Sixteen Indicted in Heroin Trafficking Ring

ST. LOUIS—Early this morning, the FBI St. Louis Division’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force (SSGTF) arrested the following 10 members of a violent drug trafficking organization (DTO). The simultaneous arrests took place in nine separate locations in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. Each subject faces various federal charges of narcotics conspiracy, firearms violations, and money laundering.

■29-year-old Donald White aka “Lil Don” of St. Charles

■32-year-old Cortez White aka “Tez” of Florissant
■31-year-old Darnell Lathan aka “Lil Red” of Florissant
■31-year-old Charles Peoples of St. St. Louis
■23-year-old Samantha Street aka “Sam” of St. Louis County
■33-year-old Reginald Davis of unincorporated St. Louis County
■35-year-old Stephany Fowler aka “Ann” of St. Louis
■36-year-old Clarissa McCary aka “Red” of Florissant
■28-year-old Bridgett Corbett of O’Fallon
■26-year-old Philip Pratt of Pagedale

Today’s take-down, which dismantled the DTO, was a culmination of a two-and-a-half year investigation which started with a tip to the FBI in April 2009.

The DTO had a hierarchy that included leaders, drug runners, and subjects who redistributed the heroin in St. Charles County and Madison County, Illinois. Special Agent in Charge Dennis L. Baker of the FBI St. Louis Division said, “Today’s take-down should make an impact on the rising problem of heroin overdoses and the violent crimes associated with drug trafficking organizations.”

Four other members of this ring were previously arrested. The FBI is still looking for two fugitives. If you have any information, please call the FBI St. Louis Division at (314) 589-2500.

■52-year-old Orbia Carthen aka “Pops” of unincorporated St. Louis County

■29-year-old Kevin Mulvill of Alton, Illinois

Members of the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force who helped investigate and make arrests were from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Florissant Police Department, and Normandy Police Department. The Drug Enforcement Agency also assisted in the investigation. In addition, St. Louis County Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and St. Charles County Sheriff’s Office assisted with today’s arrests.