Phenix City Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Charges

Montgomery, Alabama – Antonio Darset King, Sr., 47, of Phenix City, Alabama was sentenced today to 25 years in prison following his conviction on federal gun and drug charges, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

In March 2016, a federal jury convicted King of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it.  Evidence at trial established that in February 2014, Russell County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at King’s Phenix City residence.  There they recovered a firearm, more than 5 grams of cocaine, and approximately $3,000 dollars in cash.

Testimony in court showed that King intended to sell the cocaine recovered by investigators and that he had a firearm for the purpose of protecting his drug trafficking trade.  Additionally, because King had previously been convicted of a felony, federal law prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

“I truly appreciate the assistance we received from the U.S Attorney’s Office and ATF in this case,” stated Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor.  “King was one of the most dangerous individuals I have encountered during my law enforcement career.  The citizens of Russell County are safer today with him off the streets.”

“This focused investigation will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms related violence and taking drugs off the streets of the Phenix City area,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Steve Gerido.  “This result demonstrates the continued dedication by ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office to identify and investigate violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

“I am pleased that the court removed this dangerous individual from our community for a significant amount of time and I hope it sends a message,” said U.S. Attorney Beck.  “Those who peddle poison and use guns in their trade are a threat to our safety and our way of life.” 

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Brown prosecuted the case.