Two men from Bay Minette, Alabama, have been sentenced to prison for trafficking methamphetamine and possessing firearms as convicted felons. Boniface Denton Buchanan, 56, received a sentence of 235 months in prison, while Samuel Earl Crook, Jr., 43, was sentenced to 60 months.
Court records indicate that between May and November 2023, Buchanan and Crook distributed large quantities of methamphetamine to individuals in north Baldwin County. Narcotics agents used confidential informants on several occasions to purchase drugs from the two men. These controlled buys led agents to obtain federal search warrants for both men’s residences.
On November 8, 2023, agents executed the warrants. When confronted at his home, Buchanan tried to escape but was subdued by law enforcement. A search revealed methamphetamine and a loaded shotgun in his house. Buchanan acknowledged having prior felony convictions that made it illegal for him to possess the firearm. When interviewed by agents, Buchanan stated: “I’ll do my time.” Investigators also found evidence of drug trafficking on his cell phone.
Agents searching Crook’s residence found methamphetamine, MDMA, and blue “Roxy” pills after Crook admitted he had them in his trailer. He further admitted selling several pounds of methamphetamine with Buchanan. During their search of Crook’s property, authorities recovered a 9mm pistol from his bedroom and over $33,000 in cash along with a loaded shotgun from his truck. Crook said the cash came from drug sales and confirmed he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions.
United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed sentences of 235 months for Buchanan and 60 months for Crook. Both will serve five years of supervised release following their imprisonment; they will be subject to drug testing and treatment during this period. No fines were levied; however, each defendant must pay $400 in special assessments. The court also ordered forfeiture of the seized guns and cash.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello announced the sentences.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF brings together multiple agencies—including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), DEA, ATF—alongside state and local law enforcement partners under leadership from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
