Felon Pleads Guilty for Possessing a Firearm During Altercation at Galleria Mall

St. Louis, MO – Jermaine R. Clay, 23, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm stemming from an altercation at the Galleria Mall.  Clay appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for September 26, 2019.

According to court documents, on June 10, 2018, Clay was at the Galleria Mall when a fight broke out.  After Richmond Heights Police Officers responded to the area, Clay was seen running across Brentwood Boulevard toward The Boulevard with a black satchel on his right side.  Police pursued him.  Clay pulled a black semi-automatic pistol from the satchel and threw it.  Clay also threw the satchel.  Clay continued running.

The satchel and firearm were both seized by law enforcement.  The satchel contained six bags of marijuana, cocaine base, and a cell phone.  The firearm was a loaded Smith & Wesson, MP40, with a 40 caliber magazine.  The firearm was stolen. 

Clay was later apprehended, and a computer check revealed that he was a convicted felon. 

Clay faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of not more than a $250,000.  He may be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence greater than described.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richmond Heights Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Beth Orwick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.