The Eastern District of Missouri, in collaboration with the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, has indicted ten individuals for their involvement in a racketeering conspiracy. The group, known as "the Strikers," is accused of stealing numerous cars from dealerships across eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
The indictment outlines that between the summer of 2023 and spring 2024, the Strikers targeted high-end vehicles such as Dodge SRT Scat models, Dodge Hellcats, Trackhawks, BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes-Benzes. They reportedly burglarized around 20 dealerships and stole approximately 50 cars valued at about $3 million. Detention motions indicate that they also took license plates and key fobs, causing further property damage. The stolen cars were often sold on social media for prices ranging from $500 to $10,000.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that the Strikers used these stolen vehicles to commit other crimes. Notably, two members allegedly shot at a hotel employee following car break-ins at a downtown St. Louis hotel in November 2023. In January 2024, Montez Moore and Duane Benson are accused of robbing and carjacking a lottery game technician at gunpoint in Cool Valley, Missouri.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Drake stated: “Thanks to the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, we were able to expand an existing indictment to hold more members of the Strikers responsible for a litany of violent crimes.”
Matthew Galeotti from the Justice Department's Criminal Division commented: “As alleged, the Strikers stole approximately 50 vehicles and caused nearly $3 million in loss while engaging in violent and dangerous mayhem across Missouri and Illinois.”
FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Jose A. Perez remarked on the effectiveness of using RICO statutes against interstate criminal enterprises: “This case demonstrates the power of the RICO statute to dismantle interstate criminal enterprises.”
Chris Crocker from the FBI St. Louis Division highlighted how vehicle theft impacts broader crime issues: "The repercussions of vehicle theft extend well beyond property loss."
The individuals charged include Montez Moore from Florissant; Duane Benson from St. Louis; Aniya Sheperd from St. Louis County; Brandon Irons; Allen Brown; Markaveon Jackson; Raynell Moore; Lavatrice McCully-Collins; Peontay Roddy; and Noah Hornburg.
Charges mentioned in an indictment are accusations that require proof before guilt is established in court.
The investigation involved various law enforcement agencies including local police departments and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj along with Trial Attorney Jared A. Hernandez.
This case forms part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative aimed at addressing violent crime through federal laws targeting gang-related activities.
