Sean P. Costello U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
Ray Anthony Parker was sentenced to 70 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to an April 10 announcement by United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and federal prosecutors to address gun-related offenses involving individuals with prior felony convictions. According to court documents, Parker was stopped by a Mobile Police Department officer on July 22, 2024, due to improper lane usage on Airport Boulevard. The officer detected the smell of marijuana and asked Parker, who was alone in the vehicle, to exit. After detaining him, the officer found approximately five grams of marijuana and a Glock .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine under the driver’s seat.
Parker had previous felony convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin in federal court and possession or receipt of a controlled substance in state court. The Glock handgun had been transported into Alabama from another state.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement regarding Parker's sentencing. The investigation involved both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Mobile Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney George F. May prosecuted the case.
The office of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama prosecutes federal crimes and handles civil litigation on behalf of the United States while partnering with law enforcement agencies according to its official website. It also advances community wellness through outreach programs and victim-witness services according to its official website.
The U.S. Attorney is designated as chief federal law enforcement officer in this district according to its official website, serves southern Alabama according to its official website, collaborates with other agencies according to its official website, represents the government in court proceedings according to its official website, and aims at safeguarding communities while bolstering public trust in judicial processes according to its official website.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative that coordinates resources from multiple Justice Department programs including Homeland Security Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
