Sean P. Costello U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
An Atlanta man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for his involvement in a bank fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and illegal firearm possession. Jamontez Jaquavious Cofield, aged 24, was arrested by an Alabama State Trooper during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Baldwin County in April 2024.
During the stop, Cofield admitted to having marijuana and a loaded pistol in his vehicle. He acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. In 2018, Cofield had been convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and firearm possession during a felony assault in LaGrange, Georgia.
The search of Cofield's vehicle revealed 38 stolen business checks valued at $43,482. These checks were made payable to businesses in Atlanta and contained personal information of identity-theft victims who did not authorize their use. Cofield confessed that he received the checks from a coconspirator met through social media and intended to sell them in Mobile.
Further investigation of Cofield’s cell phone uncovered evidence of counterfeit check fraud activities along with photos and videos showing bulk cash, narcotics, and firearms.
In addition to his prison sentence, United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose ordered Cofield to serve five years of supervised release after his imprisonment. During this period, he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The court mandated him to pay $100 in special assessments but imposed no fine. His firearm and ammunition were forfeited to the United States.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello announced the sentencing outcome. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case.
