Show-Me State Times

A federal indictment has charged eleven individuals, including a man from California and three residents of the St. Louis area, with participating in a large-scale cocaine distribution conspiracy. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus.

Jimmy Abraham Majeau, 43, of Chino Hills, California, appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis and pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The indictment was originally filed on May 28, 2025, and unsealed on July 9 when arrests began. Local defendants include Michael Hunter, 63; Sonja Anne Orlando, 48; and Aaron Lamont Russell, 42.

Prosecutors allege that Majeau frequently traveled to Mexico to obtain cocaine which he then transported across the United States using a commercial shipping company.

Other individuals indicted are Earl Banks of Detroit; Eric James Hernandez; Marvell Brian Lloyd; Juan Jose Mendoza; Alexxis Marie Ramirez; Jonathon Javon Ward; and Andrew Watson.

Authorities are seeking forfeiture of assets believed connected to the alleged crimes. These include Majeau’s residence, a 2021 Lamborghini Urus vehicle, $235,000 in cash, and eighteen pieces of diamond and gold jewelry such as watches, rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Officials emphasized that “Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the St. Louis County Police Department.

This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative designed by the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration issues while targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts from programs like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.