Montez Vanterus Spradley, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Alabama 2024

A Tuscaloosa man with a violent criminal past is back in the crosshairs of federal authorities after a grand jury indicted him on a firearms charge. Montez Vanterus Spradley, 36, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation that carries a brutal 15-year mandatory minimum sentence if convicted.

The indictment stems from a domestic disturbance call on March 26, 2019, at an apartment in the city. When Tuscaloosa police arrived, they seized a loaded firearm from the scene. Spradley was present and identified as the weapon’s possessor—despite being legally barred from owning one due to multiple prior felony convictions.

Spradley’s criminal record is a roadmap of violence and drug offenses. He has prior convictions in Jefferson County for felony murder, intimidating a witness, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, simple possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree assault. Those convictions now trigger the armed career criminal designation under federal law.

“Individuals with felony convictions, especially those involving violence and drugs, will answer to federal charges if they are caught with firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the thorough investigation by the Tuscaloosa patrol officers at the scene and the ATF Task Force Officer’s quick preparation of this case for a federal charge. Criminals should be aware that every level of law enforcement is working together to get them off of the streets…and it’s working!”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson emphasized the role of intelligence and coordination. “ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers are the driving force to reduce the violent crime that plagues our neighborhoods,” Watson said. “This indictment illustrates the effective partnerships with law enforcement and the community.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty in the Northern District of Alabama. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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