St. Louis, MO – Jessie Hampton, 26; and Malcom Johnson, 26, both of St. Louis City, pled guilty to one felony count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, resulting in murder. Hampton appeared today before United States District Judge E. Richard Webber. Johnson pled guilty on August 11, 2017. The sentencings have been set for November 8, 2017.

 

According to court documents, during 2012, Hampton and Johnson were engaged in drug trafficking. In the early morning hours of July 15, 2012, Hampton, Johnson and two others robbed Scipio Vaughn. During the course of the robbery, Hampton shot and killed Vaughn.

 

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, resulting in murder carries a penalty of life in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Bird is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.