Leader of a Large-Scale Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 15 Years on Gun and Drug Charges

Birmingham, Ala. – A federal judge on September 1, 2022, sentenced the leader of a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization, who operated in the Ross Bridge neighborhood of Hoover, on gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James.

U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Robert Alan Ozment, 49, of Hoover,  to186 months for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing several firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Previously sentenced for conspiring with Ozment to distribute and possess with intent to distribute  were Gary Daniel Mitchell, 34, of Empire, Alabama, to 72 months; Nikolas Lee Wilson, 43, of Cullman, Alabama, to 60 months; and Donald Thomas Kimbrough, 37, of Bessemer, Alabama, to 70 months. Rodney David Russell, 45, of Birmingham, Alabama, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and awaits sentencing on September 22, 2022.

According to court documents, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation was initiated in early spring of 2020, of a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization operated by Ozment from his home in the  neighborhood of Ross Bridge in Hoover, Alabama.

On March 19, 2020, A search warrant was executed at 2283 Abbeyglen Circle in Hoover, Alabama, a house owned by Ozment.  Ozment is a  radiology scan technician. Police officers seized in excess of one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, 5 firearms and $11,676.  The firearms included a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, a Double Tap Defense LLC .45 caliber pistol, a Micro Draco 7.62 caliber rifle, a Spikes Tactical .223 caliber rifle, and a Browning .308 caliber rifle.

Also seized was an oscillating fan with a hidden video camera which was recovered from Ozment’s bedroom.   A search warrant was obtained for the video and audio footage. The video captured multiple hand to hand transactions wherein Ozment was engaged in the sale of methamphetamine.  The quantities ranged from the sale of multiple ounces of methamphetamine to kilogram quantities. Also observed on the video recordings were instances wherein Ozment possessed firearms while conducting drug transactions.  In addition to drug sales captured on video was an instance in which Ozment retrieved his stash of four to six kilograms of methamphetamine. Among the individuals captured in the videos conducting drug transactions were Russell, Mitchell, and Wilson.

On July 13, 2020, agents received information that Ozment had traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to purchase more methamphetamine to sell.  Agents executed another Jefferson County search warrant on July 14, 2020, at Ozment’s home in Ross Bridge in Hoover.  Ozment was present when agents arrived at the residence. Agents found and seized approximately 142 grams of methamphetamine, a small quantity of cocaine, and four more firearms: an American Tactical Omni Hybrid .223 caliber rifle, a Ruger LCP .380 caliber pistol, a Double Tap .45 caliber pistol, and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol.

On October 4, 2021, Ozment’s home located at 2283 Abbeyglen Circle, Hoover, Alabama 35226, was forfeited to the United States. The property was valued at $274,000 and encumbered by a mortgage valued at $164,174.

This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The  FBI and DEA investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Cross prosecuted the case.