Violent Offenders Unit busts drug trafficking ring

KSDK -- More than a dozen people from the greater St. Louis area have been indicted on charges stemming from a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine throughout the region, Acting US Attorney Michael Reap said Tuesday.

The investigation targeted gang related drug activity in the Jeff Vander Lou neighborhood of North St. Louis, according to Reap. The indictment named the Chicago source of supply for the organization.

The ring had been intent on distributing more than five kilos of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, police said. Nineteen firearms and more than $640,000 in cash and assets were seized as part of the investigation.

In addition to the people named in this indictment, more than 25 others have been charged in federal and state courts, and others are still under investigation.

The following individuals were named in the indictment:

--Charles Boyd, 55; St. Louis City
--Cortez Buckner (aka 'Tez'), 24; St. Louis City
--Kevin Carpenter, 41, St. Louis City
--Guy Goolsby (aka 'Ricochet' or 'Shade'), 29, St. Louis City
--Tyrice Goolsby, 32; St. Louis City
--Marlon Gordon, 37; St. Louis City
--Youree Hall (aka 'Yellow' or 'Yellow Boy'), 38; Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri
--Jerry McComb (aka 'Slim'), 36; Dellwood, Missouri
--Demeco Moore (aka 'DU'), 30; St. Louis City
--Sergio Ramos (aka 'Dirty'), 28; Rockford, Illinois
--Johnny Ricks, 33; St. Louis City
--Katron Sandford (aka 'KK'), 30; St. Louis City
--Maurice Sandford (aka 'Bug'), 31; St. Louis City
--Warren Whitehead, 43; St. Louis City
--Daniel Williams (aka 'Skan'), 27; St. Louis City

If convicted, the suspects face the following sentences:

Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine could result in a prison term between 10 years to life, as well as a $4 million fine.

Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine could result in 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.

If convicted on the charge of possession of a firearm for use in drug trafficking, the defendants could receive five years to life in prison, in addition to another $4 million fine.

The suspects face an additional 10 years to life and a $4 million fine for attempting to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Distribution of more than 50 grams of crack cocaine results in 10 years to life behind bars and/or fines up to $4 million.

Each of the defendants has also been charged with a forfeiture count, meaning they would have to give up all property derived from their illegal activities if convicted. All told, $1.5 million, seven cars and 70 pieces of assorted jewelry are at risk for forfeiture.