ARMED CAR-JACKER SENTENCED TO 147 MONTHS IN PRISON

BIRMINGHAM, AL —VALECIO JAMMELL SMITH, 20, of Ensley, has been sentenced to 147 months by United States District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler, for car-jacking a 1997 Chevrolet Corsica and using a firearm in furtherance of that crime.

“We are working with the Birmingham Police Department and the District Attorney to prosecute car-jackings in federal court where sentencing will take these dangerous individuals out of our community for years. We are treating this most invasive, dangerous crime as a top priority“ stated United States Attorney Alice H. Martin.

According to the Plea Agreement, in May, 2007, SMITH and Kadarius Montre Berry car-jacked two individuals at gunpoint on 19th Street South in Birmingham using a Bryco 9mm pistol. Both victims were held at gunpoint inside the car as they were forced to drive to an ATM machine in an attempt to get money. At an intersection, one of the victims jumped from the moving vehicle and ran towards an off-duty police officer. SMITH and Berry forced the other victim to continue driving, eventually allowing the victim to get out of the car. Birmingham Police Officer Holland was patrolling that evening and learned that a Chevrolet Corsica had been carjacked in the area. The Officer observed a vehicle matching that description speeding near the area, when two males jumped from the car and began running. A foot chase ensued until Berry was found hiding and subsequently arrested. SMITH was arrested at a later time. Berry pleaded guilty and was sentenced in July 2008.

"The only jacks we wants with cars are the ones to change flat tires, all others will elevate you to federal prison," stated James Cavanaugh, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms.

"Violence and intimidation such as was exhibited in this case will not be tolerated by the FBI or our law enforcement partners. We will continue to aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who would prey on the innocent citizens of Alabama," stated Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Task Force Agents of the Birmingham Police Department assigned to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Scarlett M. Singleton prosecuted the matter on behalf of the United States.