Eastern District of Missouri

The United States Attorney's Office announced that Clinton Jay Reynolds, age 27, of Marble Hill Missouri, was sentenced to 92 months of incarceration for Possession of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Firearms by a Felon. Reynolds was also ordered to serve a total of 4 years of supervised release and pay a $200 special assessment. Reynolds appeared before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. on July 30, 2018.

Reynolds had previously pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing firearms after being convicted of several felony offenses. Reynolds was arrested after the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at his residence near Marble Hill in rural Bollinger County and seized 62 grams of methamphetamine and eight firearms. Reynolds has prior felony convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Burglary Second Degree, Receiving Stolen Property, Felony Theft and felony Resisting Arrest by Fleeing.

This case was investigated by the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Department, the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Willis handled the prosecution for the Government. 

St. Louis, MO – David T. McGee, 47, of St. Louis, pled guilty to two counts of committing a bank robbery.  He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. 

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

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

McGee faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on each count. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

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

St. Louis, MO – A federal jury in St. Louis returned a verdict today in favor of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) agent who was accused of using excessive force in shooting into a vehicle during an undercover operation in 2012.  Myron Pollard of St. Louis was killed in the incident and his mother was seeking $6 million in damages from the agent and the United States.  The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr.

On August 29, 2012, Special Agent Bernard Hansen was part of an ATF Special Response Team undercover operation which was targeting subjects suspected of preparing a home invasion to rob the occupants of drugs and money.  The SRT agents planned to arrest the subjects at the gathering point located near the intersection of Grand and Iron in the south city neighborhood of Holly Hills.  As Special Agent Hansen emerged from the SRT truck to effect an arrest, one of the subjects, Dametrius Creighton, accelerated his Grand Prix in the direction of the special agent and the other members of the SRT team.  Special Agent Hansen fired several times into the vehicle in an effort to stop it.  One of the rounds fatally struck Myron Pollard who was riding in the front passenger seat of the Grand Prix.  The Government argued that the agent’s use of deadly force was reasonable under all of the circumstances and the jury agreed.  Creighton was convicted of conspiracy and firearms charges based on this incident and is serving a sentence at the federal prison facility in Marion, Illinois.  

The case was tried by Karin Schute and Nicholas Llewellyn of the United States Attorney’s Office who were assisted by Stephen Brodsky who is an ATF area counsel.

St. Louis, MO – Natez Fisher, 18, of St. Louis, MO, was arrested this morning stemming from a two-count indictment charging him with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. 

According to the Indictment, on April 16, 2018, Natez Fisher placed an ad on Facebook Marketplace for the sale of a gaming system.  S.K. agreed to purchase the item and met with Fisher at which time Fisher pointed a firearm at S.K., demanded S.K.’s money, and shot him.

If convicted, the robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the defendant could face an additional consecutive mandatory minimum of ten years because the defendant shot the victim during the robbery.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

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

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

St. Louis, MO – Cauncenet Brown, 42, of Perris, CA, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to accept bribes in connection with a scheme to obtain un-redacted accident reports for use in Dr. Mitchell Davis’ Chiropractic Clinic.

According to court documents, former Police Officer Cauncenet Brown received payments from Galina Davis, the wife of Dr. Mitchell Davis – a St. Louis chiropractor, for providing accident reports and information. Brown was a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) police officer from about 2003 to November 2011 and again from 2013 until she left the SLMPD for the last time in 2015. While at the SLMPD, Brown knew and worked with Police Officer Marlon Caldwell and Police Officer Terri Owens. For a time, Caldwell provided the accident reports or information to Galina Davis; later both Caldwell and Brown provided the reports and information. Before Brown left the SLMPD in 2011, she told Owens that she could make some money by providing information contained in the un-redacted accident reports to Galina Davis.  Brown told Owens that she should contact Galina Davis, if she was willing to provide the information to Galina Davis.  When Brown returned to the department in 2013, she again received payments from Galina Davis in return for disclosing un-redacted accident reports or information from those reports.

Marlon Caldwell and Mark Taylor are awaiting trial on conspiracy and bribery charges.

Co-conspirators Terri Owens, Dr. Mitchell Davis, and Galina Davis have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Brown faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000 or both.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Reginald Harris are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A Federal Indictment unsealed today alleges a conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance that is deadly in doses of only a few milligrams, centered in the Clinton-Peabody public housing complex on the near south side of the City of St. Louis.  Many of the defendants lived outside the area but utilized the housing complex to distribute drugs.

In addition to the drug distribution, the Indictment ties three deaths to the conspiracy.

The conspiracy names fifteen individuals who have been arrested today.  In addition to the arrests, more than fifteen federal search warrants related to the investigation have been executed by a number of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies this morning.  Search warrants led to the seizure of numerous firearms and federal firearm charges will be brought against three additional subjects.

“I believe that the drug distribution organization operating at Clinton-Peabody has been dismantled this morning,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen.  “The fentanyl dealt by this organization is literally poison.

The Indictment details the roles of the various members of the conspiracy, describing sources, means of communication, operators of stash houses, financial operatives and street level dealers.

Deaths Resulting from the Conspiracy

The Indictment alleges that Defendants Demetrius Johnson (also known as “Meechie” “DJ” and “Huncho”) and Armond Calvin (also known as “Mon”) and Christopher Rhodes, Jr. (also known as “Lil Chris”) murdered victim David Bryant in furtherance of their drug trafficking conspiracy on December 3, 2016.

In addition to the conspiracy, the Indictment alleges that Defendant Demetrius Johnson distributed a lethal dose of fentanyl to victim J.W. which dose resulted in J.W.’s death on October 14, 2016. 

The conspiracy alleges another lethal dose of fentanyl was distributed to victim C.P. by Defendants Christopher Pipes (also known as “Cram” “Bam” and “Mike”) and Gregory Ivy (also known as “Scooby” and “S”) on May 3, 2018.

Firearms Counts

Defendant Lebaron Jackson (also known as “LB”) is alleged to have possessed a Taurus 9 millimeter handgun on May 11, 2018 having previously sustained a felony conviction.

Defendant Marquise Brown (also known as “TJ”) is alleged to have used a Glock 9 millimeter handgun in furtherance of the fentanyl conspiracy on May 24, 2018.

Money Laundering and Forfeiture

Throughout the conspiracy, beginning in March 2016, Defendant Ashley Dickerson is alleged to have engaged in financial transactions with the proceeds of the conspiracy with the intent to conceal the nature, location, source and ownership of the proceeds.

In addition to the criminal counts, the Indictment seeks the forfeiture of all proceeds of the conspiracy and any firearms or ammunition used in it or in the specified violent crimes and firearms offenses.

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

Penalties

All Defendants named in the conspiracy face a ten-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a maximum term of life.

All Defendants named in the homicide and distribution resulting in death face a twenty-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a maximum term of life.

Defendant Marquise Brown faces a five mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a maximum term of life, consecutive to his term of imprisonment for the conspiracy, and a maximum term of life.

All Defendant are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Town Hall Meeting

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative and its law enforcement partners announce a town hall meeting for July 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Peabody Elementary School at 1224 S. 14th Street to address this enforcement action and help residents of the neighborhood address the many social and community needs existing in the Clinton-Peabody development.  In addition to law enforcement agencies, community groups and local officials will participate in the town hall meeting and will listen to the concerns of the Clinton-Peabody neighborhood and discuss services available to the community.

Jimmie Edwards, Public Safety Director for the City of St. Louis, stated, “I appreciate the collaborative efforts of federal law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the St. Louis Police Department to act in a proactive way to remove the criminal element off the streets of the city of St. Louis.  This is a positive thing for the citizens of St. Louis.”

“Knowing that at least 50% of homicides and gun violence in our city are drug related, the long-term collaboration on this case and the ongoing efforts between the St. Louis City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, and the FBI is absolutely going to make the Clinton-Peabody housing complex safer. I believe the residents in this community are going to feel safer by day, and sleep better at night because of our initiative. We are committed to the long-term safety and security of the residents in the Clinton-Peabody complex,” said Police Commissioner John Hayden.

“Today’s law enforcement actions remove violent criminals from the streets of St. Louis, particularly those perpetrating gun violence and the spread of drugs such as fentanyl, both of which are killing our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division.  “We will continue joint law enforcement efforts like these until the streets of this great city are safe.”

“DEA is committed to protecting our community from the ravages of opiate trafficking and addiction,” William Callahan, III, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis DEA said. “With our federal, state and local law enforcement partners we seek to disrupt and dismantle the groups who are trafficking these drugs, oftentimes to the most vulnerable members of society. This group, many of whom have a history of drug dealing and violence, sold a potent and sometimes lethal drug (fentanyl).  We hope that the enforcement action taken today will provide some sense of justice to our community and the people they have preyed upon.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crime Initiative is committed to a long-term solution to gun violence in St. Louis,” continued Jensen “and law enforcement understands that this enforcement action, as comprehensive as it is, is not a long term solution.  We are committed to working with the people of St. Louis to rid their community of gun violence using every resource we can.”

St. Louis, MO – Carol J. Dotson was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment on wire fraud charges.  She was also ordered to pay restitution in excess of $2,043,248 million dollars. 

According to court documents, from July 2003 to February 2017, Doston embezzled more than $2 million dollars from a commercial real estate property management company in Olivette, Missouri where she was the office administrator.  Dotson wrote multiple checks to herself, withdrew large sums of cash to spend on elder care for her mother, mortgage payments, home renovations, home cleaning services, law services and shopping at local stores.

Dotson, 71, St. Louis, pled guilty in March to one felony count of wire fraud.  She appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Richard Webber.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Olivette Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis, MO – Dr. Vidal Sheen, 58, St. Louis County, Missouri, pled guilty to obstructing an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) regarding whether he billed the Medicare program and private insurers for “face to face” office visits performed on dates when he was actually traveling outside of Missouri, and sometimes traveling outside of the United States.

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

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

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

Dr. Sheen pled guilty to one felony count of obstructing an investigation before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.  Sentencing has been set for October 23, 2018.  He now faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, per count.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. 

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

                                                   

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St. Louis, MO – Kerry Caldwell was sentenced to 15 years in prison for carjacking and gun charges.

According to court documents, on October 27, 2017, a woman was sitting in her car at a Commerce Bank using the ATM machine when Kerry Caldwell approached her driver’s door.  He pointed a firearm at her and ordered her out of the car.  She exited the passenger side door and ran. When she looked back, she saw Caldwell driving her car off the lot.

While investigating the carjacking, a St. Louis Police Officer observed Caldwell driving the stolen car in a dangerous and reckless manner and began a pursuit.  Shortly thereafter, the officer observed Caldwell walking and after recognizing him as the driver of the stolen car, detained him.  The stolen car, containing items stolen from the woman, was found crashed into a tree.

“This sentence and the good work of the St. Louis Police Department has ended the criminal career of this longtime violent offender,” said Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney.   

Caldwell, 55, of Florissant, MO, pleaded guilty on April 12, 2108, to one felony count of carjacking and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Henry Autrey. 

This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

St. Louis, MO – Filmon Tekle was sentenced on Thursday to 21 months in prison for obstructing the administration of the internal revenue laws.

Tekle, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty in May 2018 to one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and four counts of falsifying tax returns.

According to court documents, between 2013 and 2015, Tekle operated tax preparation stores under several different names.  He paid nominees to use their names to obtain Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) for the operating years of 2014 to 2015.  New employees at the tax preparation businesses were trained to report the existence Schedule C income without the necessary documentation.  Tekle instructed the employees how to prepare the returns and how to interact with the customers. 

Tekle facilitated the filing of numerous false income tax returns between 2013 and 2015.  The defendant charged significant fees for the filing of the false tax returns and had a system for paying the preparers a kickback for the false returns after the refund checks were mailed to the business.  The total loss to the Internal Revenue Service as a result of the false tax returns filed is at least $167,469.

“The United States tax system depends on the voluntary compliance of taxpayers and the skill and integrity of tax professionals,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. 

Co-defendants Eddie Buren is awaiting trial and LaJohnda Dunger has pled – sentencing is set for July 17, 2018.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeannette Graviss handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

 

 

St. Louis, MO – Charles Wolfe, 57, from St. Peters, MO was sentenced to 186 months in prison in connection with conspiracy charges involving synthetic drug trafficking and money laundering.  Wolfe’s co-defendants Mark Palmer, 47, from Granite City, IL, was sentenced to 168 months in prison and Sam Leinicke, 27 from Arnold, MO was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

According to court documents, Charles Wolfe d/b/a Psychedelic Blur, was a large scale distributor of synthetic cannabinoids also known as “K2” or “incense” and synthetic cathinones also known as “bath salts”.   Wolfe distributed these dangerous drugs to customers located throughout the United States.  Wolfe had a number of sources of supply, including Mark Palmer who manufactured the synthetic drugs with chemicals imported from China.   Wolfe’s other suppliers included, but were not limited to defendants Anwer Rao, from O`Fallon Illinois, Michael Lentsch, from O`Fallon, IL, Brett Beeman, from O`Fallon, MO, Roy Ehrett, from Kansas City, MO and Robert Jaynes, from Indianapolis, IN whom have pled guilty.  Samuel Leinicke manufactured the synthetic drugs for a period of time on behalf of Palmer. 

After making adjustments for sentencing, Wolfe was responsible for the distribution of the marijuana equivalent of over 481,000 kilograms of marijuana and the laundering of millions of dollars in drug proceeds.

The charges include conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues for human consumption, conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to import controlled substances and controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption into the United States and conspiracy to receive in interstate commerce imported goods with a false manifest or documentation.  In order to prove the substances are controlled substance analogues it must be shown that the substance had a substantially similar chemical structure as a controlled substance and that it also had a substantially similar stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system as a controlled substance.  If intended for human consumption, the substance is treated as a Schedule I controlled substance.  

The manufacture of synthetic drugs is a recent development designed to circumvent traditional drug laws by creating new chemical compounds that mimic the effects of drugs like marijuana and cocaine but purport to avoid the classification of a controlled substance because of a chemical alteration.  The synthetic drugs are most frequently marketed as legitimate products and sold in typical commercial outlets such as convenience stores and gas stations.  The drugs masquerade as incense, potpourri, glass cleaner, bath salts, and plant food, just to name a few and are usually sold in 1 gram, 3 gram, 5 gram, and 10 gram packages for prices ranging from $15.00 to $100.00 each.

Synthetic cathinones, also known as “bath salts,” are human-made substances with stimulant effects.  These synthetic cathinones are typically smoked, snorted or injected and are packaged in containers with names such as Full Throttle, Fresh, Limited, Starry Nights, Twisted, Pump It and Blitz.  Rao and Lentsch manufactured and marketed cathinones under the name “Go Go.”  Reported effects have included hypertension, paranoia, anxiety, psychosis and in some cases death.  

Synthetic cannabinoids mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), the main psychoactive chemical in marihuana.  Unlike THC, however, most synthetic cannabinoids are “full agonists.” That is, they activate the body’s type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) to a greater degree (i.e., at 100%) than THC, which activates the CB1 receptors only at 30 to 50 percent. Additionally, unlike THC, synthetic cannabinoids do not contain the additional substances that moderate their adverse effects.  Synthetic cannabinoids are typically smoked, and are packaged in multi-gram packets with names such as Mega Kush, Mad Hatter, Bayou Blaster, Avalon, Pirates Booty, Lights Out, and Golden Leaf.  Rao and Lentsch manufactured and marketed their own blends of synthetic cannabinoids under the names “Mad Hatter,” “Deew,” “Cloud 9 Optima,” “Crazy Eyes,” and “Primo.”  Although commonly referred to as synthetic marijuana, the effects are far more powerful and dangerous than so-called natural marijuana, with reported additional effects including excessive heart rate, vomiting, organ failure and death.

Charles Wolfe, Mark Palmer and Samuel Leinicke were found guilty in October 2017 after a 15-day trial to conspiracy drug charges and money laundering charges.

This case was investigated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Postal Inspection Service.  Additional assistance was received from the St. Louis County Police Department, St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department, MO Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group, Metropolitan Enforcement Group for Southern IL, Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as well as the prosecuting attorney offices in St. Louis County, MO, St. Charles County, MO, Madison County, IL and St. Clair County, MO.  Assistant United States Attorneys James Delworth, Erin Granger and Jennifer Winfield are handling the cases for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

    

 

 

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

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

Don Collins, 36, Jennings, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy with the intent to distribute heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Joseph Paster, 30, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Clifton Hudson, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy with the intent to distribute heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Daylin Crafton, 30, Florissant, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Joseph Dixon, Jr., 21, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. 

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

Davian Hampton, 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

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

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

Robert Siebert, 63, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and user of illegal narcotics in possession of a firearm.

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

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

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

Corzelius Kent, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Luis Sanchez-Padilla, 21, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

Anthony Tobias-Haywood, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Clarence Hill, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Jaleel Adams, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of distributing acetyl-fentanyl and that the death of a person resulted from the use of such acetyl-fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; and possessed a stolen firearm.

Jesse Calhoun, 51, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

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

Leroy Eason, III, 43, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

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

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

Dominick Foote, 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession of a firearm in furtherance of one or more drug-trafficking crimes; and felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Leona Jackson, 43, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Cyrano Jones, 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Jeffrey Jones, 21, St. Ann, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Jared Levitt, 19, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of drug user in possession a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute liquid marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

De’Andre Logan, 18, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

William Young, 25, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Lorenzo Luna-Espinoza, 22, Midland, TX, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

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

Clark Roberts, 49, Cahokia, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Travis Robinson, 21, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Devin Thompson, 24, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Cory Chandler, 43, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Vinson Griffin, Jr., 35, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Victor Mora, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of interference with commerce by violence.

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

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

Earl Rice, 60, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of one or more firearms.

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

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

Quoc Tran, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Emanuel Wesseh, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Anthony Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Brandon Woods, 34, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; interference with commerce by violence; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and carjacking.

Roger Goff, 21, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Dyanthany Proudie, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute.

Jamarco Cousins, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Anthony Williams, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Cortez Cooper, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Justin Willis, 24, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Domonique Isreal, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Christopher Wilson, 28, Omaha, NE, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Marlon Adams, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Devosha Gray, 19, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Alex Wheelis, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Donovan Jacobs, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kirk Wallace, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

William Johnson, 23, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Corey States, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Andre Adams, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Devin Tate, 25, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Devosha Gray, 19, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Maurice Cooper, 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Demarco Moorehead, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Deandre Thompson, 45, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Acotra Weaver, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Darryl E. Allen, 50, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Tito Santiago, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Damen Gascic, 33, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm; possession of an unregistered firearm; possession of controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

Squacar Gray, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Donnell Witherspoon, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Melvin Cooper, 49, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Damon Catchings, 44, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Charles D. Smith, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Marvin Williams, 42, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm; forcible assault with a firearm; and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

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

Sterling Turner, 39, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Donovan Jacobs, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Deon D. Story, Jr., 38, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Justin I. Morrow, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to armed robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

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

Kenneth Foster, 44, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Donnell Witherspoon, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kenneth J. Pace, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Darryl Easley, 48, St. Louis, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Dominique D. Simpson, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Kenyetta Chapman, 22, Stockton, CA, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Raynard Davison, 44, St. Louis, was sentenced to 8 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Amin Suluki-Bey, 48, St. Louis, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for armed robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Rashad Faries, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for receipt of a firearm  while under Indictment.

Joshua Brison, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for importing a firearm/ammunition into the United States.

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

Demante Syms, 26, St. Louis was sentenced to life in prison for his participation in the killing of three individuals in furtherance of drug trafficking and his tampering with a witness.

Jerome Hughes, 31, St. Louis, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Anthony Young, 45, St. Louis, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

George Grice, 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Terrell Raney, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 19 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Chad M. Jackson, 34, Florissant, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Cory Smith, 29, Fenton, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for possession of a firearm/ammunition.

Jacobi Temple, 27, St. Louis, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and two counts of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking where deaths resulted.

Ramiro C. Valenzuela, 29, St. Charles, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Jake Richardson, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Willie McFarland, 43, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Quavo D. Williams, 22, Washington Park, IL, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Michael Thomas-Williams, 35, Hazelwood, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael E. Broom, Jr., 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Dane Reed, 41, St. Louis, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

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

St. Louis, MO – Jason Arnold was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and five years supervised release for his bank fraud and money laundering convictions related to a scheme to defraud a financial institution and the company he worked for as a controller out of more than $7.6 million.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in excess of $6.4 million. 

According to court documents, Arnold created a company that had the same name as his employer.  He then opened a sham bank account for that company.  Between October 2009 and November 2017, Arnold fraudulently deposited into the sham bank account more than 50 checks totaling more than $7.6 million.  Arnold then used the proceeds from his scheme to defraud for his personal gain, including to purchase artwork and nearly one million dollars’ worth of rare wine.

Arnold appeared before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry, who noted that “greed” appeared to be the sole motivator for Arnold’s malfeasance.

In addition to the criminal prosecution, extensive forfeiture activities have been undertaken to facilitate the payment of restitution.  More than $2.8 million dollars in property including financial accounts has been forfeited by the government.  The victim company recovered more than $1.2 million directly from Arnold in the form of wine, watches, coins and firearms. 

“This sentence combines incarceration, forfeiture and post-prison supervision.  It is a comprehensive response to this significant economic crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

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

St. Louis, MO – Quavo Delmontae Williams was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted carjacking and gun charges.

In the early morning hours of July 15, 2016, the owner of a local restaurant in the City of St. Louis was walking to his vehicle after work when Williams approached him and asked for directions.  After the Victim gave him directions, Keonta Douglas and Stephen Reed, came from around the corner.  All three were armed with firearms.  They demanded all that the Victim had including his car keys.  The Victim handed them the keys to his car and the three entered his car but could not figure out how to start it and asked for assistance from the victim.  The Victim gave them instructions on how to start the car but took that opportunity to run from the scene.

Williams then told Redd to “get him” and Redd exited the car and fired one shot striking the victim in the leg.  The Victim was able to get away from the scene.

As the three robbers were unable to start the car, they ran from the attempt carjacking.  Douglas accidently left his phone in the Victim’s car.  The FBI was able to trace the phone to Douglas.  Williams admitted to participation in the attempt carjacking and brandishing his firearm. 

Williams, 22, of Washington Park, IL, pleaded guilty on March 28, 2108, to one felony count of attempted carjacking and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Ronnie White. 

Co-defendants Keonta Carnell Douglas and Stephen Redd were sentenced in April to 102 and 144 months in prison, respectively.

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

St. Louis, MO – Corey Murphy, 26, of Union, Missouri was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment to be followed by lifetime supervision for receiving child pornography in 2016.  Murphy pleaded guilty in March and appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry for sentencing.

According to his plea agreement, Murphy first came to the attention of law enforcement on suspicion of statutory rape of a 15-year-old in Pacific in 2016.  Initial investigation by that victim’s aunt and the Pacific Police Department through social media confirmed the encounter and revealed that Murphy was in contact via social media accounts with numerous 14 and 15-year-old girls.  Murphy’s smart phone was seized when Murphy was arrested on unrelated charges and searched pursuant to Murphy’s consent.  On Murphy’s smartphone, police found text communications with the victim and a locked app containing images of child pornography which Murphy admitted he had obtained through a communication app on his smartphone.  Forensic analysis of Murphy’s smartphone also revealed search histories consistent with a child pornography seeker.

As the investigation continued, Murphy admitted to the FBI he had carried on an inappropriate relationship with another 14-year-old girl during which he provided the second victim with marijuana.

“This case was born out of the vigilance and the bravery of a concerned family member.  All parents should be aware of the dangers lurking for children in the world of social media.  I applaud the work of the Pacific Police Department, the St. Louis County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI and all partners in the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood for their good work in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

St. Louis, MO – Victor Mora, 33, of St. Louis, was charged in a federal indictment charging him with one felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence.

According to the indictment, on or about May 29, 2018, Robbery victims “T.D.” and “A.A.” were employees at the Goodfellow Laundromat, 5950 Goodfellow Boulevard when they were robbed at gunpoint by Mora.  Mora threatened physical violence to the two victims in order to obtain cash. 

If convicted, the charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. 

Mora is currently in state custody and will be brought to federal court shortly to answer the new charges.  The prosecution of Mora is being coordinated with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.

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

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

St. Louis - Rolf Rathmann, 53, of St. Louis, already a registered sex offender by virtue of a 2003 conviction for eight counts of statutory sodomy in Missouri state court, admitted to accessing numerous images and videos of child pornography, including images of children involved in sadistic and masochistic conduct.

Rathmann admitted to visiting an online "meeting room" within an online video conferencing application during 2015 and 2016.  In the meeting room, Rathmann repeatedly viewed and commented on images and videos of child pornography.  Rathmann also repeatedly professed his preference for pre-teen and early teen boys. 

Rathmann was identified as the individual behind the username "hi" from the online meeting room and a search warranted was obtained for his residence in the City of St. Louis.  A search of the residence revealed electronic hardware and storage containing additional evidence of his possession and receipt of child pornography.  Forensic analysis of Rathmann’s computer equipment revealed saved Skype chats that appeared to be between him and underage boys and in which he appeared to admit to historical sexual misconduct against underage boys.

"This is a serious case of misconduct by a convicted sexual offender.  Rathmann is a threat to the community and I believe this plea agreement reflects that serious threat," said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

Due to his criminal history, Rathmann faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years.  The statutory maximum term of imprisonment for accessing with the intent to view child pornography is twenty years.  Rathmann also faces lifetime court supervision when released from prison.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – HIS.  Assistant United States Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Project Safe Childhood is the Justice Department’s multiagency response to crimes against children.

St. Louis, MO – Brandon Mardell Woods, 33, of St. Louis, was charged in a federal indictment charging him with two felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence; two felony counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; two felony counts of carjacking; and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the court documents, on or about June 17, 2018, Robbery victim “R.C.” was walking to her vehicle in the 4400 block of Maryland when an individual later determined to be Brandon Mardell Woods (“Woods”) approached her from behind.  Woods stuck a gun in her stomach and demanded that R.C. give him her money.  When R.C. advised Woods that she didn’t have any money, Woods ordered her to take him to an ATM.

Woods pointed the firearm at her as he drove her car to a U.S. Bank ATM in the 3500 block of North Kingshighway.  Woods attempted to use R.C.’s ATM card but the ATM didn’t work.  He drove to an Action Banking ATM at a BP Gas Station in the 5000 block of Natural Bridge and used R.C’s ATM card to withdraw $500.00.  Woods eventually got out of the car and R.C. was able to drive away.  Security photographs show Woods using R.C.’s ATM card.

On June 19, 2018, Woods approached robbery victim “M.F.” with a gun and ordered her to take money out of the same ATM as the June 17th victim.

On June 20, 2018, St. Louis Police officers spotted Woods walking in the 5100 block of Natural Bridge.  Seeing the police, Woods dropped the backpack he was carrying and fled.  Woods was soon after taken into custody nearby.  He was found to be in possession of more than 30 rounds of ammunition.  The police seized and searched his backpack.  In it, they found a .38 special handgun.   

If convicted, the charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, not more than life, consecutive to all other counts, and a $250,000 fine; the charge of carjacking carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.   

“I am grateful that an armed robber has been taken off the streets as a result of continued cooperation between the St. Louis Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen.  “This is another case made through the courageous cooperation of crime victims.  This type of cooperation is essential to effectively addressing our community’s gun violence.”

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

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

St. Louis, MO - Jacobi Temple, 27, of Saint Louis, MO, was sentenced to 50 years imprisonment for his for his killing of James Lacey, Paige Schaefer, and Tammie Thurmond on March 27, 2015.  Mr. Lacey and Ms. Schaefer were shot and killed inside a residence located in the 4400 block of Itaska in the City of Saint Louis.  Ms. Thurmond was found by police in an alley behind the 4200 block of South 37th Street.  She died a short time later. 

Temple was sentenced on one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and two counts of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking where deaths resulted.  United States District Court Judge John A. Ross imposed the sentence.

According to court documents, Temple, along with his two co-defendants, Demante Syms and Samuel Spires, traveled in a vehicle to the area of 4467 Itaska Street.  Temple went there to obtain payment for heroin previously distributed by him that had not been paid for.  Temple learned of the 4467 Itaska location from Tammie Thurmond who was the mother of Paige Schaefer.  While inside 4467 Itaska demanding payment, Temple shot and killed James Lacey and Paige Schaefer.  A third occupant, Brittney Brown, was shot in the head and severely injured.  Shortly after, Temple, Syms and Spires located Ms. Thurmond.  Temple took Ms. Thurmond to an alley, then shot and killed her. 

After being shot in the head inside the Itaska residence, Brittney Brown struggled to, but successfully contacted 911.  Ms. Brown survived but was hospitalized for a significant period of time.  While hospitalized (and continuing after her release), Ms. Brown provided invaluable support and assistance to law enforcement officials.  Ms. Brown provided a powerful, moving victim impact statement during today’s sentencing for the court’s consideration in fashioning an appropriate sentence:

“After 21 years of being uncertain of who I was, [Temple’s] actions changed that for me.  I was stripped down to my core; you took away my worth, privacy, energy, time, safety and my confidence.  Do you know how that feels?  I do because of [Temple].  The one thing [Temple] did not take away was my voice, and with that, I found my wounds led me to my purpose, and I was able to change this tragic event into something positive.  There were many bumps along the way, but I refuse to let them, [Temple] or my circumstances define me.  Today, I love myself for who I am -- scars and imperfections.  I have learned to be a better person.  I have learned to show compassion because you never know how you might influence someone’s life.  I believe in miracles, because I am one…I have somehow managed to piece together all of the broken pieces that [Temple] left for me…

One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you can’t change.  I was brave, strong, and broken all at once, and I pulled through…The fact that I am standing here today, sober, walking, talking and living my life, is proof that I am not what happened to me.  I am what I choose to become.  Today I choose to be a survivor, not a victim.

I am a woman of substance; don’t define me by the way I look.  I am way more than meets the eye.  Define me by the tough battles that I fight each and every day.  Define me by the courage that I have found to face [Temple] no matter how difficult.  I will survive despite any struggle because I am strong through and through.”

Temple’s sentencing is the last of the three named defendants.  It concludes a three-plus year investigation and federal prosecution resulting in the convictions of all three charged participants.  Syms and Spires were previously sentenced to terms of life and 20 years imprisonment, respectively.  Likewise, the investigation resulted in the separate prosecution and convictions of Syms and his mother, Tabitha Hunt, for witness tampering in connection with the underlying homicide investigation.  Tabitha Hunt was previously sentenced to a period of supervised release.  

United States Attorney Jeff Jensen again applauded the courage of Ms. Brown and the commitment of the investigative team, “it is impossible to understate the importance of strong people like Ms. Brown who courageously stand up to violent offenders like Jacobi Temple.  She epitomizes the good people of St. Louis that our violent crime initiative seeks to help.”

This case was investigated as part of the on-going effort between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to address the violent crime within the City of Saint Louis.

St. Louis, MO – Jaleel Zakee Adams, a/k/a “Jay,” 23, of Florissant, MO, was indicted on June 21, 2018 for allegedly distributing acetyl-fentanyl to R.I. on November 15, 2017, resulting in the death of R.I.  In addition, Adams is charged with possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and with possessing a stolen firearm.  Deputy United States Marshals arrested Adams on June 26, 2018 at a hotel in Hazelwood, Missouri, and he appeared the same day in federal court before United States Magistrate John Bodenhausen for his initial appearance.

R.I. was found deceased in his Florissant, MO home on November 15, 2017.  The Medical Examiner determined that R.I. died as a result of acetyl-fentanyl intoxication. Acetyl-fentanyl is an analogue of Fentanyl and, unlike Fentanyl, acetyl-fentanyl has no legitimate medical use.  Investigation revealed that Adams was the likely source of the acetyl-fentanyl, and the Florissant Police Department executed a search warrant at his parent’s home on December 29, 2017.  During the search, the Florissant Police recovered six firearms, including a stolen handgun recovered from Adams’ rented vehicle.

If convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, Adams faces a minimum mandatory term of 20 years in prison, and he could be ordered to serve up to life.  The offense also carries a fine of up to $1 million.  Upon conviction of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Adams would be required to serve an additional term of at least five years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence, along with a fine of up to $250,000.  Possession of a stolen firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

“The toxic drug fentanyl is a scourge on our community and represents a serious danger not only to its users but to the law enforcement officers who encounter it.  I applaud the hard work of the Florissant Police Department and the skillful assistance of the ATF in bringing this offender to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen. 

 This case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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

St. Louis, MO – Yakov Pisman, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiring to traffic in contraband cigarettes and money laundering.

According to court documents, Pisman and others conspired for more than four years to buy contraband cigarettes in St. Louis, Missouri and Atlanta, Georgia, low tax markets, and transport and distribute them in New York, a high tax market.  Multiple New York and St. Louis residents and co-defendants including Oleksandr Zyuz, Sergei Kishchenko, Mykalo Zyuz, Volodymr Zyuz have been sentenced to terms ranging between 30 to 60 months imprisonment.  Illegal profits from the contraband cigarette sales were laundered through numerous accounts associated with the defendants and their fictitious companies. The amount of laundered money was in excess of $56 million dollars. Pisman was one of the leaders of the organization and guided the operations in St. Louis, Atlanta and New York. 

Pisman, 60, of New York, NY, pled guilty on February 21, 2018, 2018 to two felony counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and trafficking in contraband cigarettes.  He appeared today for sentencing in front of U.S. District Judge Ronnie White.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and various state and local authorities.

St. Louis, MO – James Ricky Johnson, Jr., 40, of Sullivan, MO, pled guilty on Monday to four counts of Production and Possession of Child Pornography charges.  Johnson appeared before United States District Henry E. Autrey and sentencing is set for September 18, 2018.

According to court documents, Johnson admitted to taking child pornographic photographs of a 11-year-old minor child, as charged under Title 18, United States Code Section 2251(e) which calls for a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years.      The crime happened between 2014 and 2016, in Sullivan, Missouri.  The images of the child were located during a search of the defendant’s email account by law enforcement.

Possession of Child Pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 and Production of Child Pornography carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 and.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Raymond Williams, Daryl Duncan, Penny Duncan, and U.S. Technology Corporation pled guilty to charges involving the transportation of 9 million pounds of hazardous waste from Yazoo City, Mississippi to Berger, Missouri between October 2013 and December 2013.

 According to court documents, Raymond Williams was the President, owner, and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Technology Corporation (“UST”).  UST was a registered corporation in the State of Ohio, with headquarters in Canton, Ohio.  UST was a company that leased blasting material to various consumers for use in removal of paints and other materials.  The consumers were often military bases and agencies, using the blasting materials to remove paints from things such as tanks and planes.  The paints used often contained numerous heavy metals including cadmium, chromium, and lead.  During the blasting process, heavy metals from the paint become imbedded in the material.  Since the consumers leased the blasting material, consumers returned the heavy metal rich blasting material to UST upon completion.

In or around October 2013, Raymond Williams contacted Darryl Duncan in need of his assistance.  Raymond Williams explained that he was in possession of over 9 million pounds of hazardous waste located in Yazoo City, Mississippi at the former Hydromex site.  Williams asked Darryl Duncan to receive the hazardous waste in Berger, Missouri.  Darryl Duncan agreed and worked with Penny Duncan to create Missouri Green Materials (“MGM”) for the sole purpose of receiving the hazardous waste from Yazoo City, Mississippi.

From October 2013 until December 2013, UST and Raymond Williams shipped approximately 9 million pounds of hazardous waste from Yazoo City, Mississippi to MGM and the Duncans in Berger, Missouri in violation of state and federal laws. 

Williams, 71, of Atlanta, GA, pled guilty to conspiring to transport hazardous waste before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.  Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.

U.S. Technology Corporation pled guilty to conspiring to transport hazardous waste before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.  Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.

Daryl Duncan, 67, of Chicago, IL, pled guilty to placing a person in imminent danger by releasing hazardous waste into the air before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.  Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.

Penny Duncan, 60, of Chicago, IL. pled guilty to placing a person in imminent danger by releasing hazardous waste into the air before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.  Sentencing has been set for September 20, 2018.

This case was investigated by the Environmental Protect Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  Assistant United States Attorney Dianna R. Collins and Hal Goldsmith are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

St. Louis - The last of 52 defendants charged in a wide-ranging methamphetamine conspiracy entered a guilty plea before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.  Defendant Israel Angeles-Moctezuma, also known as “Amigo,” entered his plea on the morning his Federal conspiracy trial was scheduled to begin.  Without benefit of a plea agreement, Angeles-Moctezuma, 41, of Stockton, California, admitted to conspiring with others to transport methamphetamine into the St. Louis Metro area for distribution.  He is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2018.  He faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and a maximum sentence of life. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s investigation into Angeles-Moctezuma’s organization spanned some two years, and resulted in the seizure of nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine, most of which was nearly 100% pure.  In addition, the DEA seized at least 18 firearms and over $300,000 in cash, all of which has been forfeited to the United States.

Included among the seizures was a 56-pound load of methamphetamine recovered in South St. Louis in April 2016, believed to have been the largest single seizure of methamphetamine in the history of the Eastern District of Missouri.  Eight individuals were arrested and charged at that time, all of whom entered guilty pleas in a separate case.  Two female couriers were also arrested after they were discovered to be carrying 10 pounds of methamphetamine through O’Fallon, Missouri in July 2016.  Both women subsequently pled guilty.  The government has alleged that Angeles-Moctezuma was responsible for hiring the couriers to transport these shipments to St. Louis, where the methamphetamine was distributed through a network of people acting at his direction.  Angeles-Moctezuma and the remaining 41 co-conspirators were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in September 2016.  Angeles-Moctezuma was arrested in Stockton, California in October 2016 after investigators learned that he was preparing to flee the United States.

Most of Angeles-Moctezuma’s co-conspirators have already been sentenced.  Notable sentences include:

Alan Cardenas, 27, of Stockton, CA --- 262 months

Michael Chandler, 35, of Kansas City, MO – 240 months

Amanda Young, 39, of  O’Fallon, MO  -- 228 months

Holly Politte, 40, of DeSoto, MO – 180 months

Mark Huse, 34, of St. Louis, MO – 188 months

Kenneth Karrenbrock, 39, of Arnold, MO  -- 192 months

Nearly all of the 52 defendants have significant criminal histories, with some having previously served Federal sentences for drug offenses.

The Office of the United States Attorney and the Drug Enforcement Administration extend their thanks to the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Overland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, all of which assisted in the investigation.

St. Louis, MO – Everett James, 60 of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the Social Security Administration and theft of government funds.  James appeared this morning in before Richard Webber and sentencing is set for September 18, 2018.

According to court documents, James applied for Social Security Administration disability benefits January 2014 claiming that his medical condition rendered him unable to work as a corrections officer.  However, he failed to report that he was working as a private security guard at the time of his application.  After being approved for benefits, James worked as a private security guard and as a part-time police officer. 

The Social Security Administration learned that while James received the federal disability benefits, he was employed in various capacities that included serving as: Kinloch, Missouri Police Captain; Wellston, Missouri Police Sergeant; a private security guard; and, a Hillsdale, Missouri patrol officer.  When the City of Hillsdale hired James in March 2017, he informed his employer that the amount of hours he could work and his hourly wage needed to be adjusted to preserve his receipt of federal disability benefits.  He turned down the city’s offer of a higher salary and more hours to offset the loss of benefits, but volunteered to work without a salary if he was needed.  As a result, the Hillsdale Police Department paid James less per hour than officers who performed similar duties. 

Had the Social Security Administration been aware of James’ ability to work, it would not have approved him to receive disability benefits.  His concealment of his abilities caused the federal government to pay him more than $68,000.00 in disability benefits to which he was ineligible.

“This office will prosecute individuals who violate federal law regardless of their position,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen.

Making a false statement carries a penalty of not more than five years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000 or both and theft of government funds carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000 or both.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the government.

St. Louis, MO – Jennifer L. Saake pled guilty to wire fraud related to her scheme to defraud the St. Louis-based company she worked for as a controller. 

According to court documents, between April 2010 and November 2017, Saake embezzled more than $1.4 million from her employer.  As part of her scheme, Saake fraudulently initiated more than 200 automated transfers of corporate funds into her personal bank accounts.  Saake concealed her scheme by marking the transactions as “confidential” in the banking software records, by creating false journal entries, and by making false payable and bank reconciliation adjustments in the accounting records.  Saake used the fraud proceeds for personal gain, including to purchase equity interests in investments offered by her employer, to purchase a condo in Branson, Missouri, and to pay for living expenses.

Saake, 52, of St. Louis County, pled guilty to one felony count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry.  Sentencing has been set for September 21, 2018.

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

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, MO – Demante Syms, 26, of Saint Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to life imprisonment plus one year for his participation in the killing of three individuals in furtherance of drug trafficking and his tampering with a witness.  Syms was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Ross.

According to court documents, Jacobi Temple, Syms and Samuel Spires traveled in a vehicle to the area of 4467 Itaska Street.  Temple went there to obtain payment for heroin previously distributed by him that had not been paid for.  Temple learned of the 4467 Itaska location from Tammie Thurmond who was the mother of Paige Schaefer.  As Temple and Syms were inside 4467 Itaska demanding payment, Temple shot and killed James Lacey and Paige Schaefer.  Brittney Brown was shot in the head and severely injured.  Syms blocked the door while Temple committed the killings at Itaska.  (Spires remained outside the Itaska residence in a parked vehicle.)  Shortly after, Temple, Syms and Spires located Ms. Thurmond.  With Syms seated next to her inside the backseat of a vehicle, Temple took Ms. Thurmond to an alley, then shot and killed her. 

After being shot in the head inside the Itaska residence, Brittney Brown struggled to, but successfully contacted 911.  Ms. Brown survived but was hospitalized for a significant period of time.  While hospitalized (and continuing after her release), Ms. Brown provided invaluable support and assistance to law enforcement officials.  Ms. Brown provided a powerful, moving victim impact statement during today’s sentencing for the court’s consideration in fashioning an appropriate sentence for Syms. 

Following his federal indictment for drug trafficking and murder, Syms recruited his mother, Tabitha Hunt, to assist him in tampering with a witness in connection with the underlying homicide investigation.  Syms and his mother were subsequently indicted in a second federal indictment as a result.

Today’s sentence of life imprisonment plus one year holds Syms accountable for his conduct in both federal indictments.  Following sentencing, United States Attorney Jeff Jensen reiterated the important message that such a strong sentence sends, “People who commit violent crimes will be punished harshly.  I am very grateful to Brittney Brown for taking a stand against these murderers.”

As for Syms’ co-defendant, Hunt was sentenced to term of federal supervised release on May 1, 2018.  Spires was sentenced to 20-years imprisonment on May 23, 2018.  Temple’s sentencing is set for July 27, 2018.  

This case was investigated as part of the on-going effort between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to address the violent crime within the City of Saint Louis.

St. Louis —Scott Walsh, 46, of Kirksville, was taken into federal custody today on an Indictment charging him with enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.  Specifically, it is alleged Walsh contacted a minor online and caused him to produce an obscene video of himself and share it with Walsh.  Walsh, a prior sexual offender, is charged under Title 18, United States Code Section 2251(a), punishable under Section 2251(e), which calls for a minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years.      

United States Attorney Jeff Jensen said “the allegations in this indictment are every parent’s nightmare.  I applaud the continuing efforts of Project Safe Childhood and its state and local partner agencies in developing these difficult cases.”

Project Safe Childhood is the U.S. Department of Justice’s nationwide effort to develop and prosecute cases involving child pornography and exploitation.

The case was investigated by the Kirksville Police Department, the Shelbina Police Department, and the FBI, in cooperation with the Adair County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Leaman George Crews, III, 44, of St. James, Missouri, surrendered this morning in federal court to an Indictment charging him with five counts of wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud the company he worked for – Brewer Science Incorporated (BSI), Rolla, Missouri. 

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

If convicted, Crews faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both on each count.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  To help vindicate the interests of the victim, the government has also sought forfeiture of real estate Crews purchased with the proceeds of his crime and a money judgment for all of money stolen in favor of the United States.

This case was investigated by the Rolla division of the FBI.  Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes the assistance of BSI in preparing the case.

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 —The Department of Justice announced the arrest of more than 2,300 suspected online child sex offenders during a three-month, nationwide, operation conducted by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces. The task forces identified 195 offenders who either produced child pornography or committed child sexual abuse, and 383 children who suffered recent, ongoing, or historical sexual abuse or production of child pornography.

The 61 ICAC task forces, located in all 50 states and comprised of more than 4,500 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, led the coordinated operation known as “Broken Heart” during the months of March, April, and May 2018.  During the course of the operation, the task forces investigated more than 25,200 complaints of technology-facilitated crimes against children and delivered more than 3,700 presentations on Internet safety to over 390,000 youth and adults. 

On April 4, 2018, in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri, Daniel Garrison was charged by complaint with Attempt Enticement of a Child.  On April 12, 2018, Garrison was indicted federally on one count of Enticement of a Child, one count of Attempt Enticement of a Child and one count of Possession of Child Pornography.  Garrison was arrested after he used the internet to arrange to meet an undercover officer posing as a minor for sexual purposes.   Investigation determined that, in 2017, Garrison had met a minor through Craigslist and engaged in sexual contact.   A forensic examination of Garrison’s laptop computer found child pornography videos.  

"No child should ever have to endure sexual abuse," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "And yet, in recent years, certain forms of modern technology have facilitated the spread of child pornography and created greater incentives for its production. We at the Department of Justice are determined to strike back against these repugnant crimes. It is shocking and very sad that in this one operation, we have arrested more than 2,300 alleged child predators and investigated some 25,200 sexual abuse complaints. Any would-be criminal should be warned: this Department will remain relentless in hunting down those who victimize our children."

The operation targeted suspects who: (1) produce, distribute, receive and possess child pornography; (2) engage in online enticement of children for sexual purposes; (3) engage in the sex trafficking of children; and (4) travel across state lines or to foreign countries and sexually abuse children.

The ICAC Program is funded through the Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).  In 1998, OJJDP launched the ICAC Task Force Program to help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communication systems or computer technology to exploit children. To date, ICAC Task Forces have reviewed more than 775,000 complaints of child exploitation, which resulted in the arrest of more than 83,000 individuals. In addition, since the ICAC program's inception, more than 629,400 law enforcement officers, prosecutors and other professionals have been trained on techniques to investigate and prosecute ICAC-related cases.

For more information, visit the ICAC Task Force webpage at: https://www.icactaskforce.org/. For state-level Operation Broken Heart results, please contact the appropriate state ICAC task force commander. Contact information for task force commanders are available online at: https://www.icactaskforce.org/Pages/ContactsTaskForce.aspx

 

St. Louis, MO – Rodney Gardner, 52, St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with interstate commerce by 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 faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. Gardner has prior convictions for robbery for which he was previously imprisoned in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Sentencing is set for September 11, 2018.

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.

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.  Sentences are served in prisons far from St. Louis.  Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in May as a result of the hard work of police and agents:

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

Larry Burnett, 39, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

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

DeWayne Franklin, 34, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Damen Gascic, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; one felony count of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm; one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

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

Michael Holmes, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession of a firearm by an addict.

Marrow Russell, 41, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Leroy Shipp, 50, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; on felony count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one felony count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Diante Turman, 36, Florissant, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; one felony count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; one felony count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one felony count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Johnny Wilbourn, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Charles Williams, 52, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Myron Wilson, Jr., 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; one felony count of aggravated assault on a federal officer with a firearm; and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime.

Booker Young, Jr., 50, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Taran Barker, 30, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; one felony count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine base; and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Corvon Dixon, 21, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Amontae Gordon, 28, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Robert Law, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

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

Ivan Marshall, 47, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Joseph Oberkirsch, 41, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

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

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

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

Rolando Eason, 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; one felony count of distributing a mixture of fentanyl; and one felony count of possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Demond Gardner, 34, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Howard, 30, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

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

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

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

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

Ricky Davis, 43, Ferguson, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession of a mixture containing marijuana and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

William Hampton, 20, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession of a firearm by an addict.

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

Clifton Hudson, 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 controlled substance drugs; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Gregory Jones, Jr., 18, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of armed robbery and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Lashawn Jordan-Cole, 25, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of one or more firearms.

David McCorriston, 41, 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.

Anthony Mitchell, 23, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Norman Nelson, 59, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Ronald Vincent, 39, 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 heroin; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

Crystal Conaway, 52, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

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

Eddie Mosley, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Markquis Bryant, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Cooper, 47, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Frank Hart, 45, Jennings, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and attempted carjacking by threat of violence.

Ron Banks, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Cortez Davis, 39, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Marvin Woolfolk, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute.

Terrance Akins, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Dwayne Ramsey, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Gregory Williams, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in a federal facility.

Martavis Hines, 30, pled guilty to possessing a firearm illegally.

Deandre Jones, 29, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

John H. Harvey, 34, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Otis Jones, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jerry Massey, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute heroin/cocaine base/marijuana/fentanyl.

Ronell Williams, 36, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Payne, 34, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Robert Pruitt, Jr., 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Alex Taylor, 21, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert J. Moore, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Dedrick Conley, 27, East St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.

Anthoney Tucker, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

David Lee, Jr., 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Ishmael L. Hargrove, 21, Florissant, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Aaron Robinson, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Darkel Deshay Martin, 32, East 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.

Frederick Townley, 51, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Lamar Brison, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Ron Banks, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of ammunition.

Parron Walker, 47, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

James Kawant Nunley, 34, Madison County, IL, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Eric Kellin, 31, Normandy, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Maurice Thomas, 42, St. Louis, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Israel Campos, 21, St. Louis, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence.

Alonzo Morris, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Carl E. Thomas, Jr., 27, St. Louis, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Randell Mack Davis, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 81 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Demarlyn Stewart, 37, Shreveport, LA, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for use of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

Kevin Boyer, 24, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Austin Jackson, Jr., 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession a controlled substance drug; possession a firearm during a federal crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm.

Novelle Jackson, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm. 

Nicholas Scott Baldwin, 36, Collinsville, IL, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during a federal crime of violence

Bradley Allen Simon, 32, Crestwood, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm; possess a controlled substance; and using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

Travion Brown, 21, St. Louis, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for carjackings and discharging a firearm during the commission of a federal crime of violence.

Kajuan A. Woods, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 115 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Nunley, 42, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Rodrick Brown, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possessing a controlled substance and using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

Lawrence Lee, 24, Florissant, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for possessing a controlled substance; using/carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense; and felon in possession of a firearm.

James W. Newberry, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Sacorey Clark, 38, St. Louis, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Christian Bush, 35, Florissant, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Sylvester Ivory, 40, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Demario White, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Samuel Spires, 26, Florissant, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for possessing a firearm during the commission of a federal crime of violence.

Bradley A. Simon, 32, Crestwood, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a controlled substance; and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

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 - Brandon Williams, 33, and Laree Dunning, 30, both formerly of Hannibal, Missouri were indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in St. Louis today of mail fraud in association with a scheme to steal from a resident of the elder care facility at which they worked.  Williams was the administrator of the Blessing Center of Edina, Missouri in 2016 when it is alleged he and his girlfriend Dunning stole the personally identifiable information of a resident there and applied for a credit card in the resident’s name.  Soon after the card arrived at the elder care facility, the Indictment alleges the pair took and card and began making unauthorized purchases with the card.

If convicted, Williams and Dunning face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 or both on the mail fraud count.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory.  Additionally, Williams faces a minimum of two years’ imprisonment, consecutive to any term on the mail fraud count, for the aggravated identity count returned against him.

The case was investigated by the FBI – Kirksville, Missouri Resident Agency and the Edina (Missouri) Police Department.  Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

"It is particularly egregious when people abuse their position of trust to take advantage of our most vulnerable," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "If there are other victims of this alleged crime, please contact the FBI."

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

St. Louis, MO – Mohammed Kayed, aka Mohammed Fayez, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring to traffic in contraband cigarettes.

According to court documents, Kayed and others conspired for more than two years to buy contraband cigarettes in St. Louis, Missouri, a low tax market, and transport and distribute them in New Jersey, a high tax market.  St. Louis residents and co-defendants Mohammed Almuttan, Rami Almuttan, Hisham Mutan, and Daddam Mutan used several convenience stores which they owned or operated to create the appearance of legitimate cigarette purchases.  Illegal profits from the contraband cigarette sales were laundered through accounts associated with the convenience stores.  Kayed was a courier who, after obtaining the cigarettes in St. Louis, delivered them to New Jersey.

Kayed, 22, of Clifton, NJ, pled guilty on March 6, 2018 to one felony count of conspiracy to traffic contraband cigarettes.  He appeared today for sentencing in front of U.S. District Judge Ronnie White.

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Revenue and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

St. Louis – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Jeff Jensen announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.

In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.

"Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.'  When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades."

In the Eastern District of Missouri, four of these AUSAs will focus on violent crime and one on civil enforcement against pharmacists and physicians who over-prescribe or divert opioids.

St. Louis, MO –Vincent DeBlasi, 72, of Fenton, MO, pleaded guilty to making false claims against the United States today.  DeBlasi appeared before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted his plea and set sentencing for September 14, 2018.

DeBlasi admitted to submitting scores of false invoices to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Jefferson Barracks totaling more than $644,000 between 2012 and 2017. He was employed by Applied Maintenance Supplies and Solutions (AMSS) as a salesman of tools and other various commercial and industrial products. One of DeBlasi’s accounts for AMSS was the Jefferson Barracks Medical Facility.

Special Agent in Charge Gregg Hirstein of the VA Office of Inspector General said, “We aggressively investigate cases of individuals or companies who defraud the VA by taking money from the programs and operations meant for our nation’s veterans.  We hope this case prompts others aware of fraud against the VA to contact the VA OIG Hotline.”

DeBlasi faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000 or both.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General.  Tom Albus is handling the case for the U. S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Shaun R. Hayes, 58, of Frontenac, was sentenced to 68 months in federal prison today after pleading guilty to participating in a scheme to defraud Excel Bank and to profit from illegal insider loans.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who also ordered Hayes to pay restitution in the amount of $5,048,003.67.  

Hayes was charged in April, 2016, along with real estate developer Michael Litz on bank fraud and related charges involving a series of insider loans and straw party loans at Excel Bank.  The bank failed in October 2012 and Simmons Bank succeeded it.  Hayes and Litz each entered guilty pleas in January.  Litz was sentenced earlier this month to 36 months in prison.  Hayes has been incarcerated since April 2017 when a U.S. Magistrate Judge ruled that he had violated the conditions of his bond by participating in investment activities without getting clearance from his bond officer. There is no parole in federal prison sentences.

Excel Bank was a federally insured bank with main offices in Sedalia, Missouri.  Hayes held a controlling stock interest in the bank which, by 2009, had opened a Loan Production Office (LPO) in Clayton.  Hayes controlled the loan activities at the LPO. At Hayes’s direction the commercial and residential real estate lending at Excel Bank increased dramatically through the operation of the LPO.  As part of his guilty plea, Hayes admitted that many of the loans made through the LPO were substandard and placed the bank at risk.  He also admitted that he engaged in unlawful self-dealing by causing loans to be made which directly benefitted him and his associates while concealing his interest in the loans.  

As part of his guilty plea, Hayes admitted that he helped set up a loan at Excel Bank to a straw party in the amount of $3.3 million and caused some $906,000.00 of the proceeds of that loan to be paid to Centrue Bank to pay off a loan he and his business associate, Michael Litz, had guaranteed for their entity McKnight Man I LLC.  Hayes admitted that his interest in the loan was concealed from bank officials and he and Litz made no payments to Excel Bank.  Court documents made part of the guilty plea record also show that Hayes assisted in causing Excel Bank to make the above loan and millions of dollars in other loans to straw parties in order to cover the delinquent and substandard loans owed by Litz’s business, Eighteen Investments, at other banks.  According to the charges, Excel Bank lost substantial amounts on these loans. 

Hayes was also sentenced on an illegal insider loan through which he and Litz each received $300,000.00.  In April, 2009, they caused Excel Bank to make a loan to Rolling Hills Apartments LLC which operates an apartment complex in north county.  They caused Excel Bank to loan much more than was needed by the apartment complex in order to create a pool of money for them. Hayes and Litz structured the payout through several entities so as to insure that their interests were concealed.

In a sentencing memorandum filed with the court, the Government informed the court that Hayes was a principal at three banks which failed in 2011-2012---Excel Bank, Sun Security Bank and Truman Bank.  According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the federal insurance fund loss for those three banks was estimated at slightly more than $160 million at the close of 2017.  It was also noted to the court that Hayes was paid $1,863,076 by Excel bank in dividends and fees from late 2007 when he gained control of the bank through March 2010 when regulators ordered a stop to the payments.

In its memorandum, the Government also identified the losses suffered by the longtime employees of Excel Bank when the bank failed and the bank stock in their retirement plan had become worthless. These employees relied upon the bank’s stock to provide security for their retirement.

"Shaun Hayes abused his position and defrauded Excel Bank to enrich himself and his co-defendants. Their unlawful actions not only caused the bank to fail, but cost hard-working St. Louisans their jobs, homes and financial security," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "This case is but one example of how the FBI, along with its law enforcement partners, will relentlessly bring to justice those who harm our communities."

“The conviction and sentence of Shaun Hayes is an important reminder that the FHFA-OIG and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue justice in fraud cases which undermine the integrity of and confidence in our banking system, including those that affect the Federal Home Loan Banks.  We thank our law enforcement partners for their efforts in bringing justice in this case,” said Catherine Huber, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General for the Central Region.

David Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Region of the FDIC Office of Inspector General said, “Those individuals who engage in bank fraud schemes undermine the integrity of the banking and financial services industry.   The FDIC OIG is committed to stopping these illegal acts.”

“As the majority shareholder who virtually had complete control of Excel Bank, Shaun Hayes caused devastation by repeatedly abusing his power to commit fraud,” said Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero. “His crime caused millions in losses, threatened the very soundness of the bank that later failed, and caused bank employees to lose much of their nest eggs.  The bank failure meant that TARP was never repaid and taxpayers suffered $5 million in TARP losses, all while he profited from concealing the fraud from regulators.  This case is a great example of law enforcement collaborating to bring justice and I thank our partner U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and other inspector general offices.”

The restitution amount ordered by the court consisted largely of losses incurred by Excel Bank on the straw party loans with most of the restitution being owed to the FDIC. 

Timothy Murphy, the former Executive Vice president at Excel bank, pled guilty earlier this year to defrauding Excel Bank and was sentenced to probation based on his cooperation in the investigation.

This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.  Criminal Chief James E. Crowe, Jr., and Assistant United States Attorney Gilbert C. Sison are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – Timothy Murphy, a/k/a Mr. Black, a/k/a Colby Muhlberg, a/k/a Arthur Whitton, 34, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 54 months in prison in connection with a multi-count indictment arising from a fraudulent telemarketing enterprise that often targeted elderly victims.  Ninety-one Missouri residents are among the approximately 4,000 victims including residents of Chesterfield, University City, St. Louis, Hannibal, Arnold, Potosi, Ballwin, Valley Park, Florissant, O’Fallon, St. Clair, and Farmington.  Multiple individual victims of the scheme lost more than $50,000.  Two individual victims lost more than $200,000.

On February 22, 2018, Timothy Murphy pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering before United States Judge John Ross.  As led by Defendant Michael McNeill, Defendant Joshua Flynn and Defendant Murphy, and others, the telemarketing enterprise sold false and fictitious business opportunities as part of a scheme that reached across the United States and Canada and generated in excess of $28,000,000 in fraudulent sales.  From 2012 through 2015, the Phoenix, Arizona based telemarketing enterprise operated under multiple business names and utilized multiple business entities over the course of the scheme, including Smart Business Pros LLC of Warson Woods, Missouri. The sophisticated money laundering activity of the telemarketing enterprise included transfers designed to promote and conceal their fraud and also to enrich the owners, organizers and leaders of the enterprise.

In October 2016, nine individuals were initially indicted. In February 2017, an additional ten individuals were indicted.  In July 2017, an additional individual was indicted.  All twenty defendants have now pled guilty and have been sentenced for one or more offenses arising from the scheme to defraud and money laundering.  Defendants in the case were sentenced to a combined total of 595 months’ imprisonment.  All defendants were ordered to pay restitution to the victims and ordered to forfeit assets.  To date, approximately $1,000,000.00 has been paid toward restitution.  In addition, the United States has identified numerous assets for forfeiture in this case, including more than $300,000 in cash seized from various defendants, Rolex and Breitling watches, more than 80 gold and silver coins, a 2015 Jaguar F-Type coupe, numerous firearms, private equity holdings, and an interest in a luxury home in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Assistant Inspector in Charge James Ball stated, “The defendants in this large scale and sophisticated fraud targeted this nation’s elderly citizens.  This investigation is fair warning to such criminals that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting the vulnerable and bringing those who would victimize them to justice.”

“Honest and law abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money,” said Steven Slazinik, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “Those who engage in this type of fraud against the elderly should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable.”

In addition to Mr. Murphy’s sentence of 54 months imprisonment, other defendants were sentenced to terms of imprisonment as follows:  on March 6, 2018, Michael McNeill, a/k/a Mr. White, a/k/a Todd Lockwood, 48, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 120 months in prison; on March 6, 2018, Joshua Flynn, a/k/a Mr. Pink, a/k/a Jeff Thomas, 36,  of Chandler, Arizona, was sentenced to 84 months in prison; on March 1, 2018, Donald Schnock, 34, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 60 months in prison; on March 7, 2018, Shawn Casey, a/k/a Shawn Anderson, a/k/a Daniel Arenson, 41, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 50 months in prison; on March 8, 2018, Thomas Silha, a/k/a Keith Henderson, a/k/a Dave Marsh, 56, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 50 months in prison; on March 7, 2018, Bruce Doll, 52, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 48 months in prison; on April 10, 2018, Scott Shocklee, a/k/a Fredo, 40, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 36 months in prison; on May 4, 2018, Ashley Powell, a/k/a Brittany Wilson, 26, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 30 months in prison; on March 8, 2018, Russell Hibbert, 44, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 24 months in prison; on April 19, 2018, Jason Gallagher, 36, of Gilbert, Arizona, was sentenced to 24 months in prison; and on March 7, 2018, Brian Phillips, 28, of Tempe, Arizona, was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

This case was investigated by the, United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the Arizona Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Birmingham, Gwendolyn Carroll, and Kyle Bateman prosecuted the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.  “These inspectors, agents, and prosecutors were persistent.  They worked in close coordination and simply never gave up until the last one was sentenced,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

This prosecution coincides with the United States Department of Justice coordination of a nationwide elder fraud sweep. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners are coordinating the largest sweep of elder fraud cases in history.  The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans.  In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars.  The Department coordinated its sweep with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.

Elder fraud complaints

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.  The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov. 

 

 

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St. Louis, MO - Paul Creager, 39, of St Louis County, Missouri was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for defrauding two investors in his failed construction business during 2016.  Creager pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud on December 21, 2017 and appeared before Chief Judge Rodney W. Sippel in St. Louis today for sentencing.

According to court records, Creager solicited $724,000 from two investors in exchange for equity interests in his construction firm.  Creager admitted that during his negotiations with the victims, he presented false financial records which omitted a massive debt owed by his company to a hard money lender which lender possessed a secured interest in virtually all of Creager’s business and personal assets.  Soon after receiving victims’ investments, Creager’s business was not able to meet its financial obligations and stopped operating.  By mid-2017, Creager’s primary lender foreclosed on virtually all of his assets rendering the investors’ equity stakes in his business worthless.  While Creager’s business was failing and his subcontractors and vendors went unpaid, Creager maintained a luxurious lifestyle which included homes in Wildwood and the Lake of the Ozarks as well as a host of vehicles including a Bentley automobile and a 52-foot yacht.

"When you invest in a business, you are entitled to an honest representation of the financial health of the business, and to know how your money will be spent," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division.  "Paul Creager knowingly defrauded his investors so he could use their money to live a lavish lifestyle."

In addition to the term of imprisonment, Creager will serve three years of supervised release after release from imprisonment.  The Court also ordered Creager to repay the victims $724,024.14 pursuant to the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act.  The U.S. Attorney’s office has seized numerous items of Creager’s personal property and will seek to liquidate the seized assets to help pay restitution to the victims.

Creager faces a second fraud Indictment which was filed in 2018 alleging fraud in the solicitation of another investor of more than $2,000,000 as well as fraud upon a title agency in connection with the closing of one of his properties.  Creager has pleaded not guilty to those charges which have yet to be resolved. 

William Glaser, a former financial advisor and an associate of Creager, is accused in a third case of wire fraud for defrauding his clients in the course of raising more than $1,000,000 in capital for Creager’s business.  Glaser is not implicated in either of the criminal cases against Creager nor is Creager implicated in the criminal case against Glaser.  Glaser has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him.

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

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

St. Louis, MO – After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned five guilty verdicts for the United States finding that Melvin Harmon conspired to defraud the United States 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 obtain fraudulent motor vehicle registrations for others in exchange for a fee.  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 owed to the State of Illinois as a result of his fraudulent conduct.  However, throughout the course of the investigation, officials determined that Harmon registered more than 380 vehicles for residents of Missouri and other states using assumed Illinois addresses.  The State of Missouri estimated a loss of tax revenue in excess of $300,000.00 for vehicles associated with Missouri residents.

Harmon, 40, Belleville, IL, was indicted on September 13, 2017 in a superseding indictment charging him with six felony counts, including: conspiracy to defraud the United States; mail fraud; and interstate transportation of falsely made motor vehicle titles. 

He faces up to 20-years of imprisonment for the convictions, and a potential fine of $250,000 per count. 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 August 14, 2018 before the Honorable Henry E. Autrey.       

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

St. Louis, MO – Robert Scott and Xavier Grove pled guilty on Wednesday for their part in the robbery of Jared the Galleria of Jewelry on Monday, December 4, 2017. 

According to court records, on December 4, 2017, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Robert Scott and Xavier Grove and two co-defendants, dressed in clothing intended to disguise their identities, entered the jewelry store, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, in Richmond Heights, Missouri.  While a co-defendant held the door, Scott, Grove and one other co-defendant, armed with hammers, yelled for the store employees to get down.  Using the hammers to smash the glass display cases that showcased jewelry, the defendants grabbed loose diamonds and watches.  Scott and Grove, along with the two others, then fled.  However, due to the presence of police officers in the area on an unrelated incident, the four robbers were not able to reach their getaway driver and were quickly apprehended.  Grove was arrested at a nearby business and Scott was arrested near I-170, behind the Boulevard St. Louis parking garage.  The diamonds and watches were recovered from a backpack carried by one of the co-defendants which were valued at approximately $60,000.

Robert Scott, 29, pled guilty to one felony count each of robbery which interfered with interstate commerce. U.S. District Judge Audrey Fleissig accepted his plea and set sentencing for September 6th.

Xavier Grove, 34, pled guilty to one felony count each of robbery which interfered with interstate commerce. U.S. District Judge Audrey Fleissig accepted his plea and set sentencing for September 6th.

Co-defendants Tyran Gray and Darrell Lee both pled guilty in February 2018 and are awaiting sentence – June 20th and May 29th, respectively.

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

The case is being investigated by the Richmond Heights Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney John Ware is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, Missouri:  The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri announced today that the United States, Foot Healers Holdings – St. Louis and its subsidiaries  (Foot Healers) reached a civil settlement that will resolve the United States' claims against Foot Healers under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting false claims to Medicare for podiatry services.  According to the United States’ allegations, from March 1, 2010 through July 31, 2016, Foot Healers submitted false claims to Medicare by using improper modifiers that caused Medicare to pay for improper claims and by submitting claims for payment which falsely indicated a medically necessary toenail debridement was provided when the service actually provided was a routine nail trimming not covered by Medicare.  As part of the civil settlement, Foot Healers will repay the United States $125,000.

Foot Healers has also entered into a three-year Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  Pursuant to the terms of the Integrity Agreement, Foot Healers must comply with a number of obligations to ensure that it remains compliant with Federal health care program requirements.   

This civil settlement is part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Justice and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to recover funds diverted from Medicare and is the result of the combined work of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri and HHS-OIG Office of Investigations.

St. Louis, MO – Michael Litz, 63, of Ladue, was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to his role in a bank fraud scheme involving unlawful insider loans at Excel Bank.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who also ordered Litz to pay restitution in the amount of $5,048,003.67.

Litz was charged in April, 2016 with Shaun Hayes on bank fraud and related charges involving a series of insider loans and straw party loans at Excel Bank.  Hayes pled guilty in January and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23.  Excel Bank failed in October, 2102 and Simmons Bank succeeded it.  In imposing the sentence, Judge Fleissig noted the seriousness of the offense and the fact that Hayes and Litz’s actions likely jeopardized the soundness of Excel Bank. 

Hayes was the controlling shareholder in Excel Bank which had main offices in Sedalia, Missouri and a loan production office in Clayton.  Litz was a principal in Bellington Realty and Eighteen Investments which managed over 1,000 residential and commercial rental properties in the area and bought and sold hundreds of residential properties each year.  Litz’s business offices were also in Clayton. In 2009, Eighteen Investments was delinquent on over $100,000,000.00 in loans at banks throughout the area.  Litz and Hayes were also partners in a number of real estate development projects.  One of those was McKnight Man I which involved the development of the property at the intersection of Manchester and McKnight Roads in Rock Hill.  Litz and Hayes were guarantors on a McKnight Man loan at Centrue Bank in the amount of $900,000.00.  That loan was delinquent in July, 2009.  At the same time Eighteen Investments was delinquent on $3,600,000.00 in loans at Centrue Bank.  

At his guilty plea earlier this year, Litz admitted that he recruited a close friend to sign on to a $3,300,000.00 loan at Excel Bank to assist Litz in his business.  The friend was assured that he would not be held liable on the note and that the loan would be taken care of.  According to court papers, that individual was simply acting as a friend to help Litz. The loan proceeds were used to pay off Litz’s and Hayes’s McKnight Man debt at Centrue Bank as well as the Eighteen Investments debt at that bank. Since Hayes was a principal at Excel Bank, the use of the loan funds to pay off the Hayes-Litz liability at Centrue Bank constituted unlawful self-dealing.  Litz admitted that he participated in that transaction and directly benefitted from it.

According to court papers, Litz and Hayes set up other straw party loans at Excel Bank to cover millions of dollars in other delinquent loans of Eighteen Investments.  The restitution amount ordered by the court consisted largely of losses incurred by Excel Bank on the straw party loans with most of the restitution being owed to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

"There are ways to remedy troubled businesses without committing fraud," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Instead, Michael Litz chose greed and indirectly victimized taxpayers who bailed out his bad business decisions. Now he will be held accountable for his criminal behavior."

“Michael Litz was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $5 million in restitution for criminally defrauding TARP recipient Excel Bank, a bank that later failed and taxpayers lost $4 million in TARP funds,” said Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero of SIGTARP.  “The fraud involved concealing the true purpose of loans from the bank’s board of directors and bank regulators. The judge said at the sentencing that the fraud likely jeopardized the soundness of a bank, one that taxpayers bailed out in TARP. I thank the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri for bringing justice in this case.”

Timothy Murphy, former Executive Vice President at Excel Bank, pled guilty earlier this year to defrauding Excel Bank and received a sentence of probation.  Murphy cooperated with authorities in the investigation.   

This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.  Criminal Chief James E. Crowe, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Gilbert Sison are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

St. Louis, MO – After a ten-day trial and 62 witnesses, a federal jury returned three guilty verdicts – conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of possession of a firearm (with death resulting) in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the evidence presented at trial, defendant Donald Stewart a/k/a “OG,” was an enforcer for the Donald White drug trafficking organization.  Over several years, White’s drug trafficking organization engaged in acts of violence with a rival drug trafficking organization.  Defendant Stewart was recruited as a shooter for the White drug trafficking organization and engaged in several acts of violence for the organization.  Additionally, defendant Stewart was a street level heroin dealer for the organization.  Defendant Stewart’s residence in the 5200 block of Northland was used as a heroin distribution hub, used to store weapons, and used to plan out various acts of violence including murder committed by Stewart and other members of the organization.

“This office will continue to prosecute murder cases aggressively when they involve heroin interdiction or any other federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

According to the evidence, on March 26, 2010 Michael McGill was lured to the 5200 block of Maffitt where he was gunned down by members of the White organization as part of the ongoing drug war.  On July 23, 2010, Darrion Williams, Jr. was lured to an alley behind the 5200 block of Maffitt for a purported drug deal where he was gunned down by Stewart and other members.

On April 25, 2013, defendant Terrance Wilson, a/k/a “Mutt,” entered pleas to drug conspiracy and firearms charges.  According to the plea agreement defendant Wilson also served as an enforcer for the White drug trafficking organization and participated in both the McGill and Williams murders.

Stewart now faces a maximum penalty of life.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The conviction of Donald Stewart and Terrance Wilson along with previous convictions of Donald White and members of his organization has dismantled the drug organization and ended their reign of violence. 

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.

“These agents and prosecutors were tenacious. They worked in close coordination and simply never gave up until justice was served,” said U.S. Attorney Jensen.

St. Louis, MO – Omar Jaber, 31, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government funds today in U.S. District Court.  Jaber appeared before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for August 10, 2018. 

In his plea, Jaber admitted to stealing nearly $200,000 in tax refunds by using the name and other identifying information of forty-two different individual taxpayers without their knowledge or consent.  Jaber filed false tax returns in the names of the victims for the 2014 tax year and the 2015 tax year after obtaining their information from another tax preparation service.  During the crime, Jaber was working as an IRS-registered tax preparer.

Jaber faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment per count, a fine of up to $250,000 per count or both imprisonment and a fine.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.

The case was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigations Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

St. Louis, MO – Taleb Jawher, 40, of St. Louis, MO, pled guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on September 26, 2017 Jawher, a clerk at the Phillips 66 store at 2800 N. Florissant, was involved in an altercation with a customer he wrongly suspected of shoplifting. Jawher retrieved a handgun and in a scuffle the customer was shot and killed.  Jawher was previously charged by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office with first degree murder and armed criminal action due to the death of the customer.

Jawher faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both.  In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant United States Attorney John Ware 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.  Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in April:

Marquise Dukes, 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition.

Amanda Jackson, 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition.

Jeremiah Hart, 21, St. Peters, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Maurice Jones, 24, 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.

Kristin Johnson-Arnold, 24, 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.

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

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

Daren Skinner, 32, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of possession, receipt, transport of firearm or ammunition by prohibited person, felon.

Ricardo Valdespino, 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of distributing 5g or more of actual methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

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

Robert Goss, 22, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Matthew McDonald, 33, Alton, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Stacy Minor, 43, 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.

Matthew Stidmon, 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Darrell Taylor, 18, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of receiving a firearm while under indictment.

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

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

Keith Carpentier, 45, was indicted by a federal grand jury on three felony counts of possessing cocaine and two felony counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

James Fields, 20, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Michael Gladney, 41, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of armed robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Douglas Jones, 39, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Edgar Love, 32, 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 heroin; possess with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Carl Willis, 63, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Eddie Govan, 60, Collinsville, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Vergil Thomas, 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.

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

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

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

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

Terran Eggleston, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Daniel Eldridge, 41, Mineral Point, MO, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Buckner, 31, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Cory R. Smith, 29, Fenton, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

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

Jerry B. Jones, 30, Belleville, IL, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Derick Bowers, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Tayler Griffin, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Xaviaire D. Moton, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Jeffrey M. Meyer, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Frederick Townley, 51, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kerry Caldwell, 54, St. Louis, pled guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime.          

Luther Hall, 25, St. Louis pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Michael Lewis, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Jermaine Lewis, 37, St. Louis, pled guilty to armed robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime.          

Derick Bowers, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Kenneth Johnson, 41, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Deante Works, 38, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Trevon McClelland, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Simon Gebregziabher, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition.

Ramiro Castillo Velenzuela, 29, St. Charles, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Tyrell Reed, 31, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Darrell R. Gordon, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Robert Reinhardt, 53, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Jason Baker, 41, Imperial, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Derek Brown, 40, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Edward Crawford, 37, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Donald Haynes, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

Lenard Kelly, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for armed robbery.

Darryl Richard, 44, St. Louis, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Nisean Davis, 29, St. Louis, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Devin Jones, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Olugbenga Folarin, 28, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Andre Thompson, 35, St. Louis, was sentenced to 62 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Stephen Redd, 21, was sentenced to 144 months in prison for carjacking and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Keonta C. Douglas, 19, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for carjacking and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Stacy L. Bonds, 55, Hazelwood, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Joshua Jackson, 31, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Walter M. White, 46, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Arthur Jackson, 40, Florissant, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and drug charges.

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

Leman H. Dobbins, Jr., 52, St. Louis, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm; possession with the intent to distribute heroin; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Reginald M. Higgins, 44, St. Louis, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Kenneth Murphy, 35, St. Louis, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Walter M. White, 46, St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Warren Turner, 27, St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Glenn Hamer, 36, St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Tyrone Armstrong, 44, St. Louis, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

William Lumpkins, 35, St. Louis, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and manufacture a controlled substance.

Max Haynes, 26, Florissant, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Andrew Henderson, 30, St. Louis, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Avion Allen, 25, St. Louis, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.

Laythan Hearton, 22, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 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.

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 found guilty of the burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer known as Instapawn, which is located near Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  That burglary 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.  The maximum term of imprisonment for this crime is ten years.

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.  The maximum term of imprisonment for the crime of Carjacking is fifteen years.  The maximum term of imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence is life, with a minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment.  The case is before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. 

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 is handling the prosecution for the Government.          

St. Louis, MO – Gary Keith Atchley, 53, of Jefferson County, Missouri, surrendered this morning in federal court to an Indictment charging him with five counts of wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud the citizens of Olympian Village.

The indictment alleges that, between March 2013 and December 2016, Atchley was an alderman for Olympian Village located in Jefferson County, Missouri.  At no time was Atchley an authorized signatory on the Olympian Village account.  He used the account to pay personal expenses, including making checks to cash and writing checks directly to himself.  Approximately $58,000 was bought in personal merchandise using pre-authorized debit transactions and the $127,000 of checks he wrote to himself were not authorized by the Olympian Village government.

"This is a double blow for Olympian Village," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "The financial loss alone is devastating for a small community. The addition of public corruption causes an even deeper impact when people lose trust in their government."

If convicted, Atchley faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $250,000 or both on each count.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the St. Louis division of the FBI and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.  Gwen Carroll 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. 

Everett James, 60, of St. Louis County, Missouri, has been indicted on charges of Social Security fraud, making false statements and theft of government funds.

The indictment alleges that James started part-time employment with the City of Kinloch Police Department in September 2013. In November and December 2013, James worked an average of 32 hours per month. In January 2014, his hours increased to 124 hours per month. In December 2013, James began working a second part-time job as a guard with a private security company.

In December 2013, James filed an application for disability benefits claiming that he had not worked since October 16, 2013, as a result of a disabling medical condition. When interviewed by a representative of the Social Security Administration (SSA), James advised he was only working 24 hours per week for the City of Kinloch, and did not mention his work with the security company. On reports that James filed with SSA, he stated his disability affected, among other things, lifting, walking, understanding and hearing.

Social Security evaluates the amount of monthly income an individual could earn through their activities in order to determine if a person is eligible for such benefits.

An investigation conducted by SSA starting in late 2016 revealed not only the above-referenced employment, but employment with other police agencies as well.

If convicted, James faces up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both per count on the false statements (counts 1 and 2) and Social Security program fraud charges (count 3). On the charge of theft of government funds (counts 4-7), he faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $250,000 or both per count. Restitution to the Social Security Administration is mandatory.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Adminstration-Office of Inspector General.  Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.