Two Armed Carjackers Indicted in Federal Court |
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Alabama
May 1, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, AL—STEPHEN LAWRENCE PARKER, 23 and KEDRIC EARL BUIE, 18, both of Birmingham, have been indicted by a federal grand jury today in U.S. District Court in Birmingham. United States Attorney Alice H. Martin of the Northern District of Alabama and Charles Regan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation announce the two-count indictment of PARKER and BUIE for armed carjacking.
Count One of the indictment charges both defendants with carjacking and Count Two charges both defendants with using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“This office has pledged the full force of federal prosecution for any carjacking that occurs in our district. It is a threat on our streets that we intend to combat with lengthy federal prison sentences,” said U. S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.
"The violence and intimidation that is exhibited during a carjacking will not be tolerated by the FBI or our law enforcement partners. We will aggressively investigate and help bring to justice those who would prey on innocent citizens,” stated Charles E. Regan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The maximum sentence both defendants face for the carjacking count is fifteen (15) years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A conviction for Count Two carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven (7) years, which must run consecutive to Count One, and it could carry a sentence of up to life in prison. A fine of up to $250,000 fine is also possible for Count Two.
Special Agents of the FBI, detectives with the Homewood Police Department (members of the FBI Safe Streets task force), and members of the Irondale and Birmingham Police Departments investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney L. James Weil, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.