ATF Arrests Seven Talladega County Residents On Gun Or Drug Charges Nine Talladega County Residents Indicted For Drugs Or Guns In July

BIRMINGHAM -- Federal agents today arrested seven people in Talladega County on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Fulton.

The seven arrested today are among nine defendants from the east-central Alabama county charged with firearms or drug distribution offenses in eight separate July indictments. The two men who were already in custody are CHANCY BERRY TEMPLE, 28, of Talladega, and CHRISTOPHER MURRAY, 30, of Childersburg. Both are charged as convicted felons in possession of a firearm.

The seven arrested today and their charges are:
• MAREAO CITRON SEARS, 24, of Sylacauga, conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
• JERMAINE MORRIS, 41, of Sylacauga, conspiracy to distribute narcotics and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• TERRELL ALPHONSO MCELRATH, 29, of Sylacauga, felon in possession of a firearm.
• JULIAN ARTHUR HARRIS, 25, of Talladega, felon in possession of a firearm.
• JUSTIN KIRKLAND, 24, Sylacauga, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking offense.
• TRAVIS LEVERT CHATMAN, 35, of Talladega, felon in possession of a firearm.
• MELTRONE SHUNTANG SEARS, 31, of Sylacauga, distribution of narcotics.
Morris and Mareao Sears are charged in the same indictment with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Talladega County.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to distribute narcotics is 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The maximum penalty for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Carrying a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking offense carries a sentence of at least five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed for the crime, and a possible $250,000 fine.
Illegal distribution of narcotics carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $1 million fine.
ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Talladega County Drug Task Force investigated the cases, which the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama is prosecuting.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.