Kemond Jareuz Fortson, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Alabama 2020

Montgomery, Alabama — A federal jury convicted 35-year-old Kemond Jareuz Fortson on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr.

The Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force arrived at a Montgomery apartment on October 31, 2017, to serve Fortson—an already convicted murderer and fugitive on a probation violation warrant—with an arrest warrant. Inside, they found nearly 40 grams of methamphetamine scattered across the floor, leading into the bathroom, and even partially submerged in the toilet. Also present: digital scales, a large black gun case, and a set of car keys.

Agents obtained a search warrant for a vehicle linked to Fortson and discovered a loaded AR-15 rifle, approximately 40 additional grams of methamphetamine, another digital scale, plastic packaging, and a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol stashed in the trunk. The amount of drugs and weaponry pointed to distribution, not casual use.

Fortson now faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2020. Under federal law, there is no parole—once sentenced, Fortson will serve every day as ordered by the court.

“Guns and drugs are a deadly mix, it’s like storing gasoline next to the fireplace,” said U.S. Attorney Franklin. “At the time of this offense, Mr. Fortson had been convicted of one violent crime and was a fugitive from justice. Apparently, Mr. Fortson decided that his latest criminal act would be using and carrying a firearm while distributing narcotics. The only reason dealers use and carry firearms is to protect their product, protect their money, and protect themselves, without any regard for the safety of others. My office places a priority on ridding our communities of violent offenders that refuse to obey the law, and I am grateful to the jury for their verdict in this case.”

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Marshals Service-led Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Davidson and Brandon Bates are prosecuting. No co-defendants were charged in this incident.

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