Contact:

James M. Cavanaugh
Special Agent in Charge
615-781-5364

Jaime Reyes
Resident Agent in Charge
205-731-1111

Todd Reichert
Special Agent/PIO
615-781-5364
800-896-4879 Pager

On January 1, 2001, the Birmingham Police Department (BPD) responded to a "shots fired" call in the 3000 block of 31st Street North, Birmingham, Alabama. What was a "routine" call about gunshots fired in celebration of the new year, led to the discovery of a significant machine gun theft. The responding officers recovered two fully automatic Steyr, model MPI-69, 9mm caliber machine guns.

The BPD Detectives determined the origin of the firearms to be a contract United States Customs bonded warehouse located in Birmingham, Alabama. The BPD Detectives contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to request assistance in the investigation of the theft. The machine guns were originally held at the bonded warehouse in accordance with US importation laws for a Birmingham area Federal firearm licensee. Upon learning this information, United States Customs Service (USCS) Special Agents joined the investigation. It was quickly discovered that the machine guns recovered were two of fourteen machine guns of the same make, model and caliber stolen from the warehouse and subsequently illegally trafficked on the streets of Birmingham.

The diligent efforts of BPD Detectives, Special Agents from the USCS and ATF have netted the arrest of two defendants,

- Gene T. Roberson, B/M/09/06/1969, 477 37th Terrace West, Birmingham, Alabama

- Cedric Usher, B/M/08/08/1979, 7587 66th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama
along with the recovery of four of the machine guns. These defendants have been arrested for violations of Federal firearm laws and will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney's (USA) office for the Northern Judicial District of Alabama.

Although four machine guns have been recovered, ten remain outstanding. BPD, ATF, USCS and the USA office are seeking the help of the public to recover the stolen machine guns. A reward of $1000 for each machine gun recovered is being offered to anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of the machine guns. Flyers are being mailed to residents in the following zip code areas, 35207 and 35212. Four of the machine guns have been recovered in this area, and all were believed to have been trafficked in this area. Anyone with information on the location of the stolen guns are urged to contact the Birmingham Police, Crimestoppers, 254-7777, or the ATF at 205-731-1111 or 800-ATF-GUNS.