Defendant Sentenced In Jury Tampering Case

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Jonathan Lawrence Oneal, 42, of Monroeville, was sentenced to three years of probation for attempted jury tampering. Oneal was sentenced by United States District Callie V.S. Granade, and in addition to the prison term, sentenced Oneal to pay a fine of $3,000.

Oneal pled guilty to corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede the due administration of justice in the trial of United States v. Hastie. According to the plea agreement filed in the case, Oneal received a telephone call from one of the defendants in that trial and was asked if he knew any of the individuals identified as potential jurors. Oneal did, and agreed to pass a message to the potential jurors through the potential juror’s wife. Oneal contacted the wife of the potential juror at least twice in an attempt to influence the trial.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Costello.