Feds Target St. Louis Gun Traffickers in Sweeping Indictment

St. Louis is reeling as federal prosecutors unseal indictments against 25 individuals tied to violent crime, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri confirmed that each defendant was charged in February with federal crimes carrying stiff mandatory minimum sentences, signaling a renewed crackdown on armed felons flooding neighborhoods with guns and narcotics.

Jamarco Cousins, 29, St. Louis; Darrell Gordon, 25, St. Louis; and Squacar Gray, 39, St. Louis—all indicted on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm. Their names join a growing list of local offenders now facing federal time for violating gun laws, a move law enforcement says deters repeat violence. Ishmael Hargrove, 22, of Florissant, was similarly charged, highlighting the regional spread of illegal firearm possession.

More serious charges landed against Joseph Hope, 22, accused of conspiracy to commit money laundering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence during a drug trafficking crime, and interference with commerce by threat or violence. Deven R. Huck, 20, faces identical firearm and money laundering charges. Dallas M. Richardson, 23, was hit with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime tied to drug trafficking, plus interference with commerce by threat or violence.

Armed violence takes center stage in the case against Darion Johnson, 25, St. Louis, indicted on one count of armed robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Clinton Murphy, 40, St. Louis; Brandin Parott, 31, St. Louis; Glenn Reynolds, 26, St. Louis; Neavechie Patterson, 26, St. Louis—all charged with felon in possession of a firearm, with Patterson also facing possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and two counts of firearm use in drug trafficking.

Drug kingpin charges escalate with James Richards, II, indicted on conspiracy to distribute 100g or more of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Curstan Stiff, 34, faces conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500g of cocaine and felon in possession of firearms. Shagretta Turner, 34, St. Louis, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.

Final indictments include Parron Walker, 46, St. Louis; Sammie Wilborn, 37, East St. Louis—charged with felon in possession, drug distribution, and firearm use in drug crime; Larry Benford, 38, St. Louis; Thomas Bolden, 33; Demetris A. Bradley, 40, St. Louis; Charles Cherry, Jr., 28; and Michael Gues—all on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Federal authorities warn: St. Louis criminals wielding guns while committing crimes will face federal time, not local parole.

RELATED: Three Men Sentenced in NK Sanctions Scheme

RELATED: Three Sentenced in N. Korea Sanctions Scheme