Police arrest drug gang, more than a dozen gang members convicted

ST. LOUIS – Federal agents around St. Louis announced a coordinated effort Monday to disrupt a major human trafficking organization. Authorities say more than a dozen members of a south St. Louis gang called 55 Boyz have been convicted.

Items seized in the arrest include 20 guns, thousands of fentanyl capsules, more than $100,000 in cash, jewelry worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and two vehicles.

“We know that drug sales can have major impacts, including thefts, shootings and violence,” said Police Chief Robert Tracy. “This operation is just one example of how the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is working with federal partners and (and) U.S. attorneys to investigate organized crime.”

Police say Carlos Amons is still at large as ATF said a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Investigators showed paintings of who they called the “ring leaders,” including 27-year-old Davante Lindsey, who was sentenced to between 9 and 12 years in prison, along with 28-year-old Andre Pearson, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

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Authorities accuse Lindsey and Parson of aiding the 55 Boyz and other gangs, including Young Project Goons, Team Knockout, The Strip, Pressure Gang and Cave.

Co-conspirators used telephones to arrange drug sales, such as sending text messages advertising their illegal products.

“St. Louis is safer today because of the hard work of the St. Louis Police Department and our federal agents and partners,” Tracy added. “We have done everything we can to dismantle the 55 Boyz, a known violent street gang responsible for criminal activity. This type of organized crime has no place in the city of St. Louis or in our region.”

U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming says the two individuals were targets of drug-related shootings and violence.

“The multiple sentences in this case send a clear message to every member of a violent criminal organization: You will be investigated and held accountable for your violent actions,” said Bernard Hanses of the ATF.

Below is a list of those who were also convicted: