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Meth Kingpin Sentenced to Life
A federal judge in Birmingham has sentenced JEFF MORRIS BEAM JR., 37, of Gadsden, to life in prison for his role as the leader of a northeast Alabama methamphetamine conspiracy. The conspiracy trafficked methamphetamine in Etowah, Marshall, and Calhoun counties in Alabama and in areas of northwestern Georgia between December 2014 and April 28, 2016.
The conspiracy, which brought large quantities of methamphetamine to the streets of Etowah County, was dismantled by the North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force. The task force was assisted by the Etowah County Drug Task Force, the Etowah County District Attorney’s Office, the Anniston Police Department, and the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office.
Beam was convicted by a federal jury in April of the conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The jury also convicted Beam for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Aug. 18, 2015, and for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more on Aug. 25, 2015. The total amount of methamphetamine trafficked through the conspiracy was at least 33 kilograms, or nearly 73 pounds.
Beam’s sister, JAMIE LEANN BEAM, 41, also received a significant sentence. Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala sentenced Jamie Beam to 14 years in prison for her role in the conspiracy. The judge also sentenced RICHARD WENDELL EDMONDSON, 36, to 10 years in prison for his part in the conspiracy. EDMONDSON also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Other defendants in the case include HENRY CURTIS GILLEY, 34, HANNAH BLAIR CROWDER, 25, ROY CLAUDE FARLOW JR., 58, and RICHARD LEE KIRBY, 35. All but RICHARD LEE KIRBY and HAROLD DEWAYNE DEAL pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge. The judge sentenced GILLEY to 12 years in prison, CROWDER to seven years and seven months in prison, and FARLOW to an unspecified sentence for his part in the conspiracy.
HAROLD DEWAYNE DEAL, 39, and RICHARD LEE KIRBY, 35, both pleaded guilty to charges related to the conspiracy. The judge sentenced DEAL to 10 years and 10 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. KIRBY was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The sentences handed down by Judge Haikala demonstrate the serious consequences of engaging in methamphetamine trafficking. The North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force and its partners are committed to dismantling these types of organizations and bringing those responsible to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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