Federal Grand Jury Indicts Tuscaloosa Man Previously Convicted of Felony Murder
BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury indicted a Tuscaloosa man for being a felon in possession of a firearm announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges MONTEZ VANTERUS SPRADLEY, 36, with felon in possession of a firearm. The firearm was seized by the Tuscaloosa Police Department after responding to a domestic disturbance at an apartment on March 26, 2019. Spradley is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has prior state court convictions in Jefferson County for felony murder, intimidating a witness, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and second degree assault.
“Individuals with felony convictions, especially those involving violence and drugs, will answer to federal charges if they are caught with firearms,” Town said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the thorough investigation by the Tuscaloosa patrol officers at the scene and the ATF Task Force Officer’s quick preparation of this case for a federal charge. Criminals should be aware that every level of law enforcement is working together to get them off of the streets...and it’s working!”
“ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers are the driving force to reduce the violent crime that plagues our neighborhoods,” Watson said. “This indictment illustrates the effective partnerships with law enforcement and the community.”
If convicted, Spradley qualifies as an armed career criminal and will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
ATF investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Alan Baty is prosecuting.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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