From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced a Birmingham man to 120 months in prison on drug and gun charges last week.
“Guns in the hands of a drug dealer is a frequently deadly combination,” Escalona said. “Our law enforcement partners focus their efforts on offenders whose activities threaten our communities with illegal drugs and the violence associated with drug dealing. We are grateful for the work of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and ATF in taking this dealer off the street.”
According to the plea agreement, in October 2021, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Skanes. When Skanes exited the vehicle, a deputy smelled marijuana and saw drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. While searching the vehicle, deputies recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol, a 5.56 American Tactical pistol, approximately 31 grams of methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
“Illegal firearm possession and the distribution of narcotics in our communities is dangerous and damaging to everyone involved in the criminal activity,” French said. “The ATF along with our local, state, and federal partners work tirelessly to disrupt the illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics, and other acts of violence within our community. ATF will remain in lockstep with our local, state, and federal partners in our continuing effort to combat violent crime and maintain public safety.”
ATF investigated the case, along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty prosecuted the case.