A Birmingham man has been sentenced to 36 years in prison on charges related to gun possession and drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced that Frederick Leonard Temple, Jr., also known as “Cutt” and “Cutthroat,” received a 432-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala.
In February, a jury convicted Temple of several charges including possession of a machine gun, distribution of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. “This sentence sends a clear message that violent, criminal conduct like Defendant Temple’s will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Escalona.
The case highlights the collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies. ATF Special Acting Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz commented, “Today’s sentencing illustrates the continuous commitment that the ATF shares with our state, local, and federal law-enforcement partners to combat the illegal possession of firearms.”
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Temple distributed fentanyl on two occasions. A search warrant executed at his residence on January 26, 2022, led to the discovery of drugs and firearms in a room where an infant was present. Authorities seized 14 firearms including a Glock pistol equipped with a machine gun-conversion device, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, fentanyl, methamphetamine, digital scales, and other paraphernalia.
The investigation involved multiple agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Alan Kirk were responsible for prosecuting the case.
