Arrests Made Involving Drugs and Guns

MOBILE, Ala. – Federal arrest warrants on a number of indictments out of the Southern District of Alabama were served this morning in the Marion and Selma areas. The indictments charge offenses ranging from possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and prescription drugs sold illegally on the street, to various gun violations, including various types of prohibited persons (convicted felons, persons committed by order of a probate judge, and drug users) in possession of firearms, to money laundering. In addition to the arrests, search warrants for documents were executed at four residences, two in Marion and two in Selma. Search warrants for business records were also executed at two businesses in Marion, Dollar Max and Marion Meat Market. A consent search was conducted at JT Package Store in Marion.

“These arrests should send a strong message to dope peddlers and violent thugs that their activities will not be tolerated even in smaller or more rural communities. Citizens from all communities should be able to enjoy their communities to the fullest without the fear of violence or the scourge of illegal drug distribution in their midst. I commend the collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement entities that were engaged in this clean up. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown.

The indictments resulted from a coordinated investigation occurring during 2012 through the present involving several federal agencies when some local authorities requested assistance with high crime areas. Agencies participating in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the 4th Judicial Task Force, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Secret Service, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the Alabama Bureau of Investigations, the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Department of Agriculture. The United States Attorney’s Office in Mobile will prosecute the cases. Some matters will remain under investigation as a result of evidence obtained during the arrests and searches, and if additional indictments are returned at a later date, notifications will be made when appropriate.

"This investigation is an example of ATF’s dedication to working with our state, local and federal partners in identifying, targeting, and investigating violent criminals who are involved in selling narcotics and firearms who prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Jeff Fulton, ATF special agent in charge said in a statement.