Show-Me State Times

Fifteen members or associates of a south St. Louis gang have been convicted and sentenced for drug, gun, and other crimes. Among them is rapper Davante “Jizzlebuckz” Lindsey, 27, who was sentenced on September 9 to 12 years in prison. Andre “Luh Half” Pearson, 28, received an 11-year sentence on September 20. Both were leaders of the 55 Boyz gang, which had been responsible for a significant amount of fentanyl distribution in south St. Louis.

The final two defendants in the initial phase of the case were sentenced Monday. Five others were indicted individually; all five pleaded guilty and four have been sentenced.

U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming commented on the collaborative effort: "Working together, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IRS – Criminal Investigation targeted and prosecuted a drug gang that was the main source of supply of fentanyl in the south St. Louis area." He added that these organizations often become both targets and perpetrators of drug-linked violence.

The investigation began in September 2021 when the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department started looking into fentanyl dealing activities. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was also investigating another matter independently when they arrested someone with drugs and guns. The agencies then collaborated with IRS – Criminal Investigations to target money laundering activities related to drug sales.

The co-conspirators used phones to arrange drug sales and sent out text messages advertising their illegal products.

A series of court-approved searches led investigators to seize about two dozen guns, more than $120,000 in cash, thousands of capsules containing fentanyl, two vehicles, diamond jewelry including a chain necklace with roughly 2,500 tiny diamonds from the 55 Boyz gang logo as well as forfeiture of three homes purchased with drug proceeds.

Other individuals convicted along with Lindsey and Pearson include Edward “Edot” Hopkins (22), Tony Evans (35), Araven Johnson (29), Douglas Simpson (35), Jeffrey Moore (26), Shawn Liggins (22), Omar Lewis (23), Willie Lindsey (44), Jamond “Huncho” Dismukes (24), Travon Weatherspoon (34), Birtha Lindsey (43), Erik Simmons (30) and Armani Tatum (33).

Separately convicted are Martez Lindsey (32), Jaheim “DaeDae” Young (23), Jaron Tate (24) and Jhonetta Phillips (33). Ja’Vonne Lindsey awaits sentencing.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods aimed at reducing violent crime through community collaboration with law enforcement agencies.