A Hanceville resident has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for a methamphetamine-related offense. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and New Orleans Division Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer.
Jason Earl Shirley, aged 41, received an 87-month prison sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke. In November 2024, Shirley admitted guilt to the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The plea agreement detailed that on October 5, 2023, a deputy from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Shirley's vehicle. The reasons for the stop included driving on the center line, having an expired tag, and lacking a valid driver’s license. During the encounter, Shirley appeared nervous and avoided eye contact with the deputy, prompting the officer to request that he exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, a black zippered bag fell from the car, which Shirley acknowledged contained drugs. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a camouflage bag under the driver's seat containing methamphetamine, scales, and a smoking device with methamphetamine residue.
The case was investigated by the DEA in collaboration with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Sara M. Judah.
