Tag Archive for: Police

High School Football Coach Charged with DUI

High School Football Coach Charged with DUI. Joey Kirby, the head football coach at Section High School, was arrested around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning and now faces charges that include reckless driving, having an open container of alcohol, illegal possession of an alcoholic beverage, and driving under the influence.  Troopers are still investigating and say subsequent charges remain pending.

An Alabama State Trooper stopped Kirby in the Rosalie community after he was clocked traveling 91 miles per hours in a 55 mile per hour zone on Alabama Highway 71.  State Troopers found him to be in possession of an open alcohol container and took him into custody after Kirby refused a field sobriety test.

According to Superintendent Kenneth Harding, this is the first infraction he’s had with Kirby since he was hired by the school system nine years ago.  “He made a poor choice, made a bad decision,” said Harding. “I’m sure he regrets it. We hate it; certainly not the image that we want to portray for our people. I’m sure it’s not what Coach Kirby wants to portray for his.” Harding plans to meet with Coach Kirby as soon as possible to discuss the charges.

Kirby was booked into the Jackson County Jail and held in custody for 24 hours.  Although, he was released after 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday night.

Joey Kirby began his coaching tenure at Section High School in the fall of 2011.  His brother is currently an assistant coach.  Section’s football team had a record of 6-4 in 2013.

Columbiana Police Arrest 16 in Synthetic Drug Sweep

Columbiana Police Arrest 16 in Synthetic Drug Sweep. A nationwide drug operation, dubbed Project Synergy, has led to the arrest of 16 individuals by the Columbiana Police Department.  Officers seized more than 400 grams of synthetic and real marijuana, as well as other narcotics during the statewide raid.  It is believed that the estimated street value of the narcotics seized is around $15,000.

In total, Alabama law enforcement agencies made 38 arrests and seized more than 200 pounds of synthetic drugs in the 10-county raid that took place on May 7, 2014.  The counties targeted by agents in Alabama were: Houston, Montgomery, Lee, Dallas, Jefferson, Shelby, DeKalb, Etowah, Morgan, and Madison.

More than 35 federal, state, and local agencies also seized $500,000 and 19 guns as part of the national drug takedown that was led by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Project Synergy is a joint operation between the DEA, Customs and Border Protection, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and local law enforcement agencies.  The raid specifically targets manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and wholesalers dealing in over 250 different types of synthetic drugs.  Most of these synthetic drugs are being manufactured in China. After that, are being sold by retailers who send profits back to the Middle East.

Columbiana Police Arrest 16 in Synthetic Drug Sweep conclusion: Initial phases of Project Synergy began in December 2012. This led to more than 227 arrests and 416 search warrants in 35 states.

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Police Charge Two Suspects in Death of Retired Birmingham Firefighter

Police Charge Two Suspects in Death of Retired Birmingham Firefighter. Hueytown police have charged two men with murder in connection to the death of a 66-year-old retired firefighter who was slain in his home on April 23rd.  Kamal Potts, 23, and Romell Cunningham, 28. Both facing one felony count of capital murder during a burglary. In addition, one felony count of capital murder during a robbery.

Potts, his girlfriend Shamara Sankey, and Cunningham, went to the home of Haward Arthur McKee at around 2:45 p.m. on April 23rd to carry out a burglary.  The robbers kicked down McKee’s front door and attempted to steal a television before McKee chased them from his home using a machete.  The suspects got into an escape vehicle and Cunningham fired several shots at McKee using a .38 caliber handgun.  One of the rounds struck McKee who collapsed and was later pronounced dead at around 3:08 p.m. that afternoon.

Investigators believe that this was a “random crime”. They do not think either suspect had any connection to McKee prior to the day of the shooting.

Potts was taken into custody on April 30th by Hueytown police and the Birmingham Police Department’s Crime Reduction Team.  Cunningham turned himself into authorities in Bessemer on May 2nd. However, after learning of an all-night search by United States Marshals to find him.  Both men are currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond.

Court records show that Potts and Cunningham are both awaiting trial on separate 2013 charges of receiving stolen property.  Cunningham has also previously been convicted of obstruction of justice, carrying a pistol without a license, and cocaine possession.  

Police Charge Two Suspects in Death of Retired Birmingham Firefighter conclusion: He received a one-year suspended sentence in the drug possession case.

Two Men Charged in Birmingham Weekend Slaying

Two Men Charged in Birmingham Weekend Slaying. Police have announced charges against two men for their involvement in the murder of Clarence Harris, 37, who was shot and killed on Sunday morning.  Walter Rhone, 41, has been charged with murder and Tavaris Moore, 33, has been charged with hindering prosecution after Harris was found shot to death in the 5600 Block of Aster Avenue.

Officers responded to the scene on a call of a person being shot and arrived to find Harris on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.  Birmingham Fire and Rescue pronounced Harris dead a short time later. Detectives believe that the shooting stemmed from an altercation between the victims and both suspects.  Lieutenant Sean Edwards said the cause of the altercation has yet to be determined at this time.  The investigation of this case remains open.

Moore is being held at Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $30,000.  He has previously been convicted of drug distribution, escape, breaking and entering a vehicle, and receiving stolen property.

Two Men Charged in Birmingham Weekend Slaying Conclusion: Rhone is also in Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $300,000.  Court records show that he was charged with capital murder in 1998 but eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter.  He was sentenced to eight years in prison.  Rhone has multiple other arrests including charges of assault, and attempted murder, which were dismissed.  He also had drug and gun convictions in 1992, 1994, and 2008.

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Wanted Texas Sex Offender Arrested in Muscle Shoals

Wanted Texas Sex Offender Arrested in Muscle Shoals. Jason Keith Richardson is a convicted sex offender in Midland. He was arrested by United States Marshals in Colbert County last Monday afternoon.  Authorities say that Richardson was staying with a relative. He had possession of a .45 caliber handgun and a large amount of ammunition when he was taken into custody.  Richardson was convicted in Collin County, Texas, for aggravated sexual assault in 1987.  He was sentenced to 70 years in prison but was paroled in June of 2012. Richardson was set to go to trial earlier this month in Midland for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

He violated his parole by cutting off an ankle tracking device and failing to appear for his scheduled court date. The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force was asked to assist in his apprehension. Richardson was arrested in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, after a brief investigation was conducted. Texas authorities say Richardson will be prosecuted in the Northern District of Alabama Federal Court for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.  These charges carry the following punishments in Alabama:

  • The unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon is punishable by a maximum of 10 years imprisonment
  • Failing to register as a sex offender is a Class C Felony which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines less than $15,000

Richardson, 52,  will then be taken back to Texas to face charges there.

If you or someone you know is facing gun charges, or has been accused of a sex crime, it is important that you contact an experienced criminal attorney to handle your case.  The attorneys of Boles Holmes White are experienced in a variety of legal matters. Therefore, have a history of success in the courtroom. Call to schedule a free consultation today.

Birmingham Woman Charged in Beauty Shop Murder

Birmingham Woman Charged in Beauty Shop Murder. Bianca Holman, 25, has been charged with capital murder. In addition, robbery after police say she killed Chaya Anders on April 5th at a local beauty shop. Detectives have arrested Holman. She is currently being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail for the capital murder warrant. She has also been charged with robbery in the case, which carries a $150,000 bond.

Anders, 63, of Pinson, was found dead inside Ebony Beauty Supply. In the 2900 block of 27th Street North around 10:40 a.m. on Saturday.  Members of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service identified a gunshot wound to the victim. Police believe she may have been killed the following evening during a robbery. Holman became a suspect in this case after witnesses reported someone matching her description was at the scene of the homicide.  She is also connected to a robbery that took place on Friday night at Jack’s Food Store on 29th Avenue North.

“This was an extremely heinous crime where there was no regard for the victim or this community. I appreciate the Detectives and the various enforcement units for their investigative intensity in this case. This was a casebook investigation where we went from absolutely nothing to an identified suspect in a matter of hours. Our criminal homicides have decreased significantly so far this year but we realize a single homicide is one too many for the affected family.  We can’t prevent every homicide but we have solved every case so far this year. The bottom line is if you commit a homicide in this city, we will never stop looking for you,” said Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper.

Anders is the ninth homicide victim in Birmingham thus far in 2014.

Birmingham Man Charged with Murder in April 2nd Shooting

Birmingham Man Charged with Murder in April 2nd Shooting. Tavares Cortez Taylor, 27, has been charged with murder in connection to a deadly shooting took place earlier this week in the Norwood Bottoms community.  The warrant was announced by police on Thursday against Taylor who is now being held in the Jefferson County Jail on $200,000 bond.

Police were called to the scene on Tuesday after gunshots were heard around 2:00 p.m. in the 1700 block of 32nd Place North.  Officers arrived to find a 27-year-old man lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was rushed to UAB hospital where he was pronounced dead later that afternoon.  The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the man on Wednesday as James Butler Redmon.

Detectives believe the shooting resulted from a domestic dispute between the two men and that it also involved other family members.

Birmingham Man Charged with Murder in April 2nd Shooting conclusion:

Records show that Taylor is awaiting trial. For the following 2013 charges of criminal mischief, resisting arrest, obstructing government operations, and disorderly conduct.  He was also arrested in 2012 on a first-degree robbery charge but the case was eventually dismissed.

Redmon was Birmingham’s eight homicide victim this year.  Three of those slayings have been ruled justifiable.

United States Marshalls Arrest Fugitive in Birmingham

United States Marshalls Arrest Fugitive in Birmingham. A suspect accused with trying to assault a United States Marshal was arrested on Friday. Furthermore, after a brief foot chase in the 1600 block of 26th Avenue North.  William Harris, who was wanted for the attempted assault of a police officer. In addition, abetting in the commission of a felony, was taken into custody along with two other individuals at the scene.  Lorenzo Carter, 21, was arrested after officers found a .357 Ruger and illegal drugs.  Trinell King was arrested on warrants out of Birmingham.  According to the release, federal officers made the arrests after viewing Harris and the other suspects flee from a home that was under surveillance.

The events started last Thursday around 8:00 a.m. when federal law men attempted to serve warrant on a man in east Birmingham who had 30 outstanding warrants.  The suspect fled in a car, which was stolen from Trussville, and collided with another driver near a golf course in Roebuck.  The suspect and the other driver were taken to a local hospital.  A second suspect was taken into custody sometime early Thursday morning.

United States Marshalls Arrest Fugitive in Birmingham conclusion: Police tried to arrest Harris around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday when he and accomplice, Dewayne Deon Thomas, tried to hit a deputy marshal with a stolen 2011 blue Hyundai Sonata. Police fired one shot in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

Thomas, 20, is wanted for numerous vehicle burglaries in Jefferson and Shelby County in which weapons and other items of value were taken.  He remains at large and anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (205)-254-7777.

House Bill Would Allow for Seizure of Items Bought with Stolen Money

House Bill Would Allow for Seizure of Items Bought with Stolen Money. Currently a loophole in Alabama state legislation prevents law enforcement agents from taking back certain items that have been purchased through identity theft or stolen credit cards.  However, Republican Allen Treadaway is sponsoring House Bill 75 that would allow police departments to seize such items in the future.

The Gardendale Police Department helped play a key role in the creation of this bill when their police detective. Chris Clark, was the first to point out the problem to Treadaway.  Clark then contacted a district attorney in north Alabama who assisted in the writing of the potential legislation.  A similar bill, Senate Bill 332, has recently gotten out of committee and passed by the Senate.  It will now be looked at by the state House of Representatives.

“If it wasn’t for his push, I don’t think we’d be where we are with it right now, with a Senate and House version,” Treadaway said. “It just made good sense. Why would we want any criminal to obtain ill-gotten gains from his criminal activity? We need to close the loophole and seize these items.”

Detective Clark noted that criminals have crossed state lines in the past to commit these types of crimes in Alabama so they could potentially keep their stolen goods if they were caught.  That, coupled with the Alabama prison system being overcrowded, means many convicted criminals get probation rather than going to prison.

“You might get caught after two or three years, but it’s the cost of doing business,” Clark said. “You get probation, and then you get to keep what you stole. This law will hopefully help offset that. It will be another tool for law enforcement to battle it.”

New DUI Legislation Cleared by the Alabama State Senate

New DUI Legislation Cleared by the Alabama State Senate. According to the most recent data provided by the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 899 traffic fatalities in the state during 2011.  Drivers who were impaired by alcohol accounted for 220 of those fatalities. Although, there were also nearly 7,000 separate incidents of driving under the influence reported. Numbers like these typically result in Alabama ranking higher in traffic fatality rates than other states.

In 2011 the state of Alabama first enacted an ignition interlock law. However, required convicted first-time and repeat offenders, with a blood alcohol level of .15 or more, to install breath alcohol recognition devices on their vehicles.  Three years later, new legislation is under consideration. Furthermore, that would take a “zero tolerance” stance. Therefore, require anyone convicted of a blood alcohol level over a .08 to have the option of a license suspension or driving with an interlock system for 24 months.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, states who adopted these stricter ignition interlock laws have seen incidences of driving under the influence decrease by as much as 67 percent.  If the new legislation passes, Alabama would become the 21st state to have these types of laws in their books.

Now that this legislation has been cleared by the Alabama State Senate, it must make its way through the House before becoming an official law.

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