, was sentenced to 77 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Kerry Caldwell, 55, Florissant, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Michael Lewis, 27, St. Louis, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Jermaine Lewis, 37, St. Louis, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Luther Hall, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Trevon McClelland, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Marquis Gray, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Simon Gebregziabher, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Darrell R. Gordon, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Teran Willis, 36, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Earl McNeal, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

St. Louis, MO – James Flannel, 37, of St. Louis, MO, was indicted for the carjacking and killing of Boris Iouioukine, a Laclede Cab Company driver killed on June 25, 2018. Specifically, the three-count indictment returned this morning charges Flannel with one count of carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in the death of Mr. Iouioukine, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition during the same general time period.

Flannel was originally charged by way of federal complaint for his illegal possession of ammunition on June 27, 2018, two days after the murder.  He was ultimately located by law enforcement and taken into federal custody on July 14, 2018.  Flannel has been detained ever since.  Today’s superseding indictment adds charges related to Flannel’s carjacking and killing of Mr. Iouioukine.  

If convicted, the felon in possession of ammunition charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.  The carjacking charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years. Flannel’s possession of a firearm resulting in Mr. Iouioukine’s death carries an additional consecutive mandatory minimum penalty ranging from 10 years to life or the imposition of the death penalty.  In determining actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

Following the return of today’s indictment, U. S. Attorney Jeff Jensen commended the swift action of and coordination between the Saint Louis Metropolitan and Saint Louis County Police Departments; the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; his office; and the Saint Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, “This case is a good example of the cooperative, ‘all hands on deck’ philosophy our state, local and federal partners have embraced in response to the persistent gun violence in the St. Louis area.”  

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

The United States Attorney's Office announced that Antwoine Carnell Johnson, Age 23, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, pled guilty to charges of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Johnson appeared before United States District Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. on July 31, 2018.

Johnson was arrested after a Missouri State Highway Patrol Officer stopped Johnson for speeding and discovered that his license was revoked. Officers located drug scales, heroin, methamphetamine, a loaded revolver and $6,574.00 in suspected drug proceeds in Johnson’s vehicle. His sentencing is set for November 6th, 2018.

Johnson faces a maximum punishment of 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000,000 on the drug charges and not less than five years, nor more than life on the firearm charge.    

This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Willis handled the prosecution for the Government.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that JUSTIN D. PERRY, age 34, of Lilbourn, Missouri, was sentenced to 147 months on one felony count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, one felony count of Attempted Carjacking and one felony count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  He appeared before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. 

At his plea on March 21, 2018, Perry admitted that on December 4, 2015, he entered a 2004 Ford pickup truck that was owned by another person, while it was parked outside the owner’s residence and unlocked.  Perry found a Ruger, 9mm caliber pistol in the truck, took it inside the residence and approached the owner.  Perry pointed the pistol at the owner and demanded the keys to his Ford truck.  The victim looked at the pistol and recognized it as his own pistol.  The victim spoke to Perry and convinced Perry to allow the victim to drive Perry to Lilbourn, Missouri.  The victim went into his bedroom by himself to get dressed.  While there, the victim called police officers and told them of the situation.  Perry and the victim got in the truck, with the victim driving Perry toward Lilbourn.  A Missouri State Highway Patrol officer had been alerted as to the crime and was looking for the victim’s truck.  The officer got behind the victim’s truck and turned on his emergency lights.  The victim pulled the truck to the side of the road.  Perry attempted to flee on foot, but was soon captured.

Perry has previous convictions for Stealing a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Driving While Intoxicated.  He had been sentenced to serve a term of state imprisonment of 15 years.  The federal sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to the state sentence.

This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Sorrell handled the prosecution for the Government.  

St. Louis, MO – Joshua John Pollard, 20, of St. Louis, pled guilty to three counts of possessing stolen firearms.  He appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey. 

According to court documents, on January 12, 2018, Pollard broke the windows of a St. Louis County Police vehicle and forcefully stole a Colt AR-15, fully loaded with a 20-round magazine and a Remington 870 pump action shotgun loaded with four rounds.

On January 29, 2018, Pollard broke a window of a second St. Louis County Police vehicle and forcefully stole a Rock River, AR-15 and a Remington 870 pump action shotgun.

On January 30, 2018, Pollard broke the window of a vehicle and stole a 40-caliber Glock model G23 generation 4 semi-automatic firearm.  Investigation by members of the St. Louis County Police Department led to the arrest of Pollard on February 1st who admitted breaking into the two police vehicles and another vehicle in St. Charles.

“I greatly appreciate the hard work by all those who brought about the swift and successful conclusion to these investigations,” Colonel Jon M. Belmar, Chief of Police, said. “It is a fine example of the great collaborative work between local and federal authorities that we enjoy here in the St. Louis Region.”

Pollard faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on each count. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. Sentencing has been set for October 30, 2018.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The United States Attorney's Office announced that JAMES W. MATHENA, age 51, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.      

According to court documents, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a residence in Cape Girardeau on December 15, 2017 after Mathena made various threats against his elderly parents.  When officers arrived, Mathena barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to come out.  After a stand-off lasting nearly three hours, Mathena finally exited the residence and surrendered to authorities.  Officers subsequently recovered a shotgun from Mathena’s bedroom in the basement.  Mathena was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because he is a convicted felon.  Mathena’s criminal history included a 1988 felony conviction from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas for assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.  Mathena also had felony convictions for robbery, assault, distribution of methamphetamine, driving while intoxicated, and unlawful possession of firearms.   

This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the government.