Show-Me State Times

A St. Louis man, identified as James Mayes, 61, has pleaded guilty to a series of robberies and attempted robberies that took place in the span of less than a month in 2021. Mayes admitted to committing a total of 12 robberies or attempted robberies, including armed robberies, in St. Louis and St. Louis County.

According to reports, Mayes targeted various establishments and individuals during his crime spree. Among his victims were employees of cell phone stores, small markets, and even individuals at public locations like Gateway National Arch Park. In some instances, he resorted to violence, including brandishing a firearm and discharging it during two of the robberies.

Mayes' criminal activities ranged from armed street robberies to attempted robberies, with incidents occurring between October 13, 2021, and November 10, 2021. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Pagedale Police Department, the FBI, and the National Park Service collaborated in investigating the case.

One particularly alarming incident involved Mayes stabbing a victim during a struggle over his gun in the Laclede’s Landing area. In another instance, he threatened to kill employees of targeted businesses, demonstrating a pattern of escalating violence throughout his crime spree.

As a result of his guilty plea, Mayes is set to be sentenced on July 23. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed to recommend a 20-year prison term for Mayes as part of the plea agreement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is leading the prosecution in the case.

The details of the robberies committed by James Mayes in St. Louis and St. Louis County have brought to light the severity of his criminal actions and the impact they have had on the community.