St. Louis, MO - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that six area people have been arrested on federal charges involving the alleged conspiracy to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine in and around the Meacham Park Neighborhood of the City of Kirkwood.

The following defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury February 8, 2012, on multiple charges including conspiracy to distribute in excess of 280 grams of crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; distribution of heroin; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and maintaining a drug involved premises. The indictment remained sealed until the arrest of the defendants this week.

CHAZ ALEXANDER BAKER, Kirkwood, MO; ERVIN J. THOMPSON, Kirkwood, MO; MARTEZ D. JONES, Kirkwood, MO; DUAN DRAYTON, Kirkwood, MO; MARLOWE PARSONS, Kirkwood, MO; and KEVIN RAGLAND, Richmond Heights, MO.

If convicted, these charges carry maximum penalties up to life in prison. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kirkwood Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Cristian M. Stevens is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.