Saint Louis Man Indicted for Using Online Marketplaces to Rob Victims of iPhones and Co-defendant Charged with Possession of Counterfeit Currency

St. Louis, MO – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging St. Louis resident Clyde Jefferson, 26, with multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery; felon in possession of a firearm; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and passing counterfeit currency.  Jefferson appeared in federal court this morning for his initial appearance. 

Co-defendant Ebony Cannamore, 31, of St. Louis, is charged with one count of possession of counterfeit currency with the intent to defraud.  She appeared in federal court last week for her initial appearance.

According to the Indictment, Jefferson used online marketplaces including Facebook, OfferUp, Letgo, and Craigslist to arrange for victims to sell him their iPhones at locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County.  When meeting the victims, Jefferson would offer them counterfeit currency in exchange for their iPhones.  Jefferson brandished a firearm during several of the transactions and shot a victim during one transaction.  The Indictment charges Cannamore with possessing counterfeit currency during the same time period Jefferson was committing his crimes.

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

If convicted, the interference with commerce by threats carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; uttering counterfeit obligations carries a penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, nor more than life, consecutive to all other counts.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Richmond Heights Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.