Florissant Man Indicted on Fentanyl and Weapons Charges

St. Louis, MO – Jaleel Zakee Adams, a/k/a “Jay,” 23, of Florissant, MO, was indicted on June 21, 2018 for allegedly distributing acetyl-fentanyl to R.I. on November 15, 2017, resulting in the death of R.I.  In addition, Adams is charged with possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and with possessing a stolen firearm.  Deputy United States Marshals arrested Adams on June 26, 2018 at a hotel in Hazelwood, Missouri, and he appeared the same day in federal court before United States Magistrate John Bodenhausen for his initial appearance.

R.I. was found deceased in his Florissant, MO home on November 15, 2017.  The Medical Examiner determined that R.I. died as a result of acetyl-fentanyl intoxication. Acetyl-fentanyl is an analogue of Fentanyl and, unlike Fentanyl, acetyl-fentanyl has no legitimate medical use.  Investigation revealed that Adams was the likely source of the acetyl-fentanyl, and the Florissant Police Department executed a search warrant at his parent’s home on December 29, 2017.  During the search, the Florissant Police recovered six firearms, including a stolen handgun recovered from Adams’ rented vehicle.

If convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, Adams faces a minimum mandatory term of 20 years in prison, and he could be ordered to serve up to life.  The offense also carries a fine of up to $1 million.  Upon conviction of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Adams would be required to serve an additional term of at least five years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence, along with a fine of up to $250,000.  Possession of a stolen firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

“The toxic drug fentanyl is a scourge on our community and represents a serious danger not only to its users but to the law enforcement officers who encounter it.  I applaud the hard work of the Florissant Police Department and the skillful assistance of the ATF in bringing this offender to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen. 

 This case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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.