Kevin P. Davidson, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama
Two men have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in the March 2025 robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones.
On January 13, 2026, Spirit Hooks, 51, of Birmingham, Alabama, received a sentence of 175 months in federal prison. Spencer Thomas, 68, of Montgomery, was sentenced to 144 months. The organizer of the robbery, Zedekiah Sykes, 58, had previously been sentenced to 195 months on October 23, 2025. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
Court records state that on March 10, 2025, Hooks, Thomas and Sykes—along with alleged co-defendant Clinton Thompson—forced entry into the East South Street business by breaking the front door with a rock. Inside the store they confronted the owner and forced him into an office where there was a locked safe.
During the incident Thomas pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the victim’s head and demanded access to the safe; it was later found to be a BB gun. When the owner could not remember the combination quickly enough for them, Hooks struck him in the left eye causing bruising and swelling. The group eventually accessed about $8,000 from inside.
Before leaving they zip-tied the victim’s hands and feet and took his cell phone and car keys before fleeing in his vehicle.
Hooks, Thomas and Sykes pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. They were ordered to pay $17,624.49 in restitution.
Charges against Thompson are still pending with trial set for May 11, 2026. Authorities noted that “an indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation,” adding that Thompson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
“This was a calculated and violent robbery that left a hardworking business owner injured and traumatized,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “The defendants planned out their actions and used threats and violence to carry them out, completely disregarding the safety and well-being of the victim. These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offense and our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.”
Special Agent Jones commented: "The dedication of the men and women in the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, ALEA, Montgomery Police Department, United States Attorney's Office and the FBI has culminated in a just result for our community... These lengthy sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes committed and our unwavering resolve to bringing justice to victims and local businesses alike. We are stronger when we work together to combat violent crime."
The investigation involved multiple agencies including FBI Mobile Field Office; Montgomery Police Department; Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigation; Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit; with support from Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted this case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative by the Department of Justice designed to address illegal immigration issues as well as disrupt cartels or transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime by using resources such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) along with Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
