Convicted Felon Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A federal grand jury has indicted a convicted felon for trafficking narcotics and illegally possessing a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.

A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Renell Nathaniel Cooper, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, on two separate occasions in May and June 2025, Cooper sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and illegally possessed four firearms. The alleged incidents occurred in Jefferson County, Alabama. Cooper is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions in the District Court of Shelby County and the District Court of Jefferson County.

The DEA investigated the case along with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison J. Garnett is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.