BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Bessemer man was convicted Tuesday on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
After two days of testimony, United States District Court Judge Karon O. Bowdre returned a guilty verdict against Christopher James Moton, 42, at a bench trial. Moton was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Moton was found in possession of a firearm despite being a prohibited felon. A search conducted at Moton’s residence found trafficking amounts of methamphetamine and black tar heroin. Evidence at trial revealed that Moton intended to distribute these controlled substances to drug users in the community.
“Yesterday’s verdict is another success in law enforcement’s efforts to eliminate the distribution of dangerous drugs in our communities and remove firearms from the hands of convicted felons,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who intend to devastate our communities and ruin lives.”
“This conviction was an outstanding example of law enforcement partnerships working together to remove dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods,” SAC Sharp said. “Thanks to the great work of my agents and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Moton has been held responsible for his crime.”
The maximum penalty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is 10 years. The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine is life in prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory R. Dimler and Allison J. Garnett are prosecuting the case.