Manuel Ali Towns, Carjacking, Alabama 2023

Birmingham, AL - On March 14, Manuel Ali Towns, 28, allegedly took a Nissan Altima from an individual in Birmingham's Avondale community by force, violence, and intimidation with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama, a federal grand jury has indicted Manuel Ali Towns on two counts: carjacking and discharging a firearm during the carjacking.

The indictment's second count charges Towns with discharging a firearm during the carjacking. The maximum penalty for carjacking is 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The penalty for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence is a minimum of 10 years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the crime.

The charge carries a maximum $250,000 fine. The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Simpson is prosecuting.

The indictment is a serious development in the case. An indictment contains only charges, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is ongoing, and Manuel Ali Towns has yet to enter a plea. The maximum penalties for the charges against him could result in significant prison time and fines.

The investigation and prosecution of violent crimes like carjacking are a priority for law enforcement agencies in Alabama.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndal/pr/federal-grand-jury-indicts-fairfield-man-avondale-carjacking