On Tuesday, Walter C. Moore, a 19-year-old from St. Louis County, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including drug robbery and carjacking. These charges also include possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
On April 25, 2024, Moore used Facebook to arrange a purchase of Oxycodone worth $900. When the seller arrived in a 2014 Mazda6 and invited him into the car, Moore revealed a handgun, seized the pills, and forced the seller to leave. He fled in the stolen vehicle, but St. Louis County police later located him near Chambers Road, where he attempted to escape. During the escape, Moore discarded a Glock handgun with an illegal "switch" that turned it into an automatic weapon, along with an extended magazine and laser sight. Photos on Moore's phone confirmed his possession of the weapon, and his prior convictions barred him from owning firearms, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Moore’s sentencing is scheduled for May 6 after he pleaded guilty, with both sides recommending a 15-year prison term. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime. The scheme ultimately aims to measure the results of its strategic enforcement priorities. The investigation was led by the St. Louis County Police and FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone handling the prosecution, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
