A Memphis man was sentenced on June 2 to 180 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Court documents state that on October 29, 2023, a Loxley Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a white sedan due to an improper lane change. Marshall Bratcher, age 40, was identified as the driver. The vehicle also contained an adult female and three juveniles. Bratcher admitted to possessing marijuana, prompting officers to search the car. During the search, police recovered a stolen Ruger Model P89 pistol under the driver’s seat. Authorities learned that Bratcher used this firearm to kidnap the female passenger and forced her to gather the juveniles into the vehicle before leaving with him. Witnesses reported that Bratcher drove erratically with the gun in his lap until law enforcement intervened.
Bratcher is classified as an Armed Career Criminal due to prior convictions for violent felonies and serious drug offenses. His criminal history includes three separate convictions for aggravated assault, as well as convictions for aggravated burglary and conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substance Act, among other felony offenses. As a result of these prior convictions, Bratcher is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Bratcher was indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and pleaded guilty. United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced him to fifteen years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for illegally possessing the weapon.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello announced these developments following investigations by both the Loxley Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Terrill prosecuted this case on behalf of federal authorities.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together all levels of law enforcement and community members with aims such as reducing violent crime and gun violence through focused strategies including fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations dedicated to preventing violence before it occurs.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama serves as chief federal law enforcement officer in its district, collaborating with various agencies while advancing community wellness through outreach programs and victim-witness services; it also prosecutes federal crimes, defends civil cases involving the United States government, represents federal interests in court proceedings, and serves communities across southern Alabama, according to its official website.