A Birmingham man has been found guilty by a federal jury on charges related to gun possession and drug trafficking. The conviction was announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Jason Stankiewicz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division.
Frederick Leonard Temple, Jr., also known as "Cutt" or "Cutthroat," was convicted after four days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. The charges against Temple include possession of a machine gun, two counts of fentanyl distribution, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
"This individual posed a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, and Friday’s verdict sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such dangerous and unlawful activities," stated U.S. Attorney Escalona. She emphasized the commitment to working with law enforcement partners to hold accountable those involved in violence and drug trafficking.
ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Stankiewicz highlighted the seriousness of drug trafficking and gun violence issues affecting communities. He noted that individuals involved in illegal firearm possession and drug distribution are being held accountable for their actions.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Temple distributed fentanyl on two occasions. Following these incidents, authorities from the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant at his home, where they found 14 firearms including a machinegun; several firearm magazines; large quantities of ammunition; fentanyl; methamphetamine; digital scales; and other drug paraphernalia.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Alan Kirk are prosecuting the case.
