Terry Lee Skanes Jr, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Alabama 2021

A federal judge today sentenced Terry Lee Skanes Jr, 22, to 120 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during and in relation to that drug trafficking crime.

According to the plea agreement, in October 2021, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Skanes. When Skanes exited the vehicle, a deputy smelled marijuana and saw drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. In searching the vehicle, deputies recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol, a 5.56 American Tactical pistol, approximately 31 grams of methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.

“Guns in the hands of a drug dealer is a frequently deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “Our law enforcement partners focus their efforts on offenders whose activities threaten our communities with illegal drugs and the violence associated with drug dealing. We are grateful for the work of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and ATF in taking this dealer off the street.”

“Illegal firearm possession and the distribution of narcotics in our communities is dangerous and damaging to everyone involved in the criminal activity,” said SAC French. “The ATF along with our local, state, and federal partners work tirelessly to disrupt the illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics, and other acts of violence within our community.

ATF will remain in lockstep with our local, state, and federal partners in our continuing effort to combat violent crime and maintain public safety.”

ATF investigated the case, along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty prosecuted the case.

Terry Lee Skanes Jr, 22, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during and in relation to that drug trafficking crime. The crime occurred in October 2021 in Birmingham, Alabama.

The total amount of methamphetamine recovered was approximately 31 grams. The case was investigated by ATF and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala presided over the case.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty.