EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. district judge sentenced an East St. Louis woman to 11 years’ imprisonment after she used a stolen firearm to threaten a victim.

Cierra S. Whitley, 36, pleaded guilty in January to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Following her term of imprisonment, she will serve three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) investigated a double homicide that occurred in East St. Louis between Aug. 11-12, 2023. During that investigation, they seized a 9mm firearm that was used to kill both victims. During police interviews, Whitley admitted to possessing the firearm as a convicted felon and brandishing it to threaten one of the victims.

“PSEG’s double homicide investigation led to Cierra Whitley’s conviction for possessing the stolen firearm that was used to murder two people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Her 11-year sentence rightly punishes her for this violent crime and demonstrates our ongoing battle against criminals who endanger our communities.”

"This 11-year sentence of a convicted felon found guilty once again of breaking the law is evidence of ISP's commitment to making communities safer," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.  "ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to reduce and prevent crime, while holding those who break the law accountable."

“A convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm- and brazenly brandishing it- are a danger to the community. Such individuals and acts need to be dealt with swiftly,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Amon.” Through great partnerships with ISP and the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois, Cierra Whitley and others like her who challenge the rule of law, will be held accountable for their actions.”

Whitley was previously convicted of a felony and therefore unable to legally possess firearms.

Illinois State Police led the investigation, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.