Men Arrested in Kirkwood on Drug, Weapon Charges

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Six people were recently arrested by Kirkwood Police Department officers, agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Marshalls Service after a recent indictment invovling the Eastern District of Missouri.

The indictment involved the alleged conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in and around the Meacham Park Neighborhood of the City of Kirkwood.

Those indicted were Chaz Alexander Baker, 32, Kirkwood, MO; Ervin J. Thompson, 28, Kirkwood, MO; Martez D. Jones, 39, Kirkwood, MO; Duan Drayton, 42, Kirkwood, MO; Marlowe Parsons, 38, Kirkwood, MO; and Kevin Ragland, 35, Richmond Heights, MO.

The indictment, issued on Feb. 8, overed thirty counts to include conspiracy to distribute in excess of 280 grams of crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; distribution of heroin; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes; and maintaining a drug involved premises. The indictment remained sealed until the arrest of the defendants this week.

If convicted, these charges carry maximum penalties up to life in prison. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

Kirkwood Police Chief Jack Plummer said the arrests were the result of a multi-department investigation lasting seven months.

"The investigation was focused on career criminals who have wreaked havoc on our citizens and our neighborhoods," Plummer said in a statement. "An investigation of this scope depends on the commitment of federal agencies and DEA Special Agent in Charge James Shroba’s support has been critical to the success of this investigation.”

The case was investigated by officers with the Kirkwood Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and officers of the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department.