Sean P. Costello U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
Demarcus Jeremy Hodge was sentenced to 61 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to an April 16 announcement by United States District Court Judge Kristi K. DuBose.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address violent crime and the illegal possession of firearms by individuals with prior felony convictions. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to protect communities from violent crime and dismantle criminal organizations.
Court records show that on July 31, 2025, Hodge was stopped by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic violation. A deputy detected the smell of marijuana and found a loaded handgun in Hodge’s waistband during a pat-down. A search of the vehicle led officers to two bags of marijuana and digital scales. After being read his Miranda rights, Hodge admitted both ownership of the marijuana and knowledge that he should not have had a gun due to his status as a convicted felon. He said he bought the firearm from someone on the street for $300.
A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent determined that the Sig Sauer handgun had been manufactured outside Alabama and had traveled across state lines before ending up in Hodge's possession. The weapon was reported stolen from Florida. At sentencing, it was noted that Hodge had four prior felony convictions in Mobile County Circuit Court between April 2016 and February 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello announced the sentence following an investigation conducted by federal agents and local law enforcement agencies working together on this case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama advances community wellness through outreach programs and victim-witness services according to its official website. The office prosecutes federal crimes, defends civil cases involving the United States government according to its official website, designates its head as chief federal law enforcement officer in its district according to its official website, serves southern Alabama according to its official website, collaborates with various law enforcement agencies according to its official website, represents the federal government in court proceedings according to its official website, prosecutes crimes while handling civil litigation on behalf of the United States government, partners with other agencies for public safety initiatives, enhances community well-being through outreach efforts, and works toward strengthening public trust in judicial processes according to its official website.
