The U.S. Department of Justice says a multi-agency sweep in the Columbia area—called Operation Brightside—led to federal indictments targeting suspects in violent crime cases with active warrants.
A grand jury in Jefferson City indicted 16 people for being felons in possession of firearms,

Thomas Adam Abbey, Jr., 38, of Columbia
Paul Stewart Arnall, 35, of Columbia
David Tyler Blair, 27, of Columbia
Frank Cortez Bonaparte, 44, of Columbia
Jordan Booker, 31, of Jefferson City
Jaimonte Tremelle Cooper, 34, of Columbia
James Elvaughn Hanton, 45, of Columbia
Malachi Allen Hughes, 21, of Columbia
Paul Allen Johnson, 58, of Columbia
Quinton Marquez Miller, 27, of Columbia
Leo Demarcus Roland, 34, of Columbia
Tyrone Sabb, 49, of Columbia
Justin Terrell Shelton, 31, of Columbia
Terrell Maurice Sims, 29, of Columbia
Damon Lashay Thompson, 25, of Columbia
Timmy Ray Whittle, 69, of Lohman

If convicted, these individuals will face up to 15 years’ imprisonment,

Prosecutors say several others face drug trafficking counts, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and separate cocaine and firearm charges.

Kenneth Ryan Williams, 41, and Asia Javone Shafer, 24, were both charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as separate counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Williams is also alleged to have possessed a firearm after a prior felony conviction.

Dexter Terrell Mason, 45, of Jefferson City, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Officials say eight agencies teamed up for the operation, including Columbia Police, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the FBI.