A man from the St. Louis area has been arrested in connection with methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution, following an FBI operation in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Albert James, 47, was indicted on Wednesday by a U.S. District Court in St. Louis for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He entered a not guilty plea on Friday.
The indictment alleges that James conspired with others in 2021 to distribute over 500 grams of meth and 400 grams of fentanyl. It also seeks the forfeiture of $18,920 in cash linked to the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards highlighted that the charges stemmed from a traffic stop in Oklahoma where James was found with significant quantities of meth and fentanyl.
“This is part of a larger ongoing investigation,” stated Chris Crocker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Perpetrators should not underestimate the FBI’s expertise, resources, and tenacity to dismantle criminal networks.”
Each charge against James carries a potential prison sentence ranging from at least 10 years to life imprisonment.
It is important to note that charges presented in an indictment are accusations and do not serve as proof of guilt; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation involved both the FBI and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards.
