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Press Release

Grand jury indicts four men accused of drug trafficking, firearms violations and committing a narcotics-related murder

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri

ST. LOUIS, MO – A federal grand jury indicted, Wednesday, four people accused of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, resulting in death.

According to the indictment, beginning in October 2019, Franklin Bell, Arrion Jones and Deoman Reeves conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On October 21, 2019, Bell, Reeves and Deronte McDaniels possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. During this violation, they caused the death of David Anderson by shooting him.

On November 4, 2019, Bell, Reeves and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. Reeves possessed a firearm, which he sold to the ATF, knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony.

On November 18, 2019, Bell possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

On November 19, 2019, Bell and Reeves possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed one or more firearms in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime. Reeves again possessed a firearm as a convicted felon before selling that firearm to the ATF.

On December 10, 2019, Reeves possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

On December 13, 2019, Bell and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

On January 6, 2020, Bell and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the University City Police Department is handling the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is handling the case.

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Contact

Venton Blandin
venton.blandin@usdoj.gov
314-539-6805

Updated December 24, 2020

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Violent Crime