Crossword Genius

Star-led group - but not in the East! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

posse

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'star-led group' is the definition.
'posse' can be an answer for 'group'. I'm not sure about the 'star-led' bit.

'not in the east' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'east' could be 'e' ('E' can be a synonym of 'east') and 'e' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'poss' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for posse that I've seen before include "Band supporting sheriff" , "Law-enforcers" , "Group of sheriff's men" , "Body of constables" , "Sheriff's assistants" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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