SIKESTON, Mo. -- 19 people were arrested following a criminal investigation stemming from multiple incidents over the last several years out of Sikeston.
The Sikeston Department of Public Safety (DPS) stated their officers, along with other law enforcement agencies, served multiple criminal arrest warrants on February 15, as part of an investigation.
25 individuals were indicted late last year by a Scott County Jury, as part of criminal street gang activities, Sikeston DPS said.
The warrant round up on the morning of February 15, was labeled "Operation Knot My Valentine". Sikeston DPS said suspected members of the "Knotboys" or "WYHA" street gang were arrested.
Sikeston DPS stated this was all part of a lengthy investigation, spanned over the past three years, where the suspects were alleged to have been involved in criminal incidents, including shootings and reports of shots fired which were tied to the "Knotboys".
Police said 19 of the 25 indictments resulted in arrests and are being held on $100,000 cash only bails at the Scott County Jail.
Those arrested are: Joe Alexander Jr., Ja’Melvion Banks, Jaden Blackmon, Kevontae Boone, Michael Coaker Jr., Demadre Davis, Zakobian Jackson, Deonundre Johnson, Jamarius Johnson, Decalan Little, Tyrone McClinton Jr., Latreyveon McCray, Trevion Moore, Jason Moore II, Kanye Parker, Rasheid Parker, Tayshaun Price-Lane, Paul Safford, and Cordaius Webb.
Sikeston DPS said Jamarius Johnson, Latreyveon McCray and another individual are facing additional charges in relation to a fraud investigation.
Additional arrests are pending.
Assisting in the investigation is the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri National Guard, New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, South Scott County EMS, ATF, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service.
