Show-Me State Times

Seven people connected to a south St. Louis drug gang have pleaded guilty to various drug and firearm offenses, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Tom Albus.

Michelle Harris, 47, admitted in court on Tuesday to maintaining a premises for drug activity. The six other defendants had already entered guilty pleas and are set for sentencing within the next three months.

Talito “Scoot” Amos, 32, of Beverly Hills, Missouri, pleaded guilty on August 6 to four felony charges: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He acknowledged his role in selling fentanyl and methamphetamine as part of the “55 Boyz” organization. According to prosecutors, he also sourced drugs for the group, directed buyers where to go via calls or texts, sold directly—including sales to an undercover officer—and instructed others involved in the conspiracy.

Authorities said that on January 23, 2024—shortly after Talito Amos sold an undercover ATF agent over 300 capsules containing fentanyl and offered more methamphetamine—a search was conducted at a residence on Castilon Avenue in St. Louis County. Present were Talito Amos, Norey Amos and Jayvaughn Taylor along with nearly 1,200 capsules containing fentanyl, an AK-style pistol, methamphetamine supplies including a pill press and digital scales, fentanyl powder and a drug ledger. Investigators found that Talito Amos had the phone used by the organization for customer communication as well as more than $1,900 in cash. A separate search at another residence linked to him uncovered parts of an AR-style rifle and additional fentanyl capsules.

Fifteen other members or associates of the "55 Boyz" were sentenced last year in another case involving significant distribution of fentanyl throughout south St. Louis.

Carlos “Los Bandz” Amos, 28, pleaded guilty on August 11 without any plea agreement to conspiracy charges related to distributing fentanyl as well as possessing large quantities of both methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute.

Xavier Amos admitted guilt on September 25 for conspiracy charges involving distribution of fentanyl; he described acting as driver for others involved in the operation while also handling communications from users and making sales himself. Norey Amos pleaded guilty earlier this year after police observed him discarding over 150 capsules containing fentanyl during pursuit. John Ford admitted guilt last month regarding conspiracy charges tied both to distributing fentanyl and possessing over fifty grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. Jayvaughn Taylor entered his plea in July regarding similar distribution-related offenses involving both drugs.

According to authorities: Taylor; Talito; Xavier; and Norey Amos are half-brothers; Carlos is their cousin; Michelle Harris is mother both Taylor and Talito.

The investigation was led by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department together with agents from Bureau Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting these cases.

Officials note that this prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which coordinates law enforcement efforts across agencies aimed at reducing violent crime including gun violence within local communities.