Six law enforcement officers from local and federal agencies have been recognized for their work on two major investigations, receiving the 2025 Guardian of Justice Award at the 23rd Annual Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Training Seminar in Springfield, Missouri.
The recipients include FBI Special Agent Isaac McPheeters, honored for his investigation into a conspiracy by members of the self-styled 2nd American Militia to murder Border Patrol agents and immigrants. The plot was disrupted when one conspirator attempted to shoot FBI agents as they executed a search warrant before the planned attack at the United States–Mexico border.
ATF Special Agent Jerry Wine and ATF Task Force Officers David Schroeder (Greene County Sheriff’s Office), Justin Gargus (Christian County Sheriff’s Office), Eric Pinegar (Springfield Police Department), and Evan Nicholson (Springfield Police Department) were also recognized for their efforts to reduce violent gun crime and gang activity in Springfield, Missouri.
“I would like to congratulate and commend the agents and task force officers for their effort on these investigations. As a result of their hard work and dedication, these violent individuals are off the streets and citizens of the Western District are safer,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
Following a two-week jury trial in late 2024, Bryan C. Perry of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Jonathan S. O’Dell of Warsaw, Missouri, were convicted for conspiring to murder federal officers in 2022. They were also found guilty on multiple counts including attempted murder of FBI special agents, assault with a deadly weapon, using firearms during violent crimes, damaging federal property, illegal firearm possession, threatening injury, making false statements to federal agents, and escaping custody. Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2025.
Special Agent McPheeters coordinated with agencies across Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas throughout the investigation. After O’Dell escaped custody in October 2023, McPheeters worked with law enforcement statewide leading to O’Dell’s capture within two days.
“Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated and recognition of the work to stop these individuals from carrying out their planned attack is greatly appreciated. The FBI will do everything it can to ensure the safety and security of all law enforcement from danger,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus.
In another case beginning in November 2021, ATF investigated a series of shootings involving juveniles and young adults in Springfield neighborhoods. Using crime gun data along with social media analysis and police reports, investigators identified suspects linked to several homicides and drive-by shootings attributed primarily to gangs “F**k The Opps” (FTO) and “Only Da Brothers” (ODB). These investigations included various methods such as surveillance operations, firearm tracing through local crime labs and ATF divisions, close collaboration among agencies, reviewing licensee paperwork from gun dealers https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/what-federal-firearms-license-ffl , as well as extensive trial support.
As a result of these efforts by ATF and its partners https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/springfield-gang-leader-sentenced-illegal-firearm , multiple indictments were issued against gang members or associates—including FTO leaders Ezekiel King and Jardell Williams—who each received sentences of over six years in federal prison. Nine other gang members have been sentenced; additional cases remain pending. Authorities report that indictments coincided with a notable decrease in shooting incidents in Greene County.
“This case is the gold standard for what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement work side by side to confront violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. “By leveraging our collective resources through a task force, and utilizing crime gun intelligence tools such as NIBIN https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin , we delivered prison sentences for those violent gang members who threatened the safety of our communities and a significant reduction in crime.”
The Guardian of Justice Award is presented annually by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee during its training seminar to recognize investigative excellence among state/local officers as well as federal agents.
