Alabama Criminal Law Round-Up October 24th

Here are a few of the criminal law stories that occurred around the state of Alabama this past week:

• Authorities in Shelby and Jefferson counties conducted simultaneous raids on 12 Birmingham pawn shops last week. The raids on these shops (owned by Steve Scott of Pelham) seized over $600,000 cash and items such as stolen Fitbits, Nest Learning Thermostats and more. After the stolen items were sold to Scott’s stores, they were put up for sale on eBay and Craigslist. Scott and 15 of his employees were arrested; police are still looking for a 17th suspect.
• Following the homicide of Mobile resident Delauna Anderson, 25, last Tuesday night, Mobile Police Chief James Barber spoke to the Wednesday morning meeting of the City Council about the surge of homicides in the city this past month. Barber informed the crowd that Anderson’s death is Mobile’s 33rd homicide in 2016. Ten homicides have been reported between October 2nd and 18th.
• An Anniston man experienced a failed escape attempt after robbing Betty’s Barbecue last Friday night. After entering the back entrance of the restaurant during their closing procedures, Malachi Hicks took the night’s proceeds at gunpoint and attempted to flee the establishment. He was shot by an employee’s father, who had arrived to pick up their child. Hicks is in stable condition at a Birmingham hospital; no charges have been filed yet.