0. The arrests, ranging from southern Illinois to Franklin and Lincoln County in Missouri, were part of the first phase of an operation aimed at sending a message to heroin traffickers, DEA Special Agent in Charge Harry Sommers said. . Really peaceful. Fish Fry map . She appealed for more countries to join the United States to help alleviate the suffering.. Download it here. Four of the individuals indicted are from Los Angeles, with the remainder being based in the St. Louis metropolitan area. CASSIDY GARTH, 26, of Belleville, Ill.; and All pleaded not guilty Friday. Investigators. They rounded up suspects here and in Texas earlier this week. Kolby Kristiansen, 68, is charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The teenage girl killed Saturday during an attempted robbery in St. Charles was a sophomore at Liberty High School in O'Fallon, Missouri, a so. Last chance! Main Office: Across the Mississippi River in Illinois, Madison County Sheriff Robert Hertz pointed to another aspect of the problem earlier this year -- a rise in crime committed by addicts to support their habit. He was sentenced Monday to 4. Every week, the RFT runs an anonymous short story that could only take place here. McGhees attorney, John Bouhasin, said his clients ties to the organization are not deep. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner will hold a news conference Thursday amid mounting calls for her resignation and a threat by th. Don McGhee, who survived an ambush while off-duty last year, pleaded guilty in April to a charge of conspiracy to possess a firearm in relatio. The Hughes drug trafficking organization includes Hughes-Dillon and relatives, prosecutors say, with Wilson as the primary supplier of drugs. He returned fire, killing Terrell Beasley, 28, whose body was found a few hours later in a burning vehicle. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri, Law Enforcement Officer Safety Initiative, Agents Arrest 17 People in Large-Scale Multi-State Drug Trafficking Ring Involving Fentanyl, Heroin, Crystal Methamphetamine and Firearms, St. Louis Man Indicted on Drug and Gun Charges, Two Indicted After Drug Shipment Intercepted on Interstate 44 in St. Louis County, Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Drug-Linked St. Louis Murder, Agents Arrest 17 People In Large Scale Multi State Drug Trafficking Ring Involving Fentanyl, Heroin, Crystal Methamphetamine and Firearms. Those charges include everything from conspiracy to possession of a controlled substance including crack-cocaine and ecstasy. According to the previously sealed sixteen count indictment, returned on October 13, 2021, this was a long-running drug distribution conspiracy operating in the Eastern District of Missouri and with ties to California, Arizona, and Texas. As is always the case, charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Hunter, too, was eventually apprehended three years later in Los Angeles. (Arrests investigated by agencies outside the Missouri State Highway Patrol are not included.) The indictment handed up a week ago was sealed until arrests began this . U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Missouri. 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 3,000 pounds of meth seized during joint drug bust. "On Friday, April 20, agents with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division executed a search warrant and a felony arrest warrant at 8434 Jeff Davis Drive in the Bayside Community," Narcotics Cmdr. He says the seized value was more than $1 million. Speaking before the city officials is less productive than speaking before an old oak tree. Some of those connected to the drug ring are associates of former city police officer Don McGhee, Dotson said. If you have any information, call the St . The defendants are: Ebony Silinzy, 43, of St. Louis, was indicted separately for obtaining firearms on behalf of Holliman, who is a convicted felon and prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. Walker, a mother of nine and grandmother to eight, was hit in her nearby apartment by a stray bullet. Jordan was accused of a role in three murders in the original indictment, but prosecutors have since also blamed him for a new one. TYDARRYL GRIFFIN, 45, of St. Louis; Fourteen were in custody. U.S. Attorney Richard Callahan declined to comment on the number of murders. Cape Girardeau: (573) 334-3736. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000, consecutive to any other sentence imposed. St. Louis police announced earlier this week that reported violent crimes were up 7.8 percent in 2015 over the year before, and homicides were up 18.2 percent. Three Illinois . ST. LOUIS This week the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, and United States Postal Inspection Service arrested 17 people in Missouri, Arizona, California, and Mexico linked to an organized multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. ST. LOUIS Federal prosecutors charged a woman Tuesday with distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine at an apartment building that was the site of several fatal . Bobby Butchee, convicted felon (8 counts) -3 counts of criminal drug conspiracy -2 counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon -1 count of possession of a controlled substance -2 counts of permitting use of building for illegal activity Bond: $250,000, Jennifer Cervantez (1 count) -1 count of possession of a controlled substance Bond: $150,000, Vincent McNeil (3 counts) -2 counts distribution of a controlled within 1,000 feet of a church -1 count of distribution of a look-alike controlled substance Bond: $150,000, Darnell Murray, convicted felon (2 counts) -2 counts distribution of a controlled within 1,000 feet of a church Bond: $150,000, Chester Mathis, convicted felon (4 counts) -4 counts of distribution of a controlled within 1,000 feet of a church Bond: $250,000, Virgle Barber, convicted felon (2 counts) -2 counts of distribution of a controlled within 1,000 feet of a church Bond: $150,000, Lafayette Kennel, convicted felon (6 counts) -6 counts of distribution of a controlled within 1,000 feet of a church Bond: $300,000, Ousamane Kennel-Bey, convicted felon (1 count) -1 count of distribution of a controlled within 1,000 feet of a church Bond: $250,000, Example video title will go here for this video. Velazquez was the primary supply source for Lemons, it says. Dotson said agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF and Homeland Security worked alongside city intelligence detectives in a 2-year investigation. Police said Butchee is a felon who facilitated some of the drug deals and allowed illegal activity to go on at his place of business. As we kept peeling away at it, we kept finding there was more and more to it that ultimately connected St. Louis to Texas and Mexico. In addition to the St. Louis County Sheriff's office and the LSVOTF, additional law enforcement support was provided by the Eveleth Police Department K-9 team and the Minnesota BCA. McGhee, 28, nearly killed in an off-duty shootout a year ago, pleaded guilty in April of conspiracy for providing a shotgun to someone he knew to be a drug dealer. Everybody on the block turns out to watch the show. they raided a series of locations in the St. Louis area, seizing $35,000, drug sales records and Hunter's Macy's credit card from . Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). PUBLISHED 2:45 PM ET Jul. Two others were arrested at a residence in the city of Hibbing after the execution of a search warrant by the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task. Read More. Clara Walker in a family photo. A regional attack on the problem was announced in April by St. Louis area police chiefs, noting the new potency and the rise in overdose deaths. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshals Service with assistance from officers at the following police departments: Bellefontaine Neighbors, Shrewsbury, St. Louis Metropolitan, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Ballwin and Maryland Heights. Empowered through federal law, the USMS also serves as a charter agency within the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. John Jordan, the United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri, provided the following statement: The United States Marshals Service serves as the United States Governments primary fugitive investigation and apprehension agency. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. 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Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. The indictment says that Jordan and Gloria Ward, 27, were involved in the Jan. 21, 2014, murder of Michail Yellow Mack Gridiron, who was shot at Rolla Place and Ashland Avenue. Unfortunately he has known at least one of the associates in this organization since childhood. Police Chase in North St. Louis Leads to Fentanyl Drug Bust Four men were federally indicted this week on drug charges By Ryan Krull on Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 11:06 am Send a News Tip. California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The methamphetamine alone carries a street value of more than $3 million. Its important for everyone to keep in mind that no city is immune from the threat of drugs. Last chance! Increased heroin use, especially among teenagers and young adults, has been reported this year in New York, Chicago, Seattle and many other American cities. The operation honors the memory of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, one of the youngest fatalities during a record-breaking year of homicides and shootings. During the course of the investigation, agents seized guns, stacks of cash, and a hydraulic press used to make fake pills sold as Xanax, Adderall, and Percocet laced with deadly amounts of fentanyl. ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) - A neighborhood stunned was after a big marijuana bust right down the street from one of St. Louis's top schools. Their lawyers either could not be reached for comment or declined comment Friday. She was killed by a stray bullet on Dec. 29, 2013. Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service arrested 15 people in three states linked to an organized multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. Learn More. The money laundering offense carries a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. "We were actually able to work undercover agents in the motel to reside there for a short term basis from time to time over the five months," said Master Sgt. Four others were injured, KMOV reports. ST. LOUIS - This week, the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division and U.S. Katie Kull. Two From St. Louis Area Accused of Nearly $500,000 Pandemic Loan Fraud. A 71-year-old girl was arrested for selling playing and possession of playing gadgets. For more than a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. The goal was to shut down the entire network, according to the DEA. 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"Operation Royal Flush" is in effect after a five month investigation initiated by the WAVE Detail, which is geared to targeting crime in East St. Louis. On Thursday, investigators executed about 14 search warrants, including 10 on homes and businesses allegedly used by the Hughes organization, seizing at least seven guns. Read More. Marshals arrested 16 people Tuesday as the result of a federal grand jury indictment returned Jan. 6, 2021, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The others either hadnt been arrested or had not yet retained lawyers. The investigation involved the following law enforcement agencies: DEA, HSI, U.S. Drug ring may be linked to 17 murders in St. Louis area. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. "Double Dutch Bust" Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: August 5, 2000 () The investigation of a highly respected dentist, Larry Lavin, reveals a secret life of drug dealing. Investigators seize 200 pounds of mushrooms in St. Charles County drug bust. In that incident, McGhee was wounded Dec. 19, 2014, in the 3800 block of North 25th Street after a car drove past. LOUIS - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) busted a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking ring and 11 people from St. Louis have been arrested for their role. All of the below mentioned defendants are charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy. With the organization dismantled, St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson said Thursday he hopes the citys violence will slow. According to a court document, law enforcement officers seized items including: (1) approximately 50 pounds of fentanyl; (2) 500 pounds of methamphetamine; (3) 50 firearms; and (4) more than $400,000 in drug proceeds. Master Sgt. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. The pending charges for Cooks are for first degree sales of a controlled substance and importing controlled substances across state border. A suspected gunman on Tuesday was charged in the fatal shooting of a man in downtown St. Louis one day earlier. Officers found a total of 8.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, 25.7 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 1.2 kilos of suspected ketamine. ST. LOUIS - This week the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, and United States Postal Inspection Service arrested 17 people in Missouri, Arizona, California, and Mexico linked to an organized multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. McGhee pleaded guilty Monday to a federal conspiracy charge and admitted giving a shotgun to a drug dealer. The conspiracy included the mailing and shipping of packages containing large amounts of the illegal drugs to be distributed in the St. Louis area and other cities in the United States. In "Operation Royal Flush," law enforcement executed a search warrant at the motel that police said has been notorious for drugs and prostitution for more than a decade. We know these drugs could have caused irreparable damage, said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colin Dickey, supervisor of DEA operations in Eastern Missouri, in a news release issued in October. The bust netted more than 10lbs of marijuana and. The court record reflects that during the investigation, law enforcement officers seized evidence that included approximately: (1) 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl; (2) 250 grams of fentanyl analogues; (3) 8 kilograms of heroin; (4) 13 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice); (5) $157,551.00 in United States currency; and (6) 15 firearms. 02.21.2023. Anyone wanting more information on psychedelics or with other . Its an association that is not appropriate for a police officer, but it doesnt go any further than that.. The raids allegedly targeted the "30 Deep". TERESA SMITH, 49, of Kansas City, Kan. DEA is investigating the case, with assistance from theSt. Charles County Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Maurice Woodson, of the St. Louis area, was named in a federal indictment accusing him in the fatal shooting of a man as part of a drug ring. ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) . An estimated 4.5 million fentanyl pills were seized in addition to 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and large amounts of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl powder, according to authorities. YALITZA E. CALDERON-OLIVAS, 24, of Kansas City, Kan.; Joe Belliveau with the Illinois State Police and the WAVE Detail said this investigation was initiated mostly because of a previous drug bust. "As a result, this investigation yielded a successful outcome on the dismantlement of a major criminal enterprise." According to details released by the St. Louis County Sheriff's office, the following individuals face charges related to the stop: The arrests came as a result of a traffic stop on Highway 53 in Ellsburg Township. The officers found more than one pound of "suspected" fentanyl and "evidence of illegal marijuana use". To date, two dead bodies have been hauled out young women with little children right by their sides . These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. Dealers may also mix fentanyl with heroin to improve its potency, or sell it as heroin to unsuspecting customers, resulting in the overdose deaths, according to the DEA. The only way we can keep our streets safe is by working together to educate those around us on the dangers of these illegal substances and the threat associated with them., For the past three years, the U.S. The Office of the United States Attorneys Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force is handling the case. ST. LOUIS The U.S. Deidre Denise Medcalf, 51, of Eureka, Mo. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Marshals Service, Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, St. Charles City and County Police, Phelps County Sheriffs Department, Arnold Police Department and the Normandy Police Department, all in Missouri.