EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Illinois, Southern), published as received.
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Lamondra Beckley, 43, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty
today to
possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a
drug trafficking offense, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Beckley has
been under federal indictment since April 6.
As part of his guilty plea, Beckley admitted that on March 11, 2021, he possessed approximately 114
grams of methamphetamine, which he intended to sell to a customer at a gas station
in Fairview Heights, Illinois, before being arrested by DEA agents. At the time of his arrest,
Beckley also possessed a Taurus Model 709 Slim handgun. Beckley has a prior felony conviction that
prohibits him from lawfully possessing a firearm.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 10 at 10:00 a.m. in East St. Louis. Under federal law, Beckley
faces at least 5 years imprisonment. United States District Judge David W. Dugan will determine any
sentence after considering the federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Beckley is one of two co-defendants named in the indictment. The other man – Deandre Young, 42, of
St. Louis – is charged with aiding and abetting Beckley in the possession of methamphetamine with
intent to distribute and with possessing a Beretta Model .25 Panther handgun in furtherance of the
offense. Young’s trial is scheduled for October 4. Members of the public are reminded
that an indictment is merely a formal charge, and all criminal defendants are presumed innocent
until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case against Beckley and Young is being investigated by the DEA in Fairview Heights.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak is prosecuting the case.
