Bradford Craig Dean, Gun Crime, Missouri 2024

A brazen escape from a St. Louis halfway house has landed a local man a lengthy prison sentence. Bradford Craig Dean, 56, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of escape and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, Dean was confined at Dismas House St. Louis after serving a 15-year prison sentence in 2006 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. However, on October 27, 2018, he was stopped for speeding in Normandy, and officers spotted a loaded handgun in the vehicle's cup holder. The gun had been stolen ten days earlier in St. Louis.

Officers also found $1,650 in cash, two firearm magazines, two digital scales and 16 bags containing marijuana, indicative of marijuana sales. Two days later, Dean left Dismas house without permission and did not return.

Dean remained a fugitive until he was located and arrested on January 9, 2024. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7. The escape charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, while the felon in possession charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Both charges also carry potential fines of up to $250,000.

The U.S. Marshals Service and the Normandy Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is prosecuting the case.

Dean's case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun crime in our community. As a convicted felon, Dean was prohibited from possessing a firearm. His refusal to comply with the law has led to a lengthy prison sentence, and it's a cautionary tale for anyone considering similar actions.

With the help of our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work tirelessly to keep our community safe from gun violence and other crimes. Anyone with information about gun crimes or other illicit activities is urged to contact the authorities immediately.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/man-admits-escaping-st-louis-halfway-house-gun-crime