UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ALICE H. MARTIN NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: KAREN NARAMORE
	MAY 1, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2001
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

BIRMINGHAM MAN INDICTED FOR CARJACKING

            BIRMINGHAM, AL - LEVELL DANTE WASHINGTON, 20, of Birmingham, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in U.S. District Court.  United States Attorney Alice H. Martin of the Northern District of Alabama, James M. Cavanaugh, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco &  Firearms, and Chief A.C. Roper, Birmingham Police Department, announce the three-count indictment today of WASHINGTON for carjacking, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegal possession of an unregistered firearm.

            Count one charges WASHINGTON with the crime of carjacking in connection with the  theft of a vehicle that allegedly occurred on January 12, 2009. In count two, WASHINGTON  is accused of Using/Carrying a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Count Three charges WASHINGTON with Illegal Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, after allegedly being found in illegal possession of a sawed-off shotgun on December 23, 2008.

            If convicted of the carjacking charge, WASHINGTON faces a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine. Conviction for Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence carries a maximum, consecutive sentence of life imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine. Should WASHINGTON be convicted of the gun registration offense, he faces up to 10 years’ in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.

            “The prosecution of violent crimes is a top priority for this office. Those caught committing such offenses can expect swift justice and, if convicted, a lengthy prison sentence,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. 

            “ATF aggressively pursues armed violent offenders.  The combined efforts of ATF and the Birmingham Police Department, to target and remove dangerous individuals ultimately creates a safer community,” stated Busey Ward, Resident Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Birmingham Division, Group 1.

            This case was investigated by Birmingham Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms, and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William G. Simpson 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.

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