From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM – A convicted felon was sentenced yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
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U.S. District Court Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Cedric Rozell Thomas, 24, of Birmingham, to 120 months in prison. Thomas pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in March 2023.
According to the plea agreement, on Dec. 4, 2020, Jefferson County Sheriff deputies initiated a traffic stop on Thomas. Thomas fled and led deputies on a high-speed vehicle chase from Fairfield to Ensley. The pursuit ended when Thomas wrecked his vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies pursued Thomas on foot and apprehended him. Thomas had in his possession a Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol.
On Sept. 29, 2021, officers with Birmingham Police Department patrolling the Smithfield Court Housing Community and saw Thomas walking across the street. The officers knew Thomas had federal warrant. Thomas fled from officers, and dumped the contents of a bookbag he was carrying, including a Stoeger .32 caliber handgun. Officers arrested Thomas shortly after pursuit.
The ATF investigated the case, along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
