Superseding Indictment Unsealed Against “The Strikers” Car Theft Ring

Overview of Charges and Criminal Activities

On [Date], a superseding indictment was unsealed charging ten individuals from St. Louis, Missouri, including Montez Moore, Duane Benson, Aniya Sheperd, and others, aged 19 to 24, with crimes related to their participation in “the Strikers,” a violent interstate stolen car ring. Charges include racketeering conspiracy, carjacking, robbery, and firearm offenses.

Criminal Enterprise Operations

Between September 2023 and March 2024, the Strikers engaged in a series of criminal acts across Missouri and Illinois, including:

• Car dealership burglaries
• Illegal interstate vehicle sales and thefts
• Shootings and violent crimes
• Carjacking and robbery

Impact on Communities and Businesses

The Strikers are alleged to have stolen approximately 50 vehicles, causing nearly $3 million in losses. Their actions endangered public safety and inflicted significant harm on local businesses, undermining community well-being and economic stability.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

This case highlights the commitment to SDG 16 by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and ensuring access to justice. The Justice Department’s efforts to dismantle violent criminal enterprises contribute to reducing crime and violence, thereby strengthening institutions and public trust.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

By targeting organized crime that threatens urban safety, the initiative supports SDG 11’s aim to make cities safe, resilient, and sustainable. Protecting communities from violent crime enhances quality of life and fosters social cohesion.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The disruption of illegal activities that cause economic losses aligns with SDG 8 by promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth. Preventing theft and violence helps safeguard legitimate businesses and employment opportunities.

Details of Criminal Acts and Law Enforcement Response

Modus Operandi of the Strikers

1. Burglary of dealerships, including a notable incident in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where seven high-end vehicles worth approximately $855,000 were stolen.
2. Use of gloves, dark clothing, and masks to conceal identities during crimes.
3. High-speed police chases exceeding 110 mph.
4. Breaking into police impound lots to reclaim stolen vehicles.
5. Concealing stolen vehicles by attaching out-of-state dealer plates and removing vehicle identification numbers.
6. Advertising stolen vehicles on social media at suspiciously low prices.

Example of Violent Crime

In one incident, defendants Benson and Moore carjacked and robbed a lottery machine technician at gunpoint in Cool Valley, Missouri, stealing his pickup truck after arriving in a stolen BMW.

Law Enforcement and Prosecution Efforts

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and St. Louis County Police Department are actively investigating the case.
• Prosecution is led by Trial Attorney Jared A. Hernandez and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj.
• The case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in St. Louis, a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.

Legal Consequences and Commitment to Justice

• Defendants face up to 20 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy.
• Additional sentences of up to 30 years for carjacking, robbery, and firearm use for certain defendants.
• Up to 10 additional years for possession of a machine gun.

The Justice Department emphasizes that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Conclusion

This case exemplifies a strong federal commitment to uphold the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting justice, protecting communities, and fostering economic stability through the dismantling of violent criminal enterprises. The ongoing collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies reflects a comprehensive approach to achieving safer, more resilient communities aligned with global development priorities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses violent crimes, racketeering, carjacking, robbery, and firearm offenses, all of which relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The violent crime spree and its impact on communities in Missouri and Illinois affect the safety and resilience of cities and communities.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article mentions nearly $3 million in losses to local businesses due to criminal activities, impacting economic growth and business sustainability.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 16
   • Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age (Indicator 16.1.1) – implied by references to violent crimes and shootings.
   • Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months (Indicator 16.1.3) – implied by the violent crime spree affecting communities.
   • Number of persons held in detention without charge or trial (Indicator 16.3.2) – related to prosecution and legal processes mentioned.
   • Amount of money seized from criminal enterprises and illicit financial flows (Indicator 16.4.1) – implied by the seizure of stolen vehicles and dismantling of criminal enterprises.
2. Indicators for SDG 11
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (Indicator 11.1.1) – indirectly related to community safety concerns.
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and persons affected by disaster per 100,000 people (Indicator 11.5.1) – implied by the impact of violent crime on community safety.
3. Indicators for SDG 8
   • Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex (Indicator 8.3.1) – implied by illegal sales and underground economy activities.
   • Gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate per capita (Indicator 8.1.1) – indirectly affected by losses to businesses due to crime.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: justice.gov