United States Attorney Leura G. Canary Middle District of Alabama

NORTH CAROLINA COUPLE PLEAD GUILTY TO FIREARMS POSSESSION

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Demetria Murphy and Courtney Casey, of North Carolina, entered guilty pleas on October 9, 2007, to knowingly possessing firearms after having been convicted of felony offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Leura G. Canary.

The investigation of this case began when agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to the 165 mile marker of Interstate 65 on December 21, 2005, by Alabama State Trooper Shawn Loughridge. Loughridge had stopped to assist three stranded motorists, Murphy, Casey and Perez Mann. The vehicle, driven by Murphy, had broken down while the three were returning from a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. While assisting the motorists, Trooper Loughridge observed 2 shotguns in the rear cargo area of the vehicle, one of which was a sawed-off shotgun with a modified handle wrapped in duct tape. The three were arrested. It was discovered that all three had prior convictions for drug trafficking offenses, including distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. All three were charged with a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), a federal offense which makes it illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms.

Murphy and Casey entered guilty pleas after opening statements in the trial of their case. Each faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, three years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee and payment of restitution to any victims. Sentencing is set for January 2008 before United States District Judge W. Harold Albritton.

This case was investigated by the Alabama State Troopers, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Redmond.