Updated with photo 1-16-20 8:16 p.m.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge on Thursday sentenced two men involved in a methamphetamine conspiracy to prison sentences ranging from 12 years to 24 years, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town; Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Melvin “Froggy” Rolin, of Cullman to 24 years and 7 months in prison, as the leader of a north Alabama drug conspiracy that was responsible for importing more than 90 kilograms of pure methamphetamine into Cullman, Morgan, Madison and Limestone Counties. Rolin pleaded guilty in June 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between January 2016 and February 2018. Rolin also pleaded guilty to distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine Feb. 3, 2018 and to possessing a North American Arms .22 magnum caliber pistol firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The judge sentenced Barry Williams, of Morgan County, to 12 1/2 years in prison for his role in the drug conspiracy. Williams pleaded guilty in October 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between January 2016 and February 2018. Rolin also pleaded guilty to distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine Jan. 31, 2018.
“There is no daylight between local, state and federal law enforcement,” Town said. “These prosecutions represent the hard work of many of our law enforcement partners and exemplify our global efforts to stop the influx of dangerous drugs like methamphetamine being brought into our communities. These defendants will now be joined by other drug dealers in a federal prison.”
“Drugs and guns are a deadly combination that often end with violent acts,” Morris said. “Today’s sentences should send a resounding message to all drug dealers in Alabama. We will target you, investigate you, and ensure that you go to prison in order to make our communities safe.”
“ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence as part of Project Guardian, continue to focus on reducing violent crime as the criminal element knows no geographical boundaries,” Watson said.
The DEA, ATF along with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher, Sr. prosecuted.
