Ali M. Summers Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois
A jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, has convicted a man from Cahokia Heights on several charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession. Demarkee D. Jimerson, 45, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft commented, "Armed drug dealers belong in federal prison. Demarkee Jimerson was a gun toting felon pedaling crack cocaine and methamphetamine, and he’s heading to federal prison, where he belongs." Weinhoeft also acknowledged the efforts of the attorneys and law enforcement professionals involved in the case.
The trial revealed that law enforcement conducted a search of Jimerson's residence in Cahokia Heights in July 2021, where they discovered approximately 88 grams of cocaine base and various drugs, alongside nine firearms and ammunition.
Michael Davis, the Drug Enforcement Administration's St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge, stated, "Drug traffickers rely on weapons, including firearms, to feel empowered. They inflict fear in communities while pushing poisonous products that destroy lives and hurt families. Demarkee Jimerson now faces several years in prison to reflect on his actions and the pain he has caused so many people around him."
Given prior felony drug distribution convictions, Jimerson was prohibited from legally possessing firearms. The charges against him could result in significant prison time, with potential sentences of up to 20 years for drug possession, and 10 years for the firearm offense, in addition to a mandatory five-year sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The investigation was led by the DEA, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karelia Rajagopal and Tom Leggans. Jimerson's sentencing is scheduled for August 27 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
