Marvell Jawawn Williams, 41, of Mobile, was sentenced on July 28 to 84 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and illegal possession of a machinegun.
According to court documents, Williams has multiple prior felony convictions, including possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana in the first degree, and attempting to elude. On October 15, 2024, after receiving information that Williams was distributing fentanyl, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at his residence. During the search of Williams’s bedroom, deputies recovered six firearms, fentanyl pills, two Glock switches, and ammunition.
After being advised of his rights, Williams stated that he had recently come off his ankle monitor and was nearing completion of drug court. He also admitted that he was a convicted felon and knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Following his term of imprisonment, Williams will serve three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office along with the Department of Homeland Security Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Hutchins III prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama serves as chief federal law enforcement officer in the district; prosecutes federal crimes; defends civil cases involving the United States; represents the federal government in court proceedings; collaborates with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; advances community wellness through outreach programs; provides victim-witness services; and serves communities throughout southern Alabama, according to the official website.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on fostering trust in communities, supporting organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.