SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

A Montevallo man was recently sentenced on federal charges of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

United States Attorney Alice H. Martin along with James M. Cavanaugh, Special Agent in Charge, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announce the sentence handed down last Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Inge Johnson.

According to U.S. Attorney Martin, Michael Eric Cole, 24 of Montevallo was arrested on September 21, 2004, by Pelham Police Officers during a suspected drug deal.

Cole

was found to be in possession of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic bags, and a Jennings 9mm pistol.

&8220;Eleven and a half years in prison for a person of 24 years is a long time, we hope that other young people who persist in such illegal activity will take heed,&8221; stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.

This prosecution is part of Alabama ICE, (Isolate the Criminal Element) a state, local and federal gun violence reduction program implemented under the national initiative of Project Safe Neighborhoods. This month twelve other individuals were indicted in unrelated cases under the Alabama ICE initiative. &8220;Alabama ICE is working every day to reduce the threat of gun violence in communities across north Alabama,&8221; added

U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.

&8220;I applaud the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement in their efforts to rid our communities of violent criminals.&8221;

Special Assistant United States Attorney William R. Hankins, Jr., prosecuted the Cole case.

Pelham Police Department along with Special Agents of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives invested the case.