Orville Andrew Pernell, a 32-year-old Jamaican national also known as "Oneil Christopher Reid," was arraigned in Atlanta on charges of firearm possession by an alien unlawfully present in the United States. Pernell's indictment by a federal grand jury in Georgia occurred on April 23, 2025.
"Pernell is an international fugitive who was charged with murder before escaping custody in both Saint Lucia and Jamaica, and then unlawfully entering the United States under a false identity," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies from the United States, Saint Lucia, and Jamaica that led to Pernell's capture.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in apprehending violent criminals globally. "This arraignment sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our local and international law enforcement partners will investigate and protect its citizens," he said.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia and Alabama, highlighted the case's demonstration of HSI's capability to identify and apprehend fugitives internationally. "Pernell’s ability to evade law enforcement in multiple countries and unlawfully enter the United States under a false identity underscores the importance of strong global partnerships," Schrank remarked.
The charges against Pernell stem from his alleged involvement in the murder of Clius Alfred on October 8, 2020, in Saint Lucia. After escaping custody there while awaiting trial, he was later arrested in Jamaica but escaped again while awaiting extradition back to Saint Lucia.
Pernell entered the U.S. illegally on December 7, 2022, near San Ysidro using a false name but was eventually stopped by Clayton County Sheriff's Office on July 21, 2023. Traveling at high speed on a stolen motorcycle led to his arrest after officers discovered a stolen firearm during their search.
Currently facing federal charges for illegal firearm possession as an alien unlawfully present in the country, Pernell remains detained pending trial with possible extradition back to Saint Lucia afterward.
Public members are reminded that indictments are merely charges; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are leading this investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wylly prosecuting.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues through comprehensive Department of Justice initiatives targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs).
For more information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or call (404) 581-6280; visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga for additional details.
