A California man and ten others have been indicted for their alleged roles in a large-scale cocaine distribution and money laundering conspiracy, according to U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus. The indictment was unsealed on July 9, following initial arrests.
Jimmy Abraham Majeau, 43, of Chino Hills, California, appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis and pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Three individuals from the St. Louis area—Michael Hunter, 63; Sonja Anne Orlando, 48; and Aaron Lamont Russell, 42—were also named in the indictment. Other defendants include Earl Banks, 33, of Detroit; Eric James Hernandez, 42; Marvell Brian Lloyd, 43; Juan Jose Mendoza, 55; Alexxis Marie Ramirez, 36; Jonathon Javon Ward, 44; and Andrew Watson, 65.
Prosecutors allege that Majeau made frequent trips to Mexico to obtain cocaine which he then transported across the United States using a commercial shipping company.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of assets believed connected to the alleged crimes. These include Majeau’s residence, a 2021 Lamborghini Urus vehicle, $235,000 in cash and eighteen pieces of diamond and gold jewelry such as watches, rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
“Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty,” stated the release.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the St. Louis County Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative that coordinates resources from agencies including the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods—with aims to disrupt drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
