Middle District of Alabama
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Auburn Man Sentenced to more than 24 Years in Federal Prison for Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material on the Dark WebRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On January 15, 2026, a federal judge sentenced a Lee County man to 292 months in prison for conspiracy to advertise child sexual abuse material. There is no parole in the federal system. Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson made the announcement.
According to court records, from July 2023 through September 2024, 49-year-old Jacob Parker, of Auburn, Alabama, was involved with a website located on the dark web that was dedicated to the uploading and sharing of child sexual abuse material. Parker specifically admitted in his plea agreement that, during that time, he made more than 500 posts, including numerous posts that contained links to images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Parker also admitted to serving as a moderator on the website. When law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at his Auburn residence, they seized multiple devices that contained thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
Parker received the 292-month sentence after pleading guilty to the conspiracy charge in September 2025. At the sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Parker serve a term of supervised release for 10 years following his prison sentence and pay $32,500 in restitution to the known victims in the case. Parker will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI Mobile Field Office, FBI’s Child Exploitation Operations Unit, and Auburn Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Tara S. Ratz and J. Patrick Lamb from the Middle District of Alabama and Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds from the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Federal Sentences Imposed in Montgomery Business RobberyRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones with the FBI Mobile Field Office announced today that two additional men have been sentenced in connection with the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business.
On January 13, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 51-year-old Spirit Hooks, of Birmingham, Alabama, to 175 months in federal prison. On the same date, Spencer Thomas, 68, of Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 144 months in prison. The ringleader and organizer of the robbery, 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes, was previously sentenced to 195 months in prison on October 23, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on March 10, 2025, Hooks, Thomas, and Sykes, along with alleged co-defendant Clinton Thompson, 55, forcibly entered the Montgomery business located on East South Street by shattering the front door with a rock. Once inside, the men confronted the business owner and forced him into an office containing a locked safe.
During the robbery, Thomas brandished what appeared to be a handgun, pointed it at the victim’s head, and demanded that the safe be opened. The gun was later determined to be a BB gun. When the owner struggled to recall the combination, Hooks became agitated and struck the victim in the left eye, causing visible bruising and swelling. The group ultimately accessed the safe and stole approximately $8,000 in cash.
Before fleeing the scene, the assailants zip-tied the victim’s hands and feet and stole his cell phone and car keys. They then used the stolen keys to escape in the victim’s vehicle.
Hooks, Thomas, and Sykes previously pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. The three were also ordered to pay $17,624.49 in restitution.
Charges of robbery and carjacking against Thompson remain pending, and his trial is scheduled for May 11, 2026. An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and Thompson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
“This was a calculated and violent robbery that left a hardworking business owner injured and traumatized,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “The defendants planned out their actions and used threats and violence to carry them out, completely disregarding the safety and well-being of the victim. These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offense and our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.”
"The dedication of the men and women in the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, ALEA, Montgomery Police Department, United States Attorney's Office and the FBI has culminated in a just result for our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “These lengthy sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes committed and our unwavering resolve to bringing justice to victims and local businesses alike. We are stronger when we work together to combat violent crime."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Montgomery Man Convicted of Multiple Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On December 18, 2025, a federal jury convicted 36-year-old Arsenio Hall, of Montgomery, Alabama, of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, a synthetic cannabinoid, and marijuana, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement began investigating suspected drug-trafficking activity in Montgomery County in late 2024. As part of that investigation, investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on December 4, 2024, at a residence in Montgomery.
During the search, law enforcement found more than three kilograms of 99-percent pure methamphetamine, over 200 grams of cocaine, approximately three pounds of marijuana, and 349 grams of a synthetic cannabinoid in a bedroom closet. Investigators collected other evidence linking Hall directly to the drugs, including fingerprints.
Hall was initially arrested on state charges. In July 2025, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Hall, with a fifth count added in November 2025. Following a three-day trial, the jury found Hall guilty on all five counts.
“This case reflects the strong collaboration between federal and local law enforcement here in the Middle District of Alabama,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “I am grateful to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their hard work and careful investigation, which helped bring this case to a successful conclusion.”
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. Hall faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Christopher P. Moore.
Newton, Alabama Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On December 11, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 41-year-old Shawn Patrick Douglas, who was residing in Newton, Alabama at the time of his arrest, to 300 months in prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court records show that Douglas was previously convicted in 2013 for possession of child sexual abuse material and received a 78-month federal prison sentence. After completing that sentence, Douglas was placed on supervised release for the remainder of his life as well as being required to register as a sex offender.
Despite those conditions, Douglas admits in his plea agreement that, in June of 2023, he engaged in an online chat requesting access to a child sexual abuse material production group. Douglas also admitted that during the online conversation, he sent a link to an account that contained an image of child sexual abuse material and that the image depicted a child under the age of 12 years.
Law enforcement quickly located Douglas after the June 2023 activity, and he was arrested. The United States Probation Office for the Middle District of Alabama filed a petition to revoke his supervised release. A federal grand jury also returned an indictment charging him with distribution of child sexual abuse material. Douglas pleaded guilty to the new charge on September 3, 2025. The 25-year prison sentence includes 23 years for the new offense and an additional two years for the supervised release revocation.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, New Jersey Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Tara S. Ratz and J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Federal Jury Convicts Dothan Man in Meth Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On December 4, 2025, a federal jury sitting in Dothan, Alabama, convicted 38-year-old Larenta Deshawn Dawkins of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement began investigating suspected drug trafficking activity in Houston County in July 2024. Investigators determined that Dawkins was receiving packages in Dothan that contained methamphetamine shipped from out of state. Further investigation revealed that Dawkins used a Dothan storage unit to store the drugs after receiving them.
During a search of the storage unit, investigators recovered two boxes containing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine and three bags of marijuana. Agents then obtained a search warrant for Dawkins’s residence, where they seized numerous items linking Dawkins to the storage unit.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. At that time, Dawkins will face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Dothan Police Department, the Eufaula Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Joel Feil.
Final Defendant Sentenced in Major Wiregrass Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer, with the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Division, announced the final sentencing in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that spanned Alabama’s Wiregrass region. On November 4, 2025, 45-year-old Terrell Edwards, of Ozark, Alabama, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Following his prison term, Edwards will serve three years of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records, in the spring of 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with multiple local law enforcement partners, launched an investigation into suspected drug trafficking by 46-year-old Terrance Edwards — Terrell Edwards’s brother — in Dale and Houston counties. Investigators determined that fifteen individuals, including the Edwards brothers, were involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into the Wiregrass for distribution. Twelve members of the organization were indicted in June 2024, and three additional members were indicted in August 2024.
During the investigation, agents identified Terrance Edwards, also of Ozark, as a major participant who played a significant leadership role within the conspiracy. On March 13, 2025, Terrance Edwards was sentenced to 408 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Other members of the conspiracy and their sentences include:
- Deondre Ferebee, 43, of Ozark, Alabama – 210 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Carlos Olivo Ynirio-Sanchez, 24, of the Dominican Republic – 168 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Anthony Williams, 46, of Ozark, Alabama – 156 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Michael Sanford, 54, of Brundidge, Alabama – 150 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Corey Jones, 39, of Midland City, Alabama – 144 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Frazier Franklin, 47, of Dothan, Alabama – 120 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Kevin McLeod, 48, of Enterprise, Alabama – 120 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Aaron Jiles, 46, of Ozark, Alabama – 84 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Cornelius Kilow, 48, of Ariton, Alabama – 84 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Kevon Green, 37, of Ozark, Alabama – 67 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Dontavia Barrow, 46, of Brundidge, Alabama – 60 months in prison; four years of supervised release
- Palmere Ritter, 39, of Dothan, Alabama – 44 months in prison; five years of supervised release
- Willie C. Matthews, 55, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida – 30 months in prison; three years of supervised release
“The Edwards brothers and their co-conspirators flooded the Wiregrass with illegal narcotics,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Their sentences reflect our commitment to protecting the people of this district from those who endanger our communities through drug trafficking.”
“This sentencing marks the successful conclusion of a significant investigation that has dismantled a major drug trafficking organization,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “For too long, these individuals poisoned our communities with large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The substantial sentences handed down send a clear message: the DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to aggressively pursuing and bringing to justice those who profit from drug distribution. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and health of the citizens in Alabama and across the New Orleans Division.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Eufaula Police Department, Dothan Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Dale County Sheriff’s Office, and Ozark Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Mark Andreu.
Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a member of the U.S. Army serving in Alabama for producing child sexual abuse material. On November 13, 2025, a federal judge ordered 36-year-old Sean Jeffery Childers, originally from Quincy, Florida, to serve 180 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Childers remain on supervised release for five years following his prison term and pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim in the case. Childers will also be required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to Childers’ plea agreement and other court records, in March 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) discovered the online upload of child sexual abuse materials in Alabama and notified the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). ALEA investigated and determined that the materials were being uploaded from a personal device connected to an individual serving in the U.S. Army and notified the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The investigation ultimately identified Childers as the source of the uploads.
A search warrant was executed at Childers’ residence in Opp, Alabama, where agents examined multiple electronic devices. Forensic analysis revealed numerous images of child sexual abuse materials stored on those devices. In his plea agreement, Childers admits to creating a video including a 12-year-old minor.
In 2024, a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama charged Childers with producing child sexual abuse material. Childers pleaded guilty to that charge on August 6, 2025.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigated this case, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz from the Middle District of Alabama and Acting Deputy Chief Kyle Reynolds from the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Alabama Men Convicted of Sex Trafficking Multiple Women and GirlsRead the Press Release
Defendants’ Extensive Sex Trafficking Enterprise Used Physical and Sexual Violence, Addictive Drugs, and Threats Against Victims’ Children to Coerce and Control Victims for Defendants’ Profit
WASHINGTON – Following a 4-day trial, a federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama convicted Kimani Jones, 32, also known as “Statik,” of Montgomery, Alabama, and Tremayne Lambert, 50, also known as “Bayrock,” of Montgomery, Alabama, on multiple charges of sex trafficking several victims. Specifically, the jury found that Jones compelled seven victims, including two minors, to commit commercial sex acts between August 2016 and November 2020. The jury also found that Jones transported and caused to be transported two victims, including one minor, across state lines for prostitution purposes. The jury found Lambert guilty of sex trafficking one victim between August 2017 and February 2018 and two other victims between July 2019 and November 2020. Three additional co-defendants previously pleaded guilty for their respective roles in the sex trafficking enterprise.
“The defendants targeted vulnerable women and girls before using physical and sexual violence, along with threats of violence against them and others, to create a climate of fear that terrified the victims,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and enforcing the federal human trafficking laws, and this prosecution is a testament to the courageous young women who detailed the coercive scheme these defendants perpetrated for years on scores of women and girls.”
“These defendants exploited the vulnerabilities of women and young girls for their own profit, showing complete disregard for human dignity,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. “Every victim deserves justice, and we will continue our efforts to ensure that those who prey on others are held accountable for their crimes.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Jones organized and led an extensive commercial sex operation. Jones rented hotel rooms where commercial sex acts occurred; provided food, clothing, and drugs to the victims; constructed advertisements for commercial sex that he then posted online to solicit customers; communicated with potential customers regarding the sex acts and prices involved for them; dictated in which cities the victims would live and engage in commercial sex acts, and set rules that he required the victims to follow, which included, for example, the minimal amount of money that they needed to earn per day. Jones did not have a lawful job during the years he ran his sex trafficking operation but instead subsisted off the earnings of the victims. Jones frequently flaunted the money that he made from the victims on social media.
The evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Jones used extensive violence against the victims and others in the victims’ presence. For instance, Jones grabbed one victim, who was a minor at the time, by the throat and dragged her for moving too slowly. Jones routinely struck women in the face, knocking out one victim’s teeth, breaking another’s jaw, and striking one so hard she urinated on herself. Jones also sexually assaulted the victims to assert his dominance and control over them, and threatened to hurt them and, in some instances, their family members, telling one victim that her son would not be able to play sports if his legs were broken. Jones, who has a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, also intimidated the victims by possessing, brandishing, and shooting firearms within the victims’ presence. He further manipulated the victims’ withdrawal from drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, to compel their continued commercial sex acts for his financial benefit.
Co-defendant Lambert, the biological father of Jones and who also has a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, facilitated his son’s coercive scheme by serving as a monitor of the victims and rule enforcer. Three other co-defendants previously pleaded guilty in connection with this case. Joseph Keon Bowe, 39, and Daryle Gardner, 32, each pleaded guilty to sex trafficking while Aleccia Scott, 29, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.
Both defendants face a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
DHS-HSI, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, WASHINGTON – Following a 4-day trial, a federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama convicted Kimani Jones, 32, also known as “Statik,” of Montgomery, Alabama, and Tremayne Lambert, 50, also known as “Bayrock,” of Montgomery, Alabama, on multiple charges of sex trafficking several victims. Specifically, the jury found that Jones compelled seven victims, including two minors, to commit commercial sex acts between August 2016 and November 2020. The jury also found that Jones transported and caused to be transported two victims, including one minor, across state lines for prostitution purposes. The jury found Lambert guilty of sex trafficking one victim between August 2017 and February 2018 and two other victims between July 2019 and November 2020. Three additional co-defendants previously pleaded guilty for their respective roles in the sex trafficking enterprise.
“The defendants targeted vulnerable women and girls before using physical and sexual violence, along with threats of violence against them and others, to create a climate of fear that terrified the victims,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and enforcing the federal human trafficking laws, and this prosecution is a testament to the courageous young women who detailed the coercive scheme these defendants perpetrated for years on scores of women and girls.”
“These defendants exploited the vulnerabilities of women and young girls for their own profit, showing complete disregard for human dignity,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. “Every victim deserves justice, and we will continue our efforts to ensure that those who prey on others are held accountable for their crimes.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Jones organized and led an extensive commercial sex operation. Jones rented hotel rooms where commercial sex acts occurred; provided food, clothing, and drugs to the victims; constructed advertisements for commercial sex that he then posted online to solicit customers; communicated with potential customers regarding the sex acts and prices involved for them; dictated in which cities the victims would live and engage in commercial sex acts, and set rules that he required the victims to follow, which included, for example, the minimal amount of money that they needed to earn per day. Jones did not have a lawful job during the years he ran his sex trafficking operation but instead subsisted off the earnings of the victims. Jones frequently flaunted the money that he made from the victims on social media.
The evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Jones used extensive violence against the victims and others in the victims’ presence. For instance, Jones grabbed one victim, who was a minor at the time, by the throat and dragged her for moving too slowly. Jones routinely struck women in the face, knocking out one victim’s teeth, breaking another’s jaw, and striking one so hard she urinated on herself. Jones also sexually assaulted the victims to assert his dominance and control over them, and threatened to hurt them and, in some instances, their family members, telling one victim that her son would not be able to play sports if his legs were broken. Jones, who has a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, also intimidated the victims by possessing, brandishing, and shooting firearms within the victims’ presence. He further manipulated the victims’ withdrawal from drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, to compel their continued commercial sex acts for his financial benefit.
Co-defendant Lambert, the biological father of Jones and who also has a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, facilitated his son’s coercive scheme by serving as a monitor of the victims and rule enforcer. Three other co-defendants previously pleaded guilty in connection with this case. Joseph Keon Bowe, 39, and Daryle Gardner, 32, each pleaded guilty to sex trafficking while Aleccia Scott, 29, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.
Both defendants face a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
DHS-HSI, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Ratz for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Kate Alexander of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.and the Montgomery Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Ratz for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Kate Alexander of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Greenville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a Greenville, Alabama, man has been sentenced to federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On September 23, 2025, a federal judge ordered that 41-year-old Undray Lamond Lowery serve 120 months in prison. Following his prison term, Lowery will serve three years of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records and police reports, on January 1, 2023, a Greenville patrol officer spotted a vehicle matching the description of one potentially linked to a shots-fired incident at a residence the night before. The officer recognized Lowery as the driver and was aware that Lowery had outstanding arrest warrants. After Lowery pulled into a parking lot and exited the vehicle, the officer placed him under arrest.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found a handgun. Because Lowery has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. On June 11, 2025, Lowery pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Greenville Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits prosecuted.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Selma Man Gets Federal Prison Time for Mail Theft and Destruction of a Letter BoxRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a Selma man has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for possessing stolen mail and destroying a U.S. Postal Service collection box.
On September 23, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 21-year-old J’Kwon Tyshi Williams to 30 months in prison. Following his prison term, Williams will serve two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 and $1,180 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and William’s plea agreement, during the early morning hours of November 9, 2023, the Millbrook Police Department responded to a report of individuals attempting to break into a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box located outside the Millbrook Post Office. Witnesses observed a car parked in front of the box with its hood raised and several people gathered around. When a patrol officer approached, the group jumped into the vehicle and sped away.
The driver, later identified as Williams, led officers on a high-speed chase, often exceeding 120 miles per hour and swerving into oncoming lanes. The pursuit continued from Elmore County to Dallas County, ending when Williams crashed into a light pole. Williams and his passengers then fled on foot.
Inside the vehicle, officers discovered items commonly known as burglary tools, including a reciprocating saw, tire iron, and pliers. In addition, officers found Williams’s wallet, numerous stolen checks, other stolen mail, check-writing paper, an ammunition magazine for a handgun, ammunition, and multiple ATM deposit receipts.
Although Williams and his associates failed to breach the Millbrook collection box, inspectors found it heavily damaged and determined it had to be replaced to protect the security of the mail. The replacement cost was $1,180.
On June 5, 2025, Williams pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of stolen mail and destruction of a letter box.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Millbrook Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits prosecuted.
Enterprise, Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy Involving Shipments from CaliforniaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that 35-year-old James Walker, of Enterprise, Alabama, has been sentenced to 43 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Walker pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced on September 16, 2025. Following his prison term, Walker will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and Walker’s plea agreement, the investigation began in March 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service began investigating a drug-trafficking network moving fentanyl from California to Alabama. Investigators determined that Walker conspired with others, including 33-year-old Shanarion Lee of La Mesa, California, and 32-year-old Hillary Lewis of Lemon Grove, California, to ship controlled substances to multiple addresses in the Middle District of Alabama.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, federal agents intercepted several packages containing counterfeit pills made to resemble oxycodone tablets. Laboratory testing confirmed that the pills contained fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. On June 4, 2025, Walker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Lee and Lewis also pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges earlier this year. Lee was previously sentenced to 46 months in prison, while Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2025.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Enterprise Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits prosecuted the case.
Second Man Pleads Guilty, Two Others Charged in Robbery of a Montgomery BusinessRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a second man has pleaded guilty, and two additional men have been charged, in connection with the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business.
On September 10, 2025, Spencer Thomas, 67, of Prattville, Alabama, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, a crime that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Previously, Zedekiah Sykes, 58, of Montgomery, Alabama, entered a guilty plea to the same charge. Sentencing hearings for both men will be scheduled in the coming months.
In addition, 51-year-old Spirit Hooks and 55-year-old Clinton Thompson, both of Birmingham, Alabama, have been charged as the third and fourth alleged accomplices in the robbery. An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
According to court records, on March 10, 2025, Sykes, Thomas, Hooks, and Thompson forced their way into the business, located on East South Street in Montgomery, by shattering the front door with a rock. Once inside, the men confronted the business owner and forced him into an office where a locked safe was located. One of the intruders displayed what appeared to be a handgun, later determined to be a BB gun, and demanded that the victim open the safe.
When the owner struggled to recall the combination, one of the robbers struck him in the left eye, causing visible bruising and swelling. The group ultimately accessed the safe and stole approximately $8,000 in cash. Before fleeing, they zip-tied the victim’s hands and feet and took his cell phone and car keys. The assailants then used the stolen keys to drive away in the victim’s vehicle.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Task Force investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Montgomery Man Sentenced to over Eight Years for $1 Million Fraud Scheme and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a Montgomery man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for orchestrating a mail and bank fraud scheme that caused over $1 million in losses, as well as for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
On August 20, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 29-year-old Joseph Robert Milford to 105 months in prison. Following his release, Milford will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and his plea agreements, from October 2021 through December 2023, Milford and co-conspirators solicited stolen checks from the mail using messaging apps and social media platforms. They then altered the checks to list co-conspirators as payees, often changing the check amounts as well. The altered checks were deposited into various bank accounts and the proceeds were quickly withdrawn or converted into debit cards. Investigators ultimately traced fraudulent transactions totaling $1,000,238.34.
Additionally, in July 2023, officers with the Montgomery Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Milford was driving and discovered three firearms inside. Because of a prior felony conviction, Milford is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On May 28, 2025, Milford pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud, five counts of bank fraud, five counts of mail fraud, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This sentence holds Joseph Milford accountable for a scheme that defrauded businesses and financial institutions of more than a million dollars, while also addressing his unlawful possession of firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Fraud schemes like this not only cause financial harm but also erode trust in our banking and mail systems. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue and prosecute those who engage in this type of criminal conduct.”
"A primary component of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure public trust in the mail,” said Shameka Jackson, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “When individuals challenge that mission, Postal Inspectors will aggressively investigate and remain steadfast in our resolve to seek justice to the end.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to anyone who thinks mail theft and check fraud will go unpunished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “Our special agents, along with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and maintain the public’s trust.”
“These efforts signify what can be accomplished when we work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Through this collaboration, we were able to remove another firearm from the hands of a prohibited offender and habitual violator of the law.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Montgomery Police Department, and the Auburn Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney John J. Geer, III prosecuted.
Montgomery Man Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Illegal Machinegun PossessionRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a Montgomery, Alabama man has been sentenced for unlawfully possessing a machinegun. On August 19, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 23-year-old Alazavia Devontae Berry to 30 months in prison. Following his prison term, Berry will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on September 8, 2024, members of the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit attempted to stop a vehicle in Montgomery after observing a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Berry, refused to stop and led officers on a high-speed chase through a residential area. Berry eventually abandoned the still-moving vehicle, which struck the exterior of a nearby residence, and tried to flee on foot. MACS agents quickly apprehended him and discovered a firearm fitted with a machinegun conversion device concealed in Berry’s clothing.
On April 11, 2025, Berry pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machinegun.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Montgomery Police Department investigated the case as part of the MACS Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits prosecuted this case.
Pike County Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a federal jury in Montgomery has convicted 52-year-old Jeffery Wayne Parker, of Troy, Alabama, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The jury returned its verdict on August 12, 2025.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on October 10, 2023, deputies with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office went to Parker’s residence to execute a search warrant. When law enforcement arrived, Parker quickly exited through the back door and began running but stopped when ordered to do so by deputies.
As law enforcement approached, they observed a handgun in a holster on Parker’s waist. A subsequent search of Parker’s vehicle, which was parked on the property, uncovered an additional 21 firearms stored in the trunk, including 14 shotguns and rifles, and seven handguns. Parker has prior felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Following this conviction, Parker faces a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Markovits and J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted.
Pennsylvania Woman Convicted in Million-Dollar Government Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, with the IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office, announced that a federal jury has convicted a York, Pennsylvania woman for her role in a conspiracy that defrauded the United States government of more than $1 million. On August 13, 2025, the jury found 44-year-old Queen Naja, also known as Renata Winifred Ince and Naja Talibah Zahir, guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in April 2021, Naja contacted 42-year-old Quentin Diego Sturgeon of Montgomery, Alabama, through social media with a proposed scheme to illicitly obtain funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The plan involved creating a legal trust, filing false documents with the IRS, and submitting a fraudulent check in order to trigger a payment to Sturgeon to which he was not entitled.
Testimony at trial detailed the coordinated efforts of the two co-conspirators. First, Sturgeon, as directed by Naja, created a trust naming himself as trustee. The two then submitted multiple fraudulent documents to the IRS falsely reporting tax payments from the trust. Naja also submitted a payment voucher accompanied by a bogus check. Once that was done, Sturgeon filed paperwork claiming the trust had made an overpayment and requested a refund. As a result of these combined false submissions, the IRS issued a U.S. Treasury check for $1,010,561.26.
Sturgeon pleaded guilty on November 25, 2024, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering. During his plea hearing, Sturgeon admitted to his role in the scheme and acknowledged using proceeds to purchase high-value personal items, including a Mercedes-Benz automobile.
Sentencing hearings for both defendants will be scheduled in the coming months. Naja and Sturgeon each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and an order of restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This conviction is the result of outstanding cooperation between federal prosecutors, IRS Criminal Investigation, and local law enforcement,” stated Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “This verdict should send a clear warning that if you defraud the United States government, you will be held accountable. Our office will continue to protect taxpayer dollars and pursue those who seek to steal from the public treasury.”
“The federal jury held Queen Naja accountable for their fraudulent methods to steal money from American taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Hardeman. “Criminal prosecution and lengthy prison terms await those who defraud the tax system. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are highly skilled at following the money to find those who defraud our tax system for personal gain.”
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated this case with assistance from the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan A. Kirkpatrick and Melanie E. Corbett are prosecuting the case.
Pike Road Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that Treneal De’Ron Beasley, 25, of Pike Road, Alabama, was sentenced on July 31, 2025, to 72 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a machinegun. In addition to his prison term, Beasley was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his release from custody. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on August 17, 2024, officers with the Montgomery Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call. The caller reported that her child’s father was attempting to force his way into her home. Upon arrival, officers heard an argument inside the residence and, upon entering the home, observed Beasley holding a handgun. He was immediately taken into custody and the firearm was seized.
Further examination revealed that the handgun was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch.” This device converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon, capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second with a single pull of the trigger. On March 26, 2025, Beasley pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun.
The Montgomery Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that, on July 31, 2025, Calvin Craig Griffin, 22, of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 81 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Following his prison term, Griffin will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on August 28, 2024, officers with the Montgomery Police Department were conducting patrols in the area of Eastern Boulevard and Carmichael Road when they observed an individual entering a hotel room carrying what appeared to be an AR-style pistol. Hotel management informed officers that they suspected illegal activity in that room and requested assistance in having the individuals removed from the property.
When officers entered the room, they identified the armed individual as Calvin Griffin. Inside, they recovered an AR-style pistol with an extended magazine containing 63 rounds of ammunition. Because of prior felony convictions, Griffin is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. Griffin pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on April 21, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, which includes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, ATF, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and MPD. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Geer III prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy Involving Shipments to AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that Shanarion Lee, 32, of La Mesa, California, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Lee pleaded guilty to the charge earlier this year and was sentenced on July 31, 2025. In addition to his prison term, the court ordered Lee to serve five years of supervised release following his release from custody. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and Lee’s plea agreement, the investigation began in March 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) began investigating a suspected drug-trafficking network transporting fentanyl from California to Alabama. Investigators determined that Lee conspired with others, including 32-year-old Hillary Lewis of Lemon Grove, California, and 35-year-old James Walker of Enterprise, Alabama, to ship illegal controlled substances to various addresses within the Middle District of Alabama.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, federal agents intercepted multiple packages containing pills designed to look like legitimate oxycodone tablets. Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Lee pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl on March 26, 2025.
Earlier this year, both Lewis and Walker entered guilty pleas to federal drug conspiracy charges for their roles in the operation. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for the coming months.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Enterprise Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits is prosecuting the case.
Auburn Man Charged with Federal Program Fraud Makes His Initial Appearance in CourtRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Friday, July 18, 2025, Cesar Campos-Reyes, 52, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Auburn, Alabama, made his initial appearance in federal court following his arrest earlier this week, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.
On July 15, 2025, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies executed search warrants at multiple properties associated with Campos-Reyes after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with four counts of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. These charges stem from an alleged scheme involving federal program fraud. In total, law enforcement searched 14 locations across six Alabama counties—Autauga, Baldwin, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lee, and Macon. Eight of the 14 locations were restaurants.
During today’s hearing, Campos-Reyes pleaded not guilty to all charges. A federal magistrate judge set the trial date for November 3, 2025, and scheduled a detention hearing for July 23, 2025, to determine whether Campos-Reyes will remain in custody pending trial. He is currently being held by the United States Marshals Service. If convicted on all counts, Campos-Reyes faces up to 30 years in federal prison and significant financial penalties. There is no parole in the federal system.
As part of Tuesday’s enforcement actions, three Mexican nationals—Luis Miguel Campos-Reyes, Isaac Fernandez-Lopez, and Marco Antonio Guzman—were also arrested and face federal charges. Luis Campos-Reyes and Fernandez-Lopez were each charged with harboring and unlawfully employing aliens, an offense punishable by up to one year in prison. Guzman was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. All three are scheduled for their initial appearances in court later this afternoon.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The July 15 operation and resulting charges are the culmination of a coordinated investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Additional support was provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Alabama Department of Corrections, United States Marshals Service, and the police departments of Auburn, Opelika, Prattville, and Wetumpka, as well as the Elmore, Lee, and Macon County Sheriff’s Offices.
Significant operational support was also provided by the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force, a joint enforcement initiative led by the FBI and HSI.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and John J. Geer III.
Auburn Man Charged with Federal Program FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An Auburn, Alabama man charged with federal crimes related to loans received through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is now in federal custody, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. On July 15, 2025, law enforcement conducted an operation to execute search warrants and locate 52-year-old Cesar Campos-Reyes, who was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. The United States District Court in Montgomery unsealed Campos-Reyes’s criminal indictment today. Campos-Reyes surrendered to federal authorities Tuesday evening.
Two sources of relief provided by the CARES Act are the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Both programs were intended to help eligible small businesses by giving them working capital to make regular payments for operating expenses such as payroll, rent or mortgage expenses, utilities, or business debt. The indictment alleges that Campos-Reyes made false representations when applying for multiple loans for various restaurants owned and operated by him and for using the proceeds for unauthorized purposes.
The charges are the result of a wide-ranging investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). This operation received significant support from the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force, which is a collaborative law enforcement unit including the FBI and HSI. Additional assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Alabama Department of Corrections, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Prattville Police Department, Wetumpka Police Department, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Marshals Service.
A criminal indictment or complaint is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted on all charges, Campos-Reyes faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison along with significant fines. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and John J. Geer, III.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court Following Robbery of a Montgomery Dry Cleaner BusinessRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that Zedekiah Sykes, 58, of Montgomery, Alabama, has pleaded guilty to his role in the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business. Sykes entered his guilty plea in federal court on July 3, 2025.
According to court records and Sykes’s plea agreement, on March 10, 2025, Sykes and three accomplices forced their way into the business, located on East South Street in Montgomery. The group shattered the front door with a rock to gain entry.
Once inside, the assailants confronted the business owner and forced him into an office that housed a locked safe. One of the individuals brandished what appeared to be a handgun—later determined to be a BB gun—and demanded the owner open the safe. When the owner hesitated, struggling to recall the combination, one of the assailants struck him in the left eye, causing visible bruising and swelling. The group eventually gained access to the safe and stole approximately $8,000 in cash.
The robbers then restrained the owner by zip-tying his hands and feet, then stole his cell phone and car keys. Sykes and the others fled the scene in the owner’s vehicle using the stolen keys.
Sykes pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, a federal offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months.
In a related development, on May 27, 2025, Spencer Thomas, 57, of Prattville, Alabama, was arrested and subsequently indicted for his involvement in the same robbery. An indictment is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Task Force investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that 33-year-old Taboris Ladale Mock, of Montgomery, Alabama, has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by a federal judge on July 1, 2025, following Mock’s guilty plea to two counts of unlawful firearm possession. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, at approximately 3:25 a.m. on September 28, 2024, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot of an establishment on Wetumpka Highway. Witnesses stated that they observed up to six individuals exchanging gunfire following an altercation.
Surveillance video recovered from the business showed Mock discharging a handgun toward a vehicle in the parking lot before fleeing the scene. Investigators later recovered 24 spent shell casings from the area.
Deputies also learned that a person inside the vehicle Mock fired upon had been transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim later succumbed to their injuries.
Later, on October 23, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Mock’s residence in Montgomery and recovered a 9mm handgun. Due to previous felony convictions, Mock is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. Mock pleaded guilty to both firearm possession charges on April 1, 2025.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Human Trafficking Conspiracy Spanning Florida Panhandle and Southern Alabama DismantledRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Kimberly Robinson Gandy, 47, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was found guilty on Wednesday afternoon, June 18, 2025, by a federal jury, of: Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; and Money Laundering. Her codefendant, Chad Cornelius Seymore, 49, of Dothan, Alabama, pled as charged, on Monday, June 9, 2025, immediately prior to the scheduled trial, to: Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; Receiving Benefits From Sex Trafficking; Interstate Travel In Aid of Racketeering; and Money Laundering. The guilty plea and verdict were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case, and the tenacious work of the federal prosecutors and support staff in my office, we have dismantled this sex trafficking conspiracy and obtained justice on behalf of its victims. My office is committed to fulfilling the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively prosecute those who prey upon and profit from human trafficking victims. This outcome is a testament to the outstanding collaborative work of the Capital City Human Trafficking Task Force.”
Court documents reflect that over a four-year period Seymore conspired with others to bond adult women out of county jail and then force them to commit commercial sex acts in Alabama and North Florida. Seymore recruited women suffering from drug addictions at hotels and through online advertisements. He threatened and physically abused his sex trafficking victims. Gandy conspired with Seymore to traffic women in Panama City Beach and Destin. They used online money exchange platforms to transfer funds received from commercial sex acts.
Sentencing for Chad Seymore is scheduled for August 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Kim Gandy will be sentenced on September 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The defendants will be sentenced at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Alan C. Winsor.
The convictions were the result of a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dothan, Alabama Police Department, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Panama City Police Department, with assistance from the United States Marshal’s Service, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Second Arrest Made Following Montgomery Dry Cleaner Business RobberyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the arrest of a second man in connection with the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery, Alabama dry-cleaning business. On May 22, 2025, a criminal complaint was filed in the United States District Court in Montgomery charging 57-year-old Spencer Thomas, a resident of Prattville, Alabama, with armed robbery and carjacking. Law enforcement arrested Thomas on May 27, 2025, after locating him in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thomas’s charging documents were unsealed late last week.
Thomas is the second individual charged in the case. Previously, 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes was also indicted on charges of armed robbery and carjacking.
The arrests follow a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Thomas is scheduled to be arraigned in Montgomery on June 17, 2025. Zedekiah Sykes’ trial is currently set for August 11, 2025.
A criminal complaint and indictment are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted on all charges, Thomas and Sykes each face up to 25 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys T. Paul Markovits and Brandon W. Bates.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mobile Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution and Maintaining a Drug PremisesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL - On May 29, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 41-year-old Corey Jeremaine Burroughs of Mobile, Alabama, to 195 months in prison following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as maintaining a drug premises. Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and DEA New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer made the announcement today. The judge also ordered Burroughs to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement began investigating the trafficking of contraband into multiple Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) facilities prior to 2023. Agents identified Burroughs—a former ADOC inmate—as a suspect.
On April 18, 2023, law enforcement stopped Burroughs shortly after he left a Montgomery residence. Officers found marijuana and “flakka,” an illegal controlled substance commonly smuggled into prisons. On April 19, 2023, law enforcement officers obtained and executed a search warrant at the Montgomery residence associated with Burroughs. Inside the residence, agents discovered multiple illegal controlled substances, including marijuana and methamphetamine located in a box on the kitchen counter, and vacuum-sealed bags containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. In total, investigators seized over a pound of methamphetamine.
The search also uncovered drug distribution tools, including a digital scale, a hydraulic compress, and vacuum sealing equipment. Other common prison contraband items such as wireless headphones and cell phones were also recovered. The residence appeared uninhabited and was being used solely for the storage and packaging of illegal narcotics and contraband for distribution.
“This case reflects our office’s continued commitment to disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities and correctional facilities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Mr. Burroughs exploited his knowledge of the prison system to further his criminal activity, and now he is being held accountable. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target those who jeopardize public safety through drug trafficking.”
“Thanks to the diligent work of our dedicated agents and partners, we’ve removed a significant number of illicit narcotics and dangerous contraband that was destined for Alabama prisons,” said Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “We will continue to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who profit from illicit drug activity.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Alabama Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorneys J. Patrick Lamb and Mark E. Andreu prosecuting.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison Following Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – On May 22, 2025, 29-year-old Corey Jarrod Wortham of Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentenced of 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his prison term, Wortham will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on November 24, 2024, law enforcement in Montgomery responded to a report of a sexual assault, in which the caller identified Corey Wortham as a potential suspect. Upon arrival, officers spotted Wortham in a vehicle, but he fled the scene and successfully evaded capture. Before losing sight of Wortham, officers observed what appeared to be an AR-style pistol in his possession. The firearm was later recovered.
Then, on December 18, 2024, agents with the Montgomery Area Crime Suppression (MACS) detail spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the earlier incident. When agents attempted a traffic stop, the driver of the car initially refused to pull over. Law enforcement ultimately had to block his vehicle to prevent another escape. Inside the vehicle, agents found Wortham and a handgun.
Due to prior felony convictions, Wortham is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on January 23, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by members of the MACS detail, which includes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted the case.
Montgomery Man Sentenced for Possessing Machinegun Conversion Device During Tuskegee University Shooting IncidentRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a Montgomery man who was present during a campus shooting at Tuskegee University has been sentenced in federal court. On May 20, 2025, 25-year-old Jaquez Kevon Myrick was sentenced to 24 months in prison for possession of a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device. Following his prison term, Myrick will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and the criminal complaint, on November 10, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to reports of a mass shooting in a parking lot on the campus of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. Upon arrival, officers encountered a large crowd and heard gunfire in the area. During the response, an officer observed Myrick moving through the parking lot with a firearm in his hand and detained him.
Upon inspection, agents determined that the handgun Myrick possessed was equipped with a machinegun conversion device—commonly referred to as a “switch.” When installed, such a device transforms a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon, capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second with a single pull of the trigger. Myrick pleaded guilty to possession of the device on January 29, 2025.
“This case is yet another example of the danger posed by illegal machinegun conversion devices,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “These devices turn handguns into weapons of war, with no place on our streets or campuses. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and hold offenders accountable.”
The investigation was conducted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Tuskegee University Police Department, City of Tuskegee Police Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted the case for the Middle District of Alabama.
Four Convicted in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy Spanning from Mexico to AlabamaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer, with the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Division, announced that four individuals have been convicted for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that transported cocaine from Mexico to Alabama. On May 19, 2025, a federal jury found the following individuals guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine: Jim Carter, Jr., 58, of Montgomery, Alabama; Francisco Lopez, 39, of Texas; Michael Evans, 53, of Montgomery, Alabama; and Bryce Johnson, 38, of Union Springs, Alabama. The jury convicted Carter and Lopez on an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a suspected drug trafficking network involving Carter in 2023. The investigation uncovered that Carter traveled to Texas and crossed the border into Mexico on multiple occasions to further the conspiracy. Couriers regularly transported cocaine from Texas to Alabama, delivering it to Carter. On June 10, 2024, agents seized six kilograms of cocaine during a delivery to Carter by Lopez.
The jury also heard evidence that Michael Evans—who was an Alabama State Trooper at the time—offered to wear his uniform and use his official patrol vehicle to facilitate drug transportation, in an attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. Carter and Lopez each face a statutory sentence of 10 years to life in prison. Evans and Johnson face up to 20 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Five other individuals previously pleaded guilty in connection with this investigation:
- Saundra Curry, 63, of Deatsville, Alabama, pleaded guilty on September 19, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. She faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Othello Howard, 29, of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty on February 3, 2025, to the same charge and also faces up to 20 years.
- Jimario Thompson, 37, of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He faces a maximum of 20 years.
- Raul Ramos Deleon, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025, to illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
- Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, 41, also a Mexican national, pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025, to illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. She also faces up to 20 years.
“This case is a clear reminder of the serious threat that drug trafficking poses to our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Cocaine and other illegal narcotics fuel violence, addiction, and instability in neighborhoods across Alabama and the nation. Our office remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle these networks and hold traffickers accountable, no matter where the drugs originate or how they move.”
“This investigation shows that no one is above the law – not even those sworn to uphold it,” said Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “Drug trafficking puts lives at risk and tears at the fabric of our communities. The DEA, working alongside our local law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting the people of Alabama by keeping dangerous drugs off the streets and ensuring accountability at every level. Our communities deserve safety, justice, and law enforcement they can trust.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with cooperation from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Other investigating agencies include the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Millbrook Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, and Prattville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Michelle R. Turner are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Montgomery Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm Charge Following High-Speed Vehicle Pursuit and Shooting IncidentRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a Montgomery man has been sentenced to prison following his conviction in federal court. On May 15, 2025, 38-year-old Lorenzo Anterrio Monta received a sentence of 180 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon completion of his 15-year prison term, Monta will serve three years of supervised release. As with all federal sentences, there is no parole.
According to court records, on March 21, 2024, officers with the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) identified a vehicle traveling near Eastdale Road and Atlanta Highway that had been reported stolen earlier that day. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and instead accelerated, initiating a high-speed pursuit.
During the chase, a passenger in the vehicle—later identified as Monta—leaned out of the car window and fired multiple shots toward the pursuing MPD patrol vehicle. The pursuit ended when the driver brought the vehicle to a stop, and both occupants, including Monta, fled on foot. Officers quickly apprehended both individuals in the surrounding area. When Monta was taken into custody, officers recovered a handgun from his pocket.
Monta has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On December 20, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Lorenzo Monta’s actions showed a complete disregard for public safety and law enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Firing a weapon during a high-speed pursuit placed countless lives at risk. The sentence imposed was the maximum allowed by statute and reflects the seriousness of the offense. Our office remains committed to holding armed, violent felons accountable and we will continue working with our local and federal partners to protect our communities from gun violence.”
This case was investigated by the Montgomery Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Eric M. Counts prosecuted the case.
East Point, Georgia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for CARES Act Unemployment FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – On May 13, 2025, a federal judge sentenced Brandon Cody Carter, 36, of East Point, Georgia, to 78 months in prison for his role in a scheme to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims under the expanded Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Mathew Broadhurst, of the Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Following his six-and-a-half-year term of imprisonment, Carter will serve three years on supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
Beginning in March 2020, the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act expanded access to unemployment insurance programs to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Alabama, eligible individuals could receive enhanced benefits through the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL).
According to court documents and Carter’s plea agreement, between March and September 2020, he conspired with others to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to ADOL. In doing so, Carter falsely claimed Alabama residency and used multiple aliases, submitting fictitious names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, and other fraudulent information. As a result of these false representations, ADOL issued substantial payments to Carter through unemployment insurance debit cards and direct deposits.
On January 23, 2025, Carter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. During the plea hearing, he admitted his actions led ADOL to disburse $818,304 in fraudulent claims. A restitution amount will be determined at a later date.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of defrauding programs intended to help those truly in need during a national crisis,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Brandon Carter exploited a system designed to provide relief to families facing unprecedented hardship. Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute pandemic-related fraud wherever it occurs.”
“Brandon Carter defrauded the Alabama Department of Labor by filing numerous false claims for unemployment insurance benefits to which he was not entitled. He enriched himself by diverting taxpayer funds from a program that was intended to assist unemployed American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Special Agent in Charge Broadhurst. “We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of these critical benefit programs.”
The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Alabama Department of Labor, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, Alabama Department of Transportation, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Phenix City Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Phenix City, Alabama man for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. On May 12, 2025, a federal judge ordered 46-year-old Corey Joseph Brand to serve 360 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Brand remain on supervised release for five years following his prison term and to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to Brand’s plea agreement and other court records, in September 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip about the online upload of child sexual abuse materials, including images of a nude young female, using a social media website. The user of the account claimed to be an active-duty soldier in Georgia. The tip was referred to the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), which ultimately identified Brand as the source of the uploads. The investigation revealed that Brand deceptively used another individual’s identity to establish the account. Brand formally served in the Army but had previously been discharged.
A search warrant was executed at Brand’s residence in Phenix City, where agents examined multiple electronic devices. Forensic analysis revealed numerous images of child sexual abuse materials stored on those devices along with evidence that the images had been distributed to others. Further investigation revealed that Brand had previously used a minor victim to produce child sexual abuse material.
In 2024, a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama charged Brand with producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Brand pleaded guilty to those charges on February 7, 2025.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case, with assistance from the Muscogee County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus, Georgia Police Department, the Phenix City, Alabama Police Department, the Auburn, Alabama Police Department, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting a Minor Across State Lines to Engaging in Sex ActsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a man for transporting a young girl from Alabama to Georgia to commit an act of child sexual abuse. On May 7, 2025, a federal judge ordered that 28-year-old Darvin Jerrell Williams, from Douglasville, Georgia, serve 240 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Williams remain on supervised release for five years following his 20-year prison term and to register as a sex offender. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, in December 2023, Williams established a relationship with a pre-teen girl in the Middle District of Alabama by communicating with her via text messages and a popular social media application. On multiple occasions, Williams communicated his desire to have a sexual relationship with her. Then, in January 2024, Williams traveled to Alabama to pick up the young girl and take her back to Georgia. The victim was reported missing the same day Williams picked her up and law enforcement immediately began searching for her. Law enforcement located the victim back in her hometown the next day.
In August of 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Williams for unlawfully transporting a minor across state lines and for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. On January 29, 2025, Williams pleaded guilty to the charges.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Tallassee Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted.
Final Sentencing Announced in Multi-State Mail and Bank Fraud Conspiracy Involving Postal WorkersRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the final sentencing in a wide-ranging conspiracy involving eight defendants convicted of wire, bank, and mail fraud. The convictions stem from an investigation into widespread mail theft and check fraud, which included the earlier prosecutions of two Montgomery-area postal workers.
On May 6, 2025, 25-year-old Hunter Hudson, Jr., also known as “Hunnid K,” from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 92 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire, bank, and mail fraud. Hudson was identified as a manager within the conspiracy and based on his conduct, caused an intended loss amount of more than $1.5 million. He was ordered to pay $987,883.50 in restitution and to forfeit $91,020.41.
The conspiracy, which took place between 2022 and 2024, involved the theft and alteration of checks that were then deposited into numerous fraudulent bank accounts. Part of the conspiracy was coordinated through a group chat titled “Fraud Academy,” as named by one of the conspirators.
The other individuals involved in the conspiracy previously received the following sentences:
- Brandon Michael Gage, 27, also from Montgomery, was sentenced to 135 months in prison. He was also identified as a manager within the conspiracy, with an intended loss amount exceeding $550,000. Gage was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $65,000 in restitution.
- Joey Payne, 26, a resident of Opelika, Alabama, received a sentence of 108 months in prison. Like Hudson and Gage, Payne was also a manager in the scheme with an intended loss amount over $550,000. He was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $101,556.97 in restitution.
- Reuben Kristian Brown, 26, another Montgomery resident, was sentenced to 87 months in prison. He acted as a manager in the conspiracy and had an intended loss amount of more than $1.5 million. Brown was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution.
- Keenan Rashaad Watson, 26, also from Montgomery, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A manager in the conspiracy, Watson was associated with an intended loss of over $550,000. He was fined $15,000.
- Kerry O’Shay Hawthorne, 26, another resident of Montgomery, received a sentence of 40 months in prison and was ordered to pay $49,008.95 in restitution.
- Ethan Alexander Brown, 23, a former bank teller from Montgomery, was sentenced to 34 months in prison. He was directly involved in depositing 61 altered checks worth more than $2 million. He was ordered to pay $973,692.05 in restitution to his employer.
- Destinie Janan James, 23, a resident of Auburn, Alabama, was sentenced to 22 months in prison. She was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $89,000 in restitution.
Although these sentences mark the conclusion of this indictment, the investigation is ongoing.
“This case demonstrates the serious consequences for those who exploit public institutions and financial systems for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Thanks to the dedication of our law enforcement partners, we were able to dismantle a complex criminal network and hold each participant accountable. We remain committed to pursuing those who defraud the public and threaten the integrity of our postal and banking systems.”
“These convictions are a testament to the dedication of the investigative and legal teams and should send a strong message to any employee who thinks of conspiring with others to steal mail and commit check fraud,” said Tammy Hull, Inspector General U.S. Postal Service. “Our special agents, working with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate these criminal activities, protecting the integrity of the Postal Service and the U.S. Mail.”
“The United States Postal Service is a vital and trusted institution,” said Timothy J. O’Malley, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Any attempt to exploit our postal or banking systems is a serious violation of the public’s trust. These actions will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the integrity of our postal and financial systems is essential and non-negotiable.”
“The sentencing in this case should serve notice to criminals that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from unlawful activity,” said Shameka Jackson, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Houston Division. “I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in bringing Hunter Hudson, Jr. and the other co-defendants to justice.”
This extensive investigation was led by the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuting the case.
Additional support was provided by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Prattville Police Department, Harris County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, Meriwether County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Troopers, Venice (FL) Police Department, and the Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
Rex, Georgia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that a Rex, Georgia man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. On May 6, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 40-year-old Johnques Wyndell Lupoe to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, in late 2022, the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) received information about a suspicious individual near the grounds of one of their facilities in Barbour County during the early morning hours. When officers arrived to investigate, they discovered a duffle bag containing multiple items classified as prison contraband, including a substance later confirmed to be methamphetamine. No individuals were located in the immediate vicinity at the time.
Later that morning, law enforcement officers encountered a man matching the suspect’s description at a nearby location. The individual, identified as Johnques Lupoe, admitted to being on the prison property earlier. Officers also discovered a handgun in his possession. Due to a prior felony conviction, Lupoe is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On January 30, 2025, Lupoe pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Alabama Department of Corrections (ALDOC) Law Enforcement Services Division, and the Barbour County, Alabama Sheriff’s Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted.
Bessemer Man Sentenced for Plotting the Murder of a Federal ProsecutorRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL – On May 2, 2025, a judge in the Northern District of Alabama ordered that 32-year-old Michael Roman Black, from Bessemer Alabama, serve over 52 years in prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama. The sentence includes 420 months for planning the shooting of a federal prosecutor, and 212 months for the initial drug and gun charges previously filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama. Following his prison sentence, Black will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that in February 2023, while Black was incarcerated in Hoover, Alabama on federal charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, he disclosed to a fellow inmate a plot to have a federal prosecutor assigned to his case shot and killed. Black detailed his intentions to enlist two associates outside of prison to carry out the shooting while the prosecutor was driving home in her car.
Upon learning of the threat, law enforcement verified its credibility and took swift action to disrupt the planned murder. During subsequent questioning by federal agents, Black attempted to conceal his involvement by providing false information. On September 12, 2024, a federal jury in Birmingham found Black guilty on charges of threatening to murder and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor, and for making false statements to a federal agent.
“Michael Black’s plot to target a federal prosecutor was not only an attempt to evade accountability for his crimes, but it was also a brazen act of vengeance,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Such conduct strikes at the heart of our judicial system and must be met with severe consequences. I commend the investigators and prosecutors whose swift actions protected a life and ensured justice was served.”
“The attempt to orchestrate violence against a federal prosecutor is a grave assault on public safety and the principles of justice we rely upon,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “The DEA remains unwavering in its commitment to stand alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office to safeguard those who dedicate themselves to upholding the rule of law.”
“After a thorough investigation, Michael Black is being held accountable for plotting to assassinate a federal prosecutor. Today's sentence makes clear that those actions will not be tolerated,” said Christopher DiMenna, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge, Birmingham Field Office. “The FBI's partnership with Hoover Police Department, Jefferson County's Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, and DEA were critical in bringing Black to justice. We will not stop our pursuit of criminals who threaten those who serve to uphold justice.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Hoover Police Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated and assisted on this case, with Criminal Division Chief John J. Geer, III from the Middle District of Alabama prosecuting.
Wedowee Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL. – On April 30, 2025, a federal judge sentenced Robert Aaron Sheppard, 33, of Wedowee, Alabama, to 108 months (9 years) in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse materials and multiple firearms violations, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his release, Sheppard will be subject to five years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, in May 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip about the online upload of child sexual abuse materials, including images of nude young females. The tip was referred to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Child Exploitation Unit, which identified Sheppard as the source of the uploads.
A search warrant was executed at Sheppard’s residence in Wedowee, where agents examined multiple electronic devices. Forensic analysis revealed numerous images of child sexual abuse materials stored on those devices.
In addition to the digital evidence, law enforcement officers discovered a handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device (MCD)—a component that turns a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon. Under federal law, MCDs are classified as machineguns regardless of whether they are installed. Officers also recovered an unmarked and unregistered silencer, which is illegal under federal firearms regulations.
On October 8, 2024, Sheppard pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse materials and to the possession of a machinegun and silencer.
This case was investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (ALEA-SBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from NCMEC. Assistant United States Attorneys Tara S. Ratz and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted the case.
Five Men Charged Following Largest Single Seizure of Machinegun Conversion Devices in the Middle District of AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that four men are facing federal charges in connection with the largest single seizure of machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) ever recorded in the Middle District of Alabama. A fifth individual is facing related state charges. Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor joined Davidson in the announcement.
Machinegun conversion devices are small, often easily concealed components that illegally convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. These devices are classified as machineguns under federal law, even if not installed on a firearm.
On April 23, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted 22-year-old Maceo Levar Edwards and 22-year-old Elliott Arjuna Turner, both of Montgomery, Alabama, charging them with the illegal possession of 53 machinegun conversion devices and the unlawful transfer of a federally regulated firearm. According to the indictment and other court records, the charges stem from an April 3, 2025, operation during which Edwards and Turner were allegedly found with the illegal devices after leaving a residence in Montgomery.
Later that day, agents made contact with 24-year-old Jemarion Fe’Qon Lausane at the same residence. Lausane was arrested on site and now faces federal charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On April 25, 2025, another individual connected to the investigation — 22-year-old Ke’Marcus Simmons of Selma, Alabama — was charged with the federal crime of illegal possession of a machinegun.
In a related development, Jalen Rodgers is facing state charges for the possession of machinegun conversion devices following the execution of a search warrant at his home in Repton, Alabama, on April 18, 2025. The search of Rodgers home was part of the investigation that began on April 3, 2025.
This investigation was led by the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, a multi-agency task force that includes personnel from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted on all charges, Edwards, Turner, and Simmons each face up to 10 years in federal prison. Lausane faces a sentence ranging from five years to life. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher P. Moore is prosecuting the four federal cases.
These federal prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Brewton Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Sending Death Threat to a South Alabama District AttorneyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama announced today that a Brewton, Alabama man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for sending a death threat to a district attorney in south Alabama.
On April 28, 2025, a federal judge in Mobile sentenced 54-year-old William Terry Holmes to 60 months in prison after Holmes pleaded guilty to mailing a threatening communication. The sentence, the maximum allowed under the federal statute, will run consecutively to the state prison term Holmes is currently serving with the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) on unrelated charges. There is no parole in the federal system. In addition to the prison sentence, Holmes was ordered to pay $26,185.70 in restitution.
According to court documents and Holmes’s plea agreement, the threat arose after a man that Holmes claimed to know was convicted of capital murder for the killing of a police officer. On March 19, 2024, Holmes, who was an inmate serving a state prison sentence with ADOC, sent a letter to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office, which prosecuted the capital murder case. The letter began, “I am personally writing you to inform you we know where you live,” and went on to identify Holmes as a member of a known white supremacist group. Holmes threatened that the district attorney, the district attorney’s family, and the judge involved in the case would suffer “a very horrible and painful death” in retaliation for the conviction and the pursuit of the death penalty against his alleged associate.
On March 22, 2024, agents interviewed Holmes. During the interview, Holmes admitted to writing the letter and claimed he had associates watching the district attorney, warning that the prosecutor had only hours to live. Security precautions had already been taken to protect the district attorney and his family. Holmes pleaded guilty to mailing the threatening communication on January 28, 2025.
“No one who serves the cause of justice, or the families of those who serve, should ever be threatened for doing their job,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. “Our system depends on the courage of prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers. Threats against them are attacks on the rule of law itself and cannot be tolerated.”
“There is no place in our justice system for threats of violence – especially leveled at officers of the court,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI is committed to ensuring those who serve justice can do so without fear and will hold offenders accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Mobile Field Office investigated this case, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb from the Middle District of Alabama prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Two Montgomery Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On April 10, 2025, a federal judge ordered that Jalen Lamarcus Gunn, a 21-year-old man from Montgomery, Alabama, serve 111 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery and firearm charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his prison sentence, Gunn will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, on April 27, 2024, Gunn entered a convenience store on Wares Ferry Road in Montgomery and leapt over the counter. Gunn then pointed a firearm at the clerk and demanded money from the register be placed in a plastic bag. Gunn then fled the store with approximately $3,000. Just two days later, on April 29th, Gunn robbed a convenience store on Perry Hill Road in a similar fashion, again pointing a handgun at the clerk and demanding money. This time, Gunn made away with $2,500 and multiple packs of cigarettes. During his November 8, 2024, plea hearing, Gunn pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a federal crime of violence.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Middle District of Alabama’s Violent Offender Intervention and Deterrence (VOID) program. Launched by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in March 2024, VOID aims to reduce violent crime by enhancing coordination, communication, and collaboration with law enforcement partners. The program focuses on working directly with local agencies—as well as traditional federal partners—to prosecute violent offenders and armed felons, dismantle drug trafficking organizations, and build proactive cases targeting gangs and repeat violent offenders. At its core, VOID prioritizes the most serious violent crime cases and fosters close working relationships with state and local prosecutors and law enforcement throughout the Montgomery River Region.
“Prosecuting individuals who endanger innocent lives through armed robbery and other violent crimes is the very reason my office started the VOID program,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Jalen Gunn traumatized his victims by threatening them with a gun pointed at their heads, an act of pure intimidation and violence. This prosecution should send a clear warning: if you choose to terrorize our communities with guns, you will be held accountable. I am grateful to our VOID partners for their unwavering commitment and collaboration in bringing this defendant to justice.”
“This type of behavior has to stop and the men and women of the FBI, along with our partners in law enforcement, are dedicated to tracking down the individuals who continuously victimize their own communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Rachel A. Byrd. “This sentence should send a clear message to those who refuse to obey the law.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorney Christopher P. Moore prosecuting.
Chinese National Charged with Escaping from FCI DanburyRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging XIAOQIN YAN, 31, a citizen of China, with escape from the custody of the Attorney General.
The indictment alleges that, on December 10, 2024, Yan escaped from the Federal Satellite Low facility at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury) where she was serving a federal prison sentence imposed in the Middle District of Alabama for arson and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
Yan was apprehended on December 10, 2024.
If convicted of the charge, Yan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Danbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Recovered at Scene of Shooting Where Four-Year-Old Was InjuredRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man for illegally possessing a firearm recovered at the scene of a shooting. On April 9, 2025, a judge ordered that 27-year-old Grenden James Jordan serve 174 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Following his 14-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Jordan will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and evidence presented at his January 2025 trial, on March 16, 2024, an officer with the Montgomery Police Department responded to the scene of a shooting on Atlanta Highway near the Eastern Boulevard overpass after hearing gun shots. Upon arrival, the officer saw three men walking away from a blue Dodge Challenger that was stopped in one of the lanes of traffic. One of the men, later identified as Grenden James Jordan, was observed by the officer throwing a firearm towards the side of the road. This was also captured on the officer’s dash cam video. The three men fled the scene.
Witnesses stated that the three men were occupants of the Dodge Challenger and had exchanged gunfire with a red sedan, which left the scene when law enforcement arrived. Numerous bullet holes were found on the Dodge Challenger. There was a third vehicle on the scene that had been caught in the crossfire and had gunshot damage as well. This vehicle was occupied by innocent bystanders including a mother, father, and four-year-old child. The child sustained injuries from broken glass caused by the gunshots and was treated.
Officers recovered an AR-style pistol from the area where the firearm had been thrown by Jordan, along with a high-capacity drum magazine with ammunition. During the trial, the jury saw a photo taken prior to March 16, 2024, showing Jordan posing with an AR-style pistol matching the one found on the scene of the shooting. Law enforcement found two additional firearms when searching Jordan’s residence in April of 2024. Jordan has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The jury found Jordan guilty earlier this year for illegally possessing the firearm recovered on March 16, 2024.
“This significant sentence not only reflects the need to ensure justice is served, but it also reflects the gravity of the danger posed by Grenden Jordan’s reckless behavior,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Violent crime has an enormous impact on communities and those that work and live within them, including our children. This case is a stark reminder of the harm that can be inflicted when individuals use guns to settle disputes without regard for the wellbeing of others. Montgomery is a safer place with Grenden Jordan off the streets.”
“This type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated and most especially by a previously convicted felon,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd. “FBI Mobile will continue to work alongside our state, local, and federal partners to bring justice to the victims of this senseless gun violence.”
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On April 9, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 43-year-old Waylon Blake Gilreath, Sr., from Williamson, Georgia, to 41 months in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his prison sentence, Gilreath will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and evidence presented during Gilreath’s trial last fall, on March 20, 2024, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at a Hope Hull, Alabama residence. Deputies arrived and found Gilreath sitting on the front porch of the residence. Responding officers were advised of a protection from abuse order prohibiting Gilreath from being on the property. Deputies placed Gilreath into custody based on that information. While making the arrest, deputies found that Gilreath had a handgun and knife on his person.
During a search of Gilreath’s vehicle, which was parked on the property, deputies found nine firearms — including handguns and AR-style firearms — numerous rounds of ammunition, several ammunition magazines, and two sets of body armor. Several of the magazines were high-capacity drum style magazines. In addition, deputies located four prescription medication bottles that contained two common substances that, when mixed, create an explosive material subject to federal regulation. Three of the containers were also found to contain metal shrapnel, which would enhance the destructive power of the mixture. On March 21, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Gilreath’s residence and found additional quantities of explosive mixture and shrapnel material, including assorted glass shards.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Christopher P. Moore prosecuted.
Tallassee, Alabama Woman Sentenced to Nine and a Half Years in Prison for Federal Program FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On April 2, 2025, a federal judge ordered that 34-year-old Michelle Denise McIntyre, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, receive a sentence of 114 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges related to grants received through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following her prison sentence, McIntyre will be on supervised release for three years. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), which was directly administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was established in March 2021 by the American Rescue Plan Act. The RRF was a financial assistance program designed to provide eligible restaurants with funding equal to their COVID-19 pandemic-related revenue losses. RRF recipients were not required to repay the funding as long as they used the funds for eligible expenses.
According to her plea agreement, McIntyre admitted that, in May of 2021, she applied for RRF grants falsely claiming she began operating a catering business on December 16, 2019. In the application, McIntyre included false receipts and documents purporting to show food orders for the business. McIntyre’s false representations in her application and in supporting documents caused the SBA to award her grants totaling $131,478.76. Court documents indicate McIntyre did not use the funds for eligible expenses. Instead, McIntyre used the illegal proceeds to purchase a vehicle, among other unauthorized personal expenses.
According to court records and statements made during her sentencing hearing, McIntyre was also responsible for fraudulently applying for Paycheck Protection Program Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advances, and additional RRF money on behalf of herself and others. All of these funds were intended to help struggling small businesses amidst the COVID-19 disaster. McIntyre operated a business where she charged up-front fees to file pandemic relief applications on others’ behalf, regardless of their eligibility. If an application was successful, she required her clients to pay her a portion of the money they received. All told, McIntyre caused losses to the Small Business Administration exceeding $700,000; and if all of her false applications had been funded, the SBA would have suffered additional losses exceeding $14 million. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
“Fraud committed against federal programs is fraud against the American taxpayer,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “I commend the investigative agencies for their diligent work in this case. My office will continue to do its part in prosecuting those who seek easy profit at the expense of every hard-working United States citizen.”
“Exploiting SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund and COVID relief programs for personal gain is a serious offense that diverts critical resources away from legitimate small businesses in need,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“Five years after the enactment of the CARES Act, individuals who defrauded the programs intended to help Americans are still being held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who defrauded the programs under the CARES Act.”
The Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, U.S. Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Megan A. Kirkpatrick prosecuted.
Man Facing Federal Charges Following Montgomery Dry Cleaner Business RobberyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – A Montgomery, Alabama man has been charged with federal crimes for his alleged role in the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. On March 26, 2025, law enforcement arrested 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes, on charges of armed robbery, carjacking, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a federal crime of violence. The United States District Court in Montgomery unsealed Sykes’ criminal complaint today.
The arrest took place after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Task Force, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Sykes will make his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon at 1:00pm.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted on all charges, Sykes faces a sentence of seven years to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Coffee County Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm He Used in a ShootingRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Coffee County, Alabama man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On March 18, 2025, a federal judge ordered that 33-year-old Michael Glenn Saizan serve 168 months in prison. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
According to court records, on January 18, 2024, law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting at a Daleville, Alabama residence. Upon arrival, witnesses told officers that Saizan and another man had been arguing. When the argument escalated, Saizan retrieved an AR-style rifle and shot the other man, then fled the scene. The shooting victim was not fatally injured. The next day investigators searched Saizan’s residence in Enterprise, Alabama and found the rifle as well as ammunition. Saizan has previous felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On December 10, 2024, Saizan pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Daleville Police Department, and the Enterprise Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Russell T. Duraski prosecuted.
Three Pike County, Alabama Residents Charged with Federal Rental Assistance Program FraudRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala, – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama indicted three individuals for their roles in a scheme to defraud the United States government.
According to the indictment, 50-year-old Brundidge Police Chief Samuel Cornelius Green, 53-year-old Sharon Jones Green, and 40-year-old Schemillia Levera Fenn, all from Troy, Alabama, are facing federal charges for their roles in a conspiracy to fraudulently receive funds through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. When creating this program, Congress made up to $46 billion in funding available to assist households that were unable to pay rent or utilities due to financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is alleged that the conspiracy began on March 2, 2021, and continued through at least November 9, 2021.
Samuel Green is charged with 13 counts in the indictment, including one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; three counts of money laundering; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; six counts of wire fraud; and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The same indictment charges Sharon Green with nine counts, including one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; three counts of money laundering; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; three counts of wire fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft. Schemillia Fenn is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Elmore County, Alabama Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison Following Federal Drug and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On March 12, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 31-year-old Desmond Chrishawn Howard, a resident of Elmore, Alabama, to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. In addition, the judge ordered that Howard serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to his plea agreement and other court records, on June 13, 2024, deputies with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call reporting a physical altercation at a residence in the Town of Elmore involving a female and a male, identified as Desmond Howard. While deputies were enroute, the female told law enforcement that she had left the residence, and that Howard was following her in another vehicle. Deputies spotted Howard’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Howard refused to stop. During the pursuit, deputies observed Howard throw two objects from his car window then he returned to his residence in Elmore. Deputies took Howard into custody without further incident.
When investigators returned to the area where Howard discarded the two objects, they found a handgun and a glove containing suspected dimethylpentylone or "molly." Laboratory analysis later confirmed the drug to be dimethylpentylone. Howard has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On November 20, 2024, Howard pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Elmore County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison Following Federal Drug and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man following his convictions on federal drug and gun charges. On March 4, 2025, 23-year-old Arthur Varcea Colvin, received a sentence of 96 months in prison. Following his prison sentence, Colvin will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to his indictment and other court records, on February 1, 2023, officers with the Montgomery Police Department observed the driver of a vehicle commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. Occupants of the vehicle included Colvin in the front passenger’s seat, 28-year-old Le’Anthony Washington in the driver’s seat, and another passenger in the rear seat. Officers developed a suspicion that the vehicle contained illegal narcotics and requested the three occupants exit the vehicle. During a search, law enforcement found three firearms, including a .40 caliber handgun under the driver’s seat, an AR-15 pistol under the front passenger’s seat, and a 9mm handgun on the back floorboard. Investigators also found over 400 grams of marijuana in the trunk. In addition, officers found a handgun and a small amount of marijuana on Colvin’s person.
On October 28, 2024, Colvin pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Washington has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. In October of last year, Washington pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Washington received a sentence of 35 months in federal prison on January 31, 2025.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Bring Cocaine into Alabama from TexasRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On February 27, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 46-year-old Vanshun Traywick, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 288 months in prison following his conviction on drug conspiracy charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.
According to court records and evidence presented during Traywick’s trial, in 2020, law enforcement began an investigation related to a suspected drug-trafficking operation bringing cocaine from Texas to Montgomery. The investigation revealed that Traywick ordered kilogram quantities of cocaine from a co-conspirator, 45-year-old Michael Golden, from Houston, Texas. The cocaine would be delivered to Montgomery by another co-conspirator, Rufus Flanagan, 57, also from Houston. On October 20, 2020, law enforcement in Montgomery conducted a traffic stop of a semi-truck driven by Flanagan. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found a bag with approximately one kilogram of cocaine inside.
In addition to arranging for the purchase of large quantities of cocaine from Golden, the investigation also revealed that, on October 13, 2020, Traywick purchased two ounces of cocaine from another co-conspirator, 51-year-old Deneco Nettles, also from Montgomery. The jury found Traywick guilty on two counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine after a trial that concluded on September 25, 2024.
Last year, Golden, Flanagan, and Nettles all pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges. On June 18, 2024, Nettles received a sentence of 18 months in prison. In December of 2024, Flanagan received a 27-month sentence. Golden’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson, Mark E. Andreu, and Justin L. Jones prosecuted the case.