Show-Me State Times

U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp sentenced Deoman Reeves, 32, of East St. Louis, to life in prison plus 15 years for charges related to fentanyl dealing and a fatal shooting in University City. Reeves was found guilty of multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, resulting in death.

Special Agent in Charge Bernard G. Hansen of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) commented on the case, stating, “This is a dangerous individual who has a callous disregard for human life.” He emphasized the importance of keeping communities safe and sending a message that violent behavior will not be tolerated.

Reeves’ co-defendant, Franklin Bell, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to fentanyl distribution and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bell, along with Reeves and Arrion Jones, was involved in selling fentanyl in the St. Louis area, where they were armed while conducting their illegal activities.

Deronte McDaniels, another individual involved in the case, received a sentence of 150 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. McDaniels admitted to being part of a shooting incident that wounded Jones and later took part in the shooting that resulted in the death of David Anderson.

The investigation into the case was conducted by the ATF and the University City Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul D’Agrosa and Erin Granger prosecuting the case. As the legal proceedings conclude, the sentences handed down serve as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in drug trafficking and violent crimes.