An Illinois woman was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison Monday for possessing a stolen firearm and threatening a victim, a weapon later implicated in a double homicide investigation.
Cierra S. Whitley, 36, of East St. Louis, Illinois, entered a guilty plea in January to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Upon her release, Whitley will serve an additional three years of supervised release.
The case against Whitley stemmed from an investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) into a double homicide that occurred in East St. Louis between August 11 and 12, 2023. During the course of that investigation, authorities seized a 9mm firearm identified as the weapon used to kill both victims.
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Court documents reveal that during police interviews, Whitley admitted to possessing the firearm despite her status as a convicted felon, and further acknowledged brandishing the weapon to threaten one of the victims. As a previously convicted felon, Whitley was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms.
“PSEG’s double homicide investigation led to Cierra Whitley’s conviction for possessing the stolen firearm that was used to murder two people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Her 11-year sentence rightly punishes her for this violent crime and demonstrates our ongoing battle against criminals who endanger our communities.”
“This 11-year sentence of a convicted felon found guilty once again of breaking the law is evidence of ISP’s commitment to making communities safer,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reduce and prevent crime, while holding those who break the law accountable.”
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Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the ATF Chicago Field Division, also commented on the dangers posed by individuals like Whitley. “A convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm- and brazenly brandishing it- are a danger to the community. Such individuals and acts need to be dealt with swiftly,” Amon stated. “Through great partnerships with ISP and the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois, Cierra Whitley and others like her who challenge the rule of law, will be held accountable for their actions.”
The investigation was led by the Illinois State Police, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.
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