TWO INDICTED FEDERALLY IN CAR-JACKING CRIME SPREE

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A Federal Grand Jury has returned a true bill of indictment charging KEUNDRE LERICO JOHNSON, also known as “Blood,” 18, of Birmingham, and MACKESE WALKER SPEIGHT, also known as “Keekee,” 28, of Dolomite, Alabama, with car-jacking, conspiracy, and use of a firearm in furtherance of violent crimes. This indictment is announced today by U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin, Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, Leeds Police Chief Mike Walker and Homewood Police Chief Burke Swearingen.

“One of the primary missions of this office is to ensure that those who would commit violent and life-threatening crimes are swiftly brought to justice,” states United States Attorney Alice H. Martin. “Through the outstanding and coordinated efforts by federal and local law enforcement, these defendants will face federal prosecution where the maximum penalty for car-jacking is life in prison.”

The indictment alleges that on July 26, 2006, until August 1, 2006, the named defendants along with three juveniles identified as “TD,” “VIC,” and “NY,” conspired together to take by force and violence vehicles from different persons.

Specifically, it is alleged that on July 26, 2006, SPEIGHT ordered pizzas for delivery at an area hotel. When the pizza delivery driver arrived he was robbed of about $25 at gun-point and his vehicle was stolen by JOHNSON, SPEIGHT, and juvenile co-conspirators “TD” and “VIC.” On July 31, 2006, JOHNSON AND SPEIGHT together with co-conspirator “NY,” drove to Lakeshore Landing Apartments located on Columbiana Road in Homewood. There they abducted, car-jacked, robbed and subsequently shot an individual. Later on July 31, 2006, JOHNSON and SPEIGHT, along with co-conspirator “NY” drove to Melissa’s Rainbow Car Wash in Leeds. There they abducted and car-jacked another individual. They subsequently robbed that individual by forcing her to withdraw money from a bank ATM machine. In that incident, the individual was able to escape and report the crime to police.

The seven count indictment filed today in U.S. District Court charges JOHNSON and SPEIGHT with one count of conspiracy, three counts of car-jacking and three counts of carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, JOHNSON and SPEIGHT face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and could be fined up to $1.75 million.

“Committing a crime where the penalty is life in prison carries a strong message of deterrence,” said Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation. “The FBI is committed to protecting the public from those who commit such violent offenses.”

Law enforcement involved in the investigation of these individuals includes the Police Departments of Hoover, Homewood and Leeds, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys William G. Simpson and Laura D. Hodge will prosecute this case on behalf of the U.S. Government.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment announced today contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove each defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. Juveniles involved in this incident may face state charges connected with the alleged incidents.