DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Missouri

For Immediate Release

Friday, May 29, 2020
Jeffrey B. Jensen
, United States Attorney
Contact: Terri Dougherty

Two Brothers Indicted on Federal Firearm Charges

St. Louis, Missouri – Keith D. Thomas, 29, of St. Louis, and Leonard Thomas, 35, of St. Louis, were each indicted by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Both were previously charged by federal complaint and appeared in court on May 21, 2020 for their initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge David D. Noce.

According to court documents, in early February 2020, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information from a source that Keith Thomas, a Bureau of Prisons’ inmate, and his brother Leonard Thomas were attempting to purchase fully automatic firearms.  Keith and Leonard negotiated a deal to purchase multiple firearms and Glock switches from undercover ATFE agents in exchange for cash and methamphetamine.  Keith arranged a deal via telephone and Leonard met with agents.  Both were arrested and multiple firearms and drugs were seized.

If convicted, the charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or both.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Behrens is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.

Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

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Kansas City Field Division