Phenix City Man Convicted of Federal Gun and Drug Crimes

Montgomery, Ala— Today, a federal jury convicted Antonio Darset King, Sr., 46 years old of Phenix City, Alabama, on federal gun and drug charges, announced George L. Beck, Jr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

            Evidence at trial established that on February 23, 2014, Russell County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at King’s Phenix City residence. There, they recovered a firearm, more than 5 grams of cocaine, and approximately $3,000 dollars in cash. Testimony from law enforcement agents established that King intended to distribute the cocaine recovered by investigators. Further, testimony established that King possessed the firearm in question for the purpose of protecting his drug trafficking trade. Because King had previously been convicted of felony offenses, King was prohibited from possessing a firearm by federal law.

            In April 2014, a federal grand jury indicted King on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In October of 2014, that grand jury added one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute it and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. At trial, a jury found King guilty of all three counts.

            A sentencing hearing for King is yet to be scheduled. King faces 15 years to life imprisonment for being previously convicted of felonies and in possession by a firearm; up to 30 years imprisonment for the drug possession count; and 5 years to life for the firearm possession in furtherance of a drug trafficking count. The sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime will be added to any sentence imposed on the drug count. Additionally, King faces a maximum fine of $750,000 on the three counts combined.

            “My office is committed to taking illegal gun toters and violent drug dealers off the streets,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to do all that is necessary to keep our streets safe.”

            “Antonio King is one of Russell County’s most dangerous criminals, ever,” stated Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor. “I am thankful to U.S. Attorney Beck, and his Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown for a great job in prosecuting the Antonio King case on our behalf. This firearm and drug case was a result of a search warrant on King’s property, which was directly related to a capital murder case which occurred here in Russell County. King has been arrested and is awaiting trial for that capital murder. I believe that the citizens will rest easier now, knowing that King will be locked up for a long time.”

            “This focused investigation will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms related violence from the streets of the Phenix City area,” stated Steve Gerido, ATF Special Agent in Charge. “The collaborative efforts of ATF and our partners continue to identify and investigate violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods”

            This case was investigated by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Brown prosecuted the case.