ST. LOUIS – Alantae Garner, 31, is headed to federal prison for over 13 years after being held responsible for supplying the fentanyl that killed a fellow detainee. U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp handed down the 157-month sentence on Wednesday, adding to Garner’s already substantial legal woes.
The case began last November when St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers spotted Garner behind the wheel of a stolen 2019 Kia Rio. Garner didn’t hesitate – he bolted on foot, but was quickly apprehended. A search of his bag revealed a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun. Garner admitted ownership of the firearm and confessed to purchasing the stolen vehicle for a mere $500. He was initially arrested on the federal charge on July 25, 2024.
But the situation escalated dramatically while Garner awaited his initial court appearance. Evidence presented at Wednesday’s sentencing hearing revealed Garner had managed to supply fentanyl to another detainee within the holding cell. Despite the frantic efforts of Deputy U.S. Marshals to administer aid, the victim succumbed to the overdose and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. This act sealed Garner’s fate, adding a deadly dimension to his existing firearm charge.
Garner pleaded guilty in June to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that already carries significant penalties. However, Judge Schelp clearly determined that Garner’s actions while in custody were egregious enough to warrant a substantial increase in the sentence. The court considered the devastating consequences of his actions, not only for the victim and their family, but also for the integrity of the detention facility.
The investigation was a joint effort between the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting a compelling narrative of Garner’s criminal behavior and its tragic outcome. This case underscores the growing threat of fentanyl and the deadly consequences of its illicit distribution, even within the confines of the justice system.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. Launched in 2021, PSN emphasizes fostering trust within communities, supporting local organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and meticulously measuring results. The Department’s renewed commitment to PSN reflects a proactive approach to tackling violent crime and building safer neighborhoods for all.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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