Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ANNISTON, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a New York resident on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.

U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Jerrelle Quintez Gladden, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, to 330 months in prison. In September 2022, a federal jury convicted Gladden of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.

“This sentencing signifies our unwavering commitment to combat the threat of illegal drugs and firearms,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we strive for safer streets, and through our collective efforts, we will work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”

“The ATF commends the collaborative efforts that our brave men and women in law enforcement make on a daily basis,” SAC Watson said. “Criminals do not take a break, and neither will we. The ATF pledges to continue to work with our state, local, and federal partners to keep the communities safe from narcotic dealers and illegal gun possessors.”

According to evidence presented at trial, in January 2020, law enforcement officers executed a state search warrant on a residence in Anniston. Police officers searched the house and found Gladden, a convicted felon, in a bedroom where officers also found digital scales with white crystal-like residue, small plastic baggies consistent with distribution, Gladden’s personal items, and 2 baggies of methamphetamine. Behind the door in the bedroom next to Gladden’s room, officers found a folded chair that contained a clear baggie of methamphetamine, a brown paper bag of U.S. currency, and two loaded firearms: a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and a Taurus .380 caliber pistol. The Sig Sauer was reported stolen 8 days prior to finding it during the execution of the search warrant.

ATF investigated the case along with the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit and the Anniston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney Plyler and Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.