Show-Me State Times

Six law enforcement officers from local and federal agencies have been recognized for their work on major criminal investigations, receiving the 2025 Guardian of Justice Award. The awards were presented during the 23rd Annual Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Training Seminar in Springfield, Missouri.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Isaac McPheeters was honored for his investigation into two members of the self-styled 2nd American Militia who planned to attack Border Patrol officers and immigrants at the United States–Mexico border. Authorities stopped the conspiracy after one suspect attempted to shoot FBI agents during a search warrant operation.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Jerry Wine and ATF Task Force Officers David Schroeder (Greene County Sheriff’s Office), Justin Gargus (Christian County Sheriff’s Office), Eric Pinegar (Springfield Police Department), and Evan Nicholson (Springfield Police Department) were also recognized for efforts in reducing violent gun crime and gang activity in Springfield.

“I would like to congratulate and commend the agents and task force officers for their effort on these investigations. As a result of their hard work and dedication, these violent individuals are off the streets and citizens of the Western District are safer,” said U.S. Attorney Price.

Following a jury trial in late 2024, Bryan C. Perry of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Jonathan S. O’Dell of Warsaw, Missouri, were found guilty for conspiring to murder federal officers in 2022. Both were convicted on multiple charges including attempted murder of FBI special agents, assault with a deadly weapon, using firearms in furtherance of violent crimes, damaging federal property, as well as firearm possession violations. Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2025.

Special Agent McPheeters coordinated with law enforcement across Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas throughout the investigation. When O’Dell escaped custody in October 2023, McPheeters helped lead a statewide search that resulted in O’Dell’s capture within two days.

“Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated and recognition of the work to stop these individuals from carrying out their planned attack is greatly appreciated. The FBI will do everything it can to ensure the safety and security of all law enforcement from danger,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus.

In another case addressed by award recipients, ATF began investigating shootings involving juveniles and young adults in Springfield starting November 2021. These incidents included drive-by shootings and homicides linked to gangs such as “F**k The Opps” (FTO) and “Only Da Brothers” (ODB). Investigators used crime gun data analysis alongside social media research to identify suspects behind an increase in gun violence.

The ATF’s efforts led to indictments against numerous gang members or associates; among them were FTO leaders Ezekiel King and Jardell Williams who received sentences of over six years each in federal prison. Nine others have been sentenced to prison while additional defendants await sentencing after pleading guilty. Officials noted that these prosecutions have coincided with fewer shooting calls reported locally.

“This case is the gold standard for what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement work side by side to confront violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. “By leveraging our collective resources through a task force, and utilizing crime gun intelligence tools such as NIBIN, we delivered prison sentences for those violent gang members who threatened the safety of our communities and a significant reduction in crime.”

The Guardian of Justice Award is presented annually by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee during its training seminar. It recognizes both state or local officers as well as federal agents for investigative excellence, collaboration across agencies, support during trials, diligence throughout investigations, professionalism under pressure, and valuable assistance provided during prosecution.