CAR-JACKER GIVEN 71 YEARS IN PRISON

BIRMINGHAM, AL - KEUNDRE LERICO JOHNSON was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to seventy-one years for car-jacking and firearm violations. JOHNSON was charged with three counts of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime as well as car-jacking, and he pled guilty to the charges in January 2007.

KEUNDRE LERICO JOHNSON, also known as "Blood," 19, 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, who also pled guilty, is set for sentencing on May 17, 2007 before U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor.

"Johnson will not be a threat to society as he serves his 71 years in prison," states United States Attorney Alice H. Martin. "I hope the victims feel justice was done. I thank law enforcement and my attorneys for their outstanding efforts."

The specifics of the indictment, and recounted by the U.S. Government at JOHNSON's Plea hearing, revealed 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 three area residents.

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." Five days later, 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 a University of Montevallo co-ed. 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 FBI is committed to protecting the public from those who commit such violent offenses,"said Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation. "I encourage all citizens to be aware of their surroundings at all times, and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement."

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.