A St. Louis man, Christopher Glen Rhodes, has been convicted of drug and gun crimes that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. The U.S. District Court found Rhodes, 47, guilty on several charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
During the trial, evidence showed that Rhodes supplied methamphetamine which was sold to a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This source had previously bought meth and fentanyl from Demetrius A. Ransom, Rhodes' co-defendant. On two occasions in late 2022, Ransom sold large quantities of meth provided by Rhodes for $2,000 each time.
In December 2022, authorities planned a search of Rhodes’ residence but instead observed him leaving the premises. After a failed traffic stop attempt where Rhodes fled the scene, investigators found substantial amounts of drugs at his home along with cash and firearms. The discovery included 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl, nearly one kilogram of cocaine, and other paraphernalia.
Rhodes' criminal history includes a previous conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in 2002 for which he served time as a career offender until his sentence was commuted in 2016.
Sentencing for Rhodes is set for November 25 where he faces at least two decades behind bars due to his past offenses and involvement in this case.
Ransom pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy charges related to controlled substances distribution and awaits sentencing on October 9; he faces no less than fifteen years imprisonment.
The DEA led the investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torrie J. Schneider and Don Boyce are handling prosecution duties.
