Convicted Felons Charged in Separate and Unrelated Indictments

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury today charged three convicted felons on gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.

A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Randy Hasan Abdurrahim, 36, of Birmingham, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.  In April 2021, Abdurrahim illegally possessed a Smith & Wesson .380 pistol in Jefferson County.  In September 2021, Abdurrahim possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of  methamphetamine and containing a detectable amount of fentanyl in Jefferson County.

A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Joseph Ryan Byram, 38, of Adger, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  In July 2021, Byram illegally possessed a Rock Island Armory .38 caliber revolver in Jefferson County.

A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Christopher Kevin Key, 46, of Anniston, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  In August 2021, Key illegally possessed a Lorcin .25 caliber pistol in Calhoun County.

The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison.

The maximum penalty for possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance is 20 years in prison.

ATF investigated the cases, along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Birmingham Police Department and Anniston Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Darius Greene is prosecuting the case.

An indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.