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St. Louis, MO – Ten individuals have been indicted in a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy involving a series of violent crimes and high-value vehicle thefts across eastern Missouri and southern Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri announced.
Dubbed “the Strikers,” the group is accused of burglarizing nearly 20 auto dealerships between mid-2023 and early 2024, stealing approximately 50 vehicles—including luxury models such as Dodge Hellcats, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benz—valued at an estimated $3 million. The stolen vehicles were often sold via social media for between $500 and $10,000, far below market value. Additional property damage and theft of key fobs and license plates were also reported.
According to the superseding indictment, the Strikers used the stolen vehicles to commit a range of violent offenses. These include:
- Shooting at a hotel employee during a November 2023 break-in in downtown St. Louis
- Armed robbery and carjacking of a lottery technician in Cool Valley, Missouri, in January 2024
- Vehicle break-ins across multiple suburbs using stolen cars
Three members—Montez Moore, Duane Benson, and Aniya Sheperd—were initially indicted earlier this year. The updated indictment adds seven others: Brandon Irons, Allen Brown, Markaveon Jackson, Raynell Moore, Lavatrice McCully-Collins, Peontay Roddy, and Noah Hornburg. Charges include racketeering conspiracy, carjacking, robbery, and various firearm offenses.
Authorities emphasized the significance of the indictment:
“The Strikers caused nearly $3 million in losses while engaging in violent and dangerous mayhem,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division.
“This case demonstrates the power of the RICO statute to dismantle interstate criminal enterprises,” said FBI Assistant Director Jose A. Perez.
“Stolen vehicles are often used to facilitate violent crime. Targeting these rings is key to prevention,” added FBI St. Louis SAC Chris Crocker.
The case is part of the DOJ’s Violent Crime Initiative in St. Louis, aimed at dismantling criminal organizations contributing to the region’s violent crime. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj and Trial Attorney Jared A. Hernandez of the DOJ’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
