PLEA IN CAR-JACKING

BIRMINGHAM, AL - KEUNDRE LERICO JOHNSON has pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to car-jacking and firearm violations. JOHNSON is charged with three counts of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime as well as car-jacking and is facing a minimum of 57 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

KEUNDRE LERICO JOHNSON, also known as “Blood,” 18, of Birmingham, and MACKESE WALKER SPEIGHT, also known as “Keekee,” 28, of Dolomite, Alabama, were charged with car-jacking, conspiracy, and use of a firearm in furtherance of violent crimes in September 2006. SPEIGHT is set for trial on February 12, 2007, before Judge R. David Proctor.

“One of the primary missions of this office is to ensure that those who commit violent and life-threatening crimes are swiftly brought to justice,” states United States Attorney Alice H. Martin.

The specifics of the indictment include 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.

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.

“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 are prosecuting this case on behalf of the U.S. Government.

United States Attorney’s Office Press Releases are also on the Internet visit www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln

Jill Ellis, Public Information Contact, 205-244-2015