Federal authorities have announced a series of indictments resulting from Operation Brightside, with multiple individuals in mid-Missouri charged by a grand jury in Jefferson City on November 18, 2025.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the following individuals face charges of being in possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony: Thomas Adam Abbey, Jr., Paul Stewart Arnall, David Tyler Blair, Frank Cortez Bonaparte, Jordan Booker, Jaimonte Tremelle Cooper, James Elvaughn Hanton, Malachi Allen Hughes, Paul Allen Johnson, Quinton Marquez Miller, Leo Demarcus Roland, Tyrone Sabb, Justin Terrell Shelton, Terrell Maurice Sims, Damon Lashay Thompson (all from Columbia), and Timmy Ray Whittle of Lohman. If convicted on these charges, each could receive up to 15 years in prison.
Other indictments were also returned by the grand jury. Kenneth Ryan Williams and Asia Javone Shafer were both charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. They also face separate counts for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Williams is further alleged to have possessed a firearm following a prior felony conviction. Dexter Terrell Mason of Jefferson City was indicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that all charges are accusations at this stage and do not constitute evidence of guilt. “Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence,” stated the release.
Prosecution for these cases will be handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley S. Turner, Jim Lynn, Aaron M. Maness, Cecily L. Hicks, and Lauren E. Kummerer.
