EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – The grim reaper has claimed one of its own as Daniel Robert, 48, better known in the underworld as Dewayne Robert or ‘King,’ was handed a life sentence for his role in a massive cocaine trafficking operation.
Robert’s reign of terror over southern Illinois ended following an eight-day trial where he was convicted on multiple counts, including conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, and witness tampering. The jury’s decision came after a prosecution that outlined Robert’s extensive recruitment and deployment of couriers to transport and profit from the sale of over 325 kilograms of cocaine.
“Large-scale drug traffickers who poison our communities with dangerous narcotics and then try to obstruct justice will be held fully accountable,” declared U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft, underscoring the Justice Department’s resolve in dismantling such operations.
The Government estimates that Robert’s operation was responsible for trafficking at least $1 million worth of cocaine between January 2014 and August 2018. DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis added, “Several communities in Southern Illinois will rest easier tonight,” emphasizing the relentless pursuit of drug traffickers by law enforcement.
Robert’s co-defendants also faced severe charges, with several pleading guilty to various counts related to drug trafficking and money laundering. The list includes Jeffrey Taylor, 42, of Alton, Illinois; Daniel Matthew, 50, of Richmond, Texas; Stephanie Reynolds, 47, of Godfrey, Illinois; Simbiat Soetan, 36, of East St. Louis; Lloyd Parker, 36, of Hutchinson, Kansas; Michael Martin, 51, of Meridian, Mississippi; Shataya Moore, 27, of Richmond, Texas; and Shermiya Reynolds-Ray, 30, of Alton.
Talishia Shannon, 38, from Rossville, Tennessee, rounded out the group, with a guilty plea on multiple counts. The relentless pursuit of justice has once again placed some of the most dangerous criminals behind bars, ensuring a safer future for those who call Illinois home.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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