Two men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the March 2025 robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business, according to an announcement by Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones.
On January 13, 2026, Spirit Hooks, age 51, of Birmingham, received a sentence of 175 months in federal prison. Spencer Thomas, age 68, of Montgomery, was sentenced to 144 months. Previously, Zedekiah Sykes—the ringleader—was sentenced on October 23, 2025 to 195 months. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
Court records show that on March 10, 2025, Hooks, Thomas, Sykes and alleged co-defendant Clinton Thompson forcibly entered the business on East South Street after breaking the front door with a rock. Once inside they confronted the owner and forced him into an office with a locked safe. Thomas pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the victim’s head and demanded access to the safe; it was later found that the weapon was a BB gun. When the owner struggled with the combination, Hooks struck him in the left eye causing bruising and swelling. The group eventually accessed about $8,000 in cash from the safe.
Before leaving they zip-tied the victim’s hands and feet and took his cell phone and car keys before fleeing in his vehicle.
Hooks, Thomas and Sykes pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. They were ordered to pay $17,624.49 in restitution.
Clinton Thompson still faces charges of robbery and carjacking; his trial is set for May 11, 2026. Authorities note that “an indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation” and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
“This was a calculated and violent robbery that left a hardworking business owner injured and traumatized,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “The defendants planned out their actions and used threats and violence to carry them out, completely disregarding the safety and well-being of the victim. These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offense and our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.”
Special Agent Jones added: “The dedication of the men and women in the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, ALEA, Montgomery Police Department, United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI has culminated in a just result for our community,” she said. “These lengthy sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes committed and our unwavering resolve to bringing justice to victims and local businesses alike. We are stronger when we work together to combat violent crime.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including FBI Mobile Field Office; Montgomery Police Department; Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigation; Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit; as well as assistance from Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted this case as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide effort by the Department of Justice focused on reducing violent crime through initiatives like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The operation aims at using department resources against illegal immigration networks as well as transnational criminal organizations.
