Birmingham, AL – Newly elected Birmingham City Council President, Johnathan Austin has assigned committees for the new council term. Most of the committees have continued to be covered by their previous chair, until the new assignments were declared.
“It is my intent that these committee assignments will continue to further facilitate the important work that we do on behalf of the citizens of Birmingham,” said Austin. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, their committees, and the administration in moving the city forward.”
There are eleven council committees. The new committee assignments are:
Administration and Education – Johnathan Austin (chair), William Parker, Marcus Lundy
Economic Development – Marcus Lundy (chair), Johnathan Austin, Kim Rafferty
Budget and Finance – Valerie Abbott (chair), Marcus Lundy, Johnathan Austin
Parks, recreation and Cultural Arts – William Parker (chair), Jay Roberson, Sheila Tyson
Planning and Zoning – Jay Roberson (chair), Steven Hoyt, Valerie Abbott
Public Improvement and Beautification – Sheila Tyson (chair), Steven Hoyt, Lashunda Scales
Joint Public Safety and Technology – Steven Hoyt (chair), William Parker, Kim Rafferty
Transportation and Communication – Kim Rafferty (chair), Lashunda Scales, Valerie Abbott
Utilities – Lashunda Scales (chair), Jay Roberson, Sheila Tyson
Assignments are effective immediately. Committee meeting times and locations can be found on the city council’s web site at www.birminghamALcitycouncil.org. The public can sign up to receive meeting notices from each committee on the council’s web site under the “Notify Me” section.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to extend the moratorium on payday and title lending businesses for six more months. The current moratorium expires on December 19, 2013. The moratorium was first approved by the council in 2011, and was extended in 2012.
“Payday and title loan businesses have an adverse impact on citizens, their families, local neighborhoods and communities nationwide,” said Councilwoman Lashunda Scales, who sponsored the original ordinance.
Scales also believes that the proliferation of these types of businesses hinder economic development. “It is the council’s attempt to resolve this issue by implementing zoning restrictions to reduce the number of payday and title pawn businesses in any given neighborhood, while trying to stimulate economic growth,” said Scales.
After a public hearing, an ordinance to set zoning restrictions on payday loan and title pawn business was delayed by one week. Council President Pro-tem, Jay Roberson recommended the delay to allow time for new councilors to become more familiar with the proposed ordinance.
The economic development and planning and zoning committees are working together to address the issue of “clustering” of these kind of businesses. City officials will petition the state legislature to introduce further legislation during the 2014 session.
The hearing was set and announced at the November 5th city council meeting.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis and Princeton professor emerita Anne-Marie Slaughter will headline the second biennial MOMENTUM conference in Birmingham on February 26 and 27. Davis is also a successful writer and film producer and the founder of a research-based organization dedicated to improving images for women and girls in the media.  Slaughter is best known as the author of Why Women Still Can’t Have It All, one of the most-read articles in the history of The Atlantic online magazine. Honorary co-chairs for the Conference are Martha Roby, U. S. Representative for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, and Terri Sewell, U. S. Representative for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.
Approaching its 11th year as Alabama’s premier women’s leadership program, MOMENTUM will broaden its reach to professional women across the state with this two-day conference. Targeted to Alabama women in the business and nonprofit sectors, this conference will educate, inform, and empower women to reach higher levels of leadership.
Both the Awards Program on the evening of February 26, honoring some of Alabama’s most accomplished women, and the all-day Conference on February 27 will take place at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. These events will convene high-profile speakers, honorees, and panelists who will share their wisdom and experience with an expected audience of more than 500 attendees.
Breakout sessions during the afternoon of February 27, will focus on topics such as diversity in the workplace, redefining success, broadening your professional network, the changing face of media, accelerating change through risk-taking, using creativity to define success, and the imperative of ethical conduct in high-pressure environments. Both substantive and informative, these breakout sessions also will present best practices for leadership development, skills-building, and management training. Career counseling opportunities, such as speed resume reviews, will be available on site to attendees. Continuing Education Credits (CEU’s) will be offered to those who fulfill the requirements.
“ Our first Conference was an opportunity to motivate and inspire women throughout the state to reach higher to meet the many challenges facing Alabama’s businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. Our evaluation feedback shows that’s just what it did,” said MOMENTUM Executive Director, Barbara Royal.
She went on to say, “Conference 2014 is loaded with top-level speakers and deeply experienced panelists. The topics are relevant to business today: communication, technology, ethics, community service and leadership best practices. Attendees will learn about ways to work smarter and strategies  that can accelerate positive change for themselves and for women throughout the state. “
To register for the MOMENTUM Women’s Leadership Conference, please visit momentumleadershipconference.com. There are discounts for early registration and special group rates. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Hoover Restaurant Owner Charged with Trafficking Marijuana

BIRMINGHAM — The owner of Jubilee Joe’s Restaurant in Hoover faces federal drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Fulton.
An eight-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October against KASHIF MOHAMMED SIDDIQUI, 32, of Birmingham, was unsealed today following his arrest. The indictment charges Siddiqui with conspiracy to distribute marijuana in Jefferson and Shelby counties between September 2012 and January 2013. The indictment also charges Siddiqui with two counts of distributing marijuana, once on Sept. 6, 2012, and again on Oct. 17, 2012.
The indictment further charges Siddiqui with transferring a Bushmaster .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime on Oct. 17, 2012, and with selling or loaning a Glock .45-caliber pistol to a convicted felon on Oct. 20, 2012. The indictment also charges Siddiqui with conspiring to conduct a financial transaction involving proceeds of illegal activity on Nov. 19, 2012; and with both possessing with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing a Colt .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime on Jan. 3, 2013.
The conspiracy and marijuana distribution charges each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Transferring a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and providing a firearm to a known felon both carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The money-laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of either $500,000 or double the amount laundered, whichever is greater. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime carries a $250,000 fine and a prison term of five years to life in prison, which must be served after completion of any other sentence imposed for the crime.
ATF investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Wilson Hunter is prosecuting.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges. It is the government’s responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

Former Narcotics Task Force Officer Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Embezzling Seized Money

BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced the former commander of the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force to one year and a day in prison for stealing at least $125,000 from suspected drug proceeds seized by the multi-agency task force, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Schwein Jr.

JEFFREY LYNN SNYDER, 55, of Carrollton, pleaded guilty in June to one count of theft from a program that received more than $10,000 in federal benefits within a one-year period. U.S. District Court Judge Inge P. Johnson sentenced Snyder to prison and, in accordance with the plea agreement he entered with the government in May, ordered him to pay $125,000 restitution to the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force,

The U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Snyder in May with embezzling the task force money between June 2010 and June 2012, when he left the task force.
“Joint task force operations are an important part of the combined law enforcement effort to control illegal drug trafficking. This theft by a city police captain impaired the financial condition of the unit and violated the trust placed in him by fellow officers,” Vance said. “Police officers who violate their oath to protect and serve the public are rare, but those who breach that trust must be prosecuted and held to account.”
“Honesty and integrity are fundamental guiding principles for any law enforcement officer, regardless of rank or position,” Schwein said. “Fortunately, Mr. Snyder’s actions are not reflective of the vast majority of the men and women in law enforcement who go to work every day to protect and serve while upholding the principles of honesty and integrity. Today, Mr. Snyder pays the price for his actions and is being held accountable for violating the trust the good people of West Alabama placed in him.”

The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force is composed of officers from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Northport Police Department and University of Alabama Police Department. It is tasked to investigate all drug crimes in Tuscaloosa County.

Snyder was a 29-year member of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, retiring as a captain in December 2012. He was detailed to the narcotics task force in 1989 and became its commander in June 2002, according to court records.

Task force members periodically seized money suspected to be proceeds of illegal drug transactions and turned the money in to Snyder, who was responsible for depositing the money into bank accounts while condemnation proceedings were pursued through court, according to his plea agreement. Snyder was entrusted to receive the seized money, log it in task force ledger books and deposit it in task force bank accounts.

Snyder began embezzling from the seized funds no later than June 2010. He executed his scheme “by pocketing some or all of the funds seized during various arrests, and then failing to correctly account for those funds,” he acknowledged in his plea agreement.

The FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Cornelius prosecuted the case.

###

MONTGOMERY—Attorney General Luther Strange announced the conviction of a Lanett woman for first-degree theft from the Chambers County Drug Court. Rosanna Nicole “Nikki” Brooks, 39, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years, which was suspended and she was placed on probation. She was ordered to pay court costs and a $100 fine for the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission.  A hearing will be set to determine the amount of restitution Brooks will be required to pay.
Brooks was a clerical worker with the Chambers County Court Referral Program, LLC., which administers the Chambers County Drug Court Collections.
The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division presented evidence to a Chambers County grand jury on September 13, 2013, regarding Brooks’ theft of drug court funds in an amount exceeding $2,500. Specifically, she accepted payments from clients of the court referral program and failed to turn over this money to the Chambers County Commission for deposit into the county’s drug court account. Brooks admitted her guilt in a court hearing on December 4.
“This defendant was entrusted to handle funds administered by a public agency, and she betrayed her employers and the people of Chambers County by her theft,” said Attorney General Strange. “I am pleased that she has been held to account for her crime and will be required to repay the money she stole.”
Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Bill Lisenby and Special Agents of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division, and thanked the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office for valuable assistance in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

The Birmingham Police Department reports that a suspect has been charged in connection with a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at approximately 1:35 a.m., at 2420 Pearson Avenue Southwest.

The victim has been identified as:
Donald Stallworth, B/M, 56, of Birmingham, Alabama.

The suspect has been identified as:
Quinton Jackson, B/M, 47, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Murder warrant with a $75,000 bond has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the process of being transferred to the Jefferson County Jail.

The suspect surrendered to BPD West Precinct officers. The suspect is in the custody of the Birmingham City Jail.

Additional suspect information will be released upon completion of warrant procedures.

If there is anyone who has additional information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the BPD Homicide Unit @ 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

The Birmingham Police Department reports that two suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with two separate robbery investigations. Both incidents occurred on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 between 12:05 a.m. and 12:55 a.m.

Officers from the South Precinct responded to the 1500 block of 13th Place South to investigate a call of a robbery. Officers arrived to find a victim who stated he was robbed. The victim told officers that two suspects approached him at gunpoint and took valuables before fleeing. There were no injuries during the robbery.

Upon further investigation, South Precinct officers were able to locate 2 suspects in the 600 block of Idlewild Circle matching the description. The suspects were later positively identified as the suspects responsible for the robbery of the victim.  In addition, the suspects were identified as the offenders in an earlier reported robbery that occurred in the 1300 block of 34th Street South involving 2 victims.

The first suspect has been identified as:
Phillip Daniel Henderson, B/M, 21, of Pinson, Alabama. Three Robbery warrants with a $60,000.00 bond on each charge have been obtained against the suspect.

The second suspect has been identified as:
Desmond Ray Jones, B/M, 24, of Birmingham, Alabama. Three Robbery warrants with a $60,000.00 bond on each charge have been obtained against the suspect.

 
Robbery and Attempted Murder Investigation Arrests   
 

The Birmingham Police Department reports that three suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery and attempted murder investigation. The incident occurred on November 11, 2013 at 8:13 p.m.

Officers from the North Precinct responded to the 500 block of 2nd Street North to investigate a call of an assault. Officers arrived to find a victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.  Officers learned that the victim was visiting in the area when she encountered the suspects and an argument ensued. Officers learned that one suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and struck her before taking her cash. As the suspects attempted to flee, the victim made an effort to get a tag number of the suspects’ vehicle when the suspects fired a gun at the victim. The suspects were later identified as the offenders responsible for the robbery and assault.

The first suspect has been identified as:
Ledarius Lamar Mason, B/M, 23, of Birmingham, Alabama. An Attempted Murder warrant with a $30,000.00 bond and a Robbery warrant with a $20,000.00 bond have been obtained against the suspect.

The second suspect has been identified as:
Keioka Lashay Caldwell, B/F, 21, of Birmingham, Alabama. An Attempted Murder warrant with a $30,000.00 bond and a Robbery warrant with a $20,000.00 bond have been obtained against the suspect.

The third suspect has been identified as:
Carisa Caldwell, B/F, 44, of Center Point, Alabama. A Robbery warrant with a $20,000.00 bond has been obtained against the suspect.

With the impending health care enrollment deadline fast approaching, Councilor Marcus Lundy, Jr., District 9 is hosting a series of town hall meetings in the community to get residents educated and informed on the new health care law; and enrolled. Benefits will start January 1, 2014 for residents who sign up by the new December 23rd deadline. The original deadline was December 15th but was extended one week due to launch issues with the healthcare.gov website.

“We have to get the word out,” said Councilor Lundy. “As an elected official, I want to do everything within my power to get the information out to my constituents.”

In a partnership with Birmingham Health Care, the NAACP and Tier 1 Advisors, LLC; two town hall meetings have been announced for Monday and Tuesday, December 16th and 17th.

Monday, December 16, 2013:
St. John’s Baptist Church Life Center
1101 Alexander Street
Dolomite, AL 35064
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013:
North Birmingham Public Library Meeting Room
2501 31st Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35207
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Residents seeking more information on the town hall meetings can call toll-free, 1-855-LUNDYJR (1-855-586-3957) or visit the city council’s web site at www.birminghamALcitycouncil.org.