Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced the indictment of three men in Lee County on charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied building or vehicle. Their charges are enhanced under Alabama’s Criminal Enterprise Act, which targets organized criminal activity.
The defendants, Jamaroun Dayshun Satterwhite, Demarious Ross, and Timothy Bell, each face four felony counts. The indictment follows a joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.
“The Alabama Legislature has given us strong tools to fight gang activity, and we are putting them to use,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Gang violence is a serious threat to our communities, and the solution is tough enforcement and strict sentencing. My office is committed to working with law enforcement to uphold these laws and ensure the safety of our citizens. Let this be a warning—if you bring violence to our streets, law enforcement will meet you there, and you will face the full force of the law.”
Charges Against Defendants:
Two counts of Shooting or Discharging a Weapon into an Occupied Building or Vehicle
Two counts of Possession, Use, or Carrying of a Firearm
If convicted, each defendant could face up to 99 years in prison, with an additional mandatory 20-year sentence for firearm possession related to a criminal enterprise.
Attorney General Marshall commended Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere for their partnership in securing the indictments.
“These indictments reflect the dedication of our investigators, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office,” said Sheriff Jay Jones. “We remain committed to working alongside our state and local partners to identify and arrest those who engage in organized criminal activity and threaten public safety.”
Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing violent crime.
“We appreciate the strong cooperation with the Attorney General’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in tackling gang violence and keeping our communities safe,” said Ventiere. “These indictments reaffirm our commitment to ensuring offenders face justice. As these cases progress through the courts, we will continue to work together to hold criminals accountable and protect our citizens.”
In 2023, Attorney General Marshall worked with Senator Will Barfoot and Representative Allen Treadaway to pass the Criminal Enterprise Act. The law increases penalties for crimes that support or advance organized criminal groups and mandates consecutive sentences for firearm possession in certain cases.
