Regina Brand, dubbed the “Fraud Queen of St. Peters,” scammed $237K in pandemic aid through fake leases and fraudulent PPP loans. Her schemes, involving falsified documents and inflated payrolls, highlight the vulnerabilities in relief programs. Now facing up to 20 years in prison, her case serves as a stark warning against exploiting public assistance.

St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: From Threats to Justice: How William McBroom-Stees Paid the Price for Interstate Stalking

Listen up close to a dark tale from the streets,
About a man named William McBroom-Stees.
Out in Springfield, Missouri, he plotted his game,
A heart full of ice and a mind lost to shame.
She packed up her bags, trying to break free,
From Illinois down to the Maine coastal sea.
But distance means nothing to a man on the prowl,
He picked up the phone with a dangerous growl.
Hundreds of calls ringing loud in the night,
Text after text meant to trigger the fright.
She drove toward the border, just seeking a home,
While he built a prison right out of his phone.
“Bring the kid back before the birthday hits cold,
Or a massive bloodbath is about to unfold.”
He challenged the cops, said to bring on the fight,
Leaving her trapped in the shadow of night.
Imagine the grip of that shivering fear,
When the voice that you dread is the only you hear.
A mother just trying to make a new start,
While a ghost from the past tries to rip it apart.
He dragged her through hell with a digital chain,
From the Missouri limits to Rockland, Maine.
But she wasn’t alone in this terrifying trap,
The law took a look at the stalking road map.
Knox County sheriffs and the federal crew,
The FBI listened and knew what to do.
They tapped on the wire, caught the threats on the line,
Now he faces the judge and a heavy-weight fine.
Two hundred and fifty thousand to pay,
And five years in lockdown to count every day.
The interstate stalker finally met his defeat,
Now the mother and child can find peace on the street.
From heartbreaking losses to shocking crimes, these stories paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing our communities. Let’s hope for justice, healing, and a safer tomorrow.
Why The St. Louis Crime Chime Matters

St. Louis Crime Chime: Partnering for a Safer Community
The St. Louis Crime Chime is evolving into a mission-driven organization dedicated to partnering with local public safety agencies and community-focused media, such as The Evening Whirl and Real STL News, to shine a light on social and violence-related issues. Our goal is to provide resources that support both victims and perpetrators of traumatic events, fostering healing and prevention within our community.
Through its St. Louis Crime Chime section. This essential platform empowers residents by highlighting emerging threats and safety concerns, encouraging vigilance and informed decision-making. Beyond reporting, it holds individuals and institutions accountable by keeping arrests and legal proceedings in the public eye, promoting transparency and urging neighbors to protect and support one another.
While the headlines often confront difficult truths, they also serve as a rallying cry for action. By staying informed through reliable sources and official police data, residents can move beyond fear and take an active role in prevention and community-building efforts. Together, we can transform awareness into meaningful change, helping St. Louis write a safer, more hopeful chapter for all.
What You Can Do
- Get Mental Health resources help for you and your family
- For daily updates, check the SLMPD Crime and Investigations page.
- For anonymous tips to the St. Louis police, use the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for free and confidential support. We provide free & confidential support to people in crisis for any reason, 24 hours a day.
- StopBullying.gov: Offers resources and help lines, including options for youth and veterans (Dial 988 then press 1).
- Protect our children: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can.htm
Stay tuned, stay safe, and remember: “If it’s crime you seek, we’ve got the streak
#InterstateStalking #JusticeServed #CrimeAwareness
