News Summary
Demetrius Combs, a former assistant baseball coach at Cahokia High School, has been indicted on federal drug charges, including the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Following his arrest on September 25, 2023, evidence found at his home included firearms and a significant amount of illegal drugs. The Cahokia School District is grappling with the repercussions of this shocking betrayal, as the community questions the integrity of those in trusted positions. The ongoing legal case has left many villagers and former students in disbelief.
Cahokia High School Baseball Coach Indicted on Federal Drug Charges
In a shocking turn of events for the small community of Cahokia, Illinois, it has been revealed that Demetrius Combs, a 33-year-old former assistant baseball coach and truancy officer at Cahokia High School, has found himself in serious legal trouble. Combs was indicted by the U.S. Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on multiple drug-related charges, sending ripples through the school and local residents alike.
Details of the Indictment
Combs was arrested on September 25, 2023, and is currently pleading not guilty to the charges against him. The indictment is no small matter, as it includes severe allegations concerning the possession and distribution of dangerous illegal substances, specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court documents, Combs allegedly sold these drugs to an undercover St. Louis County police officer on three separate occasions between June and August of this year.
What Was Found?
Authorities acted quickly, conducting a search of Combs’ residence shortly after his arrest. What they uncovered was alarming: multiple firearms, including one equipped with a “switch” that could convert it into a fully automatic weapon, two cell phones, nearly $4,000 in cash, a pill press, and, of course, a notable amount of fentanyl and meth, along with various drug paraphernalia. These findings paint a picture of someone deeply involved in the drug game, and it raises a lot of questions for his friends, colleagues, and former students.
Charges He Faces
Combs’ legal troubles are extensive, facing one count of distribution of fentanyl, two counts related to distribution of methamphetamine, as well as additional charges of possession with intent to distribute significant amounts of both drugs. To highlight the severity of the situation, he’s also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This multitude of charges puts him in a precarious situation, with hefty penalties potentially looming.
The Local Impact
In the days following Combs’ arrest, the Cahokia School District has been left reeling. Superintendent Curtis McCall Jr. disclosed that Combs had resigned from the district last year without providing any explanation, leaving his colleagues and the school community in a state of confusion regarding what transpired.
Interestingly enough, the Cahokia Comanches, the high school’s baseball team, have been struggling on the field for some time. From 2020 to 2025, they managed to win only five out of 68 games, which hopefully isn’t reflective of the influence Combs had during his coaching tenure. But with this scandal now surfacing, it’s impossible not to wonder how much deeper the issues might be within the program.
The Bigger Picture
As of the 2023-2024 school year, Cahokia High School is home to nearly 800 students. The community is undoubtedly impacted, and it raises concerns regarding the role of adults in positions of influence and trust. Children and teenagers look up to coaches and staff members, which makes situations like this especially troubling. How can the community recover from such a betrayal of trust?
With the case still ongoing and a plea of not guilty on the table, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings and what further details will emerge. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many communities face when individuals they trust to lead and guide fall from grace in such dramatic fashion. For now, Cahokia is left to grapple with the fallout of a shocking scandal that reached far beyond the baseball diamond.
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Additional Resources
- Belleville News-Democrat
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- MSN News
- Google Search: Demetrius Combs
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: Demetrius Combs
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- The St. Louis American
- Google News: Cahokia High School