A man and woman from Maryland Heights have been indicted on on charges that they conspired, along with nine others, to distribute cocaine and heroin for years.

According to the United States Department of Justice release, Rachelle Payne, 34, and Brice Fowler, Sr., 55—both of Maryland Heights—helped distribute the drugs as early as 2009 and continuing into 2012.

Other defendants expected to appear in federal court include:       

• Raymond Moore, 32, Florissant       
• Tajuan Wilson, 34, Dellwood      
• Darron Scott, 34, St. Louis      
• Christopher White, 42, Alton, IL       
• Otis Hughes, 37, Kinloch       
• Brian Cornell, 22, St. Louis    
• James Butler, 31, St. Louis        
• Curtis Hughes, 41, Kinloch        
• Vincent Balducci, 41, Florissant             

The applied charges carry a penalty of ten years to life in prison.                       

The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA and St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Becker is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.        

As is always the case, the release says, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilt