St. Louis, MO - Eleven area people have been indicted on multiple charges involving a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Eastern District of Missouri beginning as early as 2009 and continuing until the present time. They defendants are expected to appear in federal court this afternoon.

Individuals indicted:

• RAYMOND MOORE, Florissant, MO;
• TAJUAN WILSON, Dellwood, MO;
• DARRON SCOTT, St. Louis, MO;
• CHRISTOPHER WHITE, Alton, IL;
• OTIS HUGHES, Kinloch, MO;
• BRIAN CORNELL, St. Louis, MO;
• JAMES BUTLER, St. Louis, MO;
• CURTIS HUGHES, Kinloch, MO;
• VINCENT BALDUCCI, Florissant, MO;
• RACHELLE PAYNE, Maryland Heights, MO and
• BRICE FOWLER, SR., Maryland Heights, MO

If convicted, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and heroin carries a penalty range of ten years 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.

Additionally, upon a finding of guilt, the defendants will be subject to a forfeiture allegation, which will require them to forfeit to the government all money derived from their illegal activity.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Becker 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.