Richard Herbert Smith, Cocaine Trafficking, Alabama 2021

Richard Herbert Smith, 44, sentenced to prison for cocaine trafficking and gun charges in Montgomery, Alabama. In a federal jury trial on June 17, 2021, Smith was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, and using a cell phone to further a drug trafficking conspiracy.

Smith, co-owner of the Island Delight Caribbean Restaurant in Montgomery, was not found guilty of money laundering conspiracy. His wife, Mellissa Stacy Ann Smith, was also charged but found not guilty on the only count against her.

The investigation began in August 2017 when law enforcement identified Ronnie White, 51, as a potential suspect in a drug trafficking operation. It was discovered that White was purchasing cocaine from Smith, and on December 17, 2017, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Smith, finding five ounces of cocaine and a firearm.

The jury heard testimony that White regularly purchased cocaine from Smith and that Smith often carried a firearm during these transactions. In some cases, Smith would conduct the sales while wearing his Air Force Reserve uniform.

Ronnie White, 51, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing hearing on July 7, 2021.

Following his convictions, Richard Smith faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Montgomery Police Department, with assistance from the Prattville Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Alabama National Guard Counterdrug program.

Assistant United States Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Mark E. Andreu prosecuted the case.

Mandatory facts: Richard Herbert Smith, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, using a cell phone to further a drug trafficking conspiracy, Montgomery, Alabama, June 17, 2021, maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

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