Jefferson County Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Kidnapping Conspiracy

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A Jefferson County man has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to kidnap an individual in exchange for payment of a drug debt, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.

U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Amarion Dewayne Jackson, 20, of Center Point, Alabama, to 235 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In April, Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping.

Also in April, Jackson's co-defendant, Korbyn Markeith Williams, 21, of Alabaster, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, and receipt of ransom money. Williams is set for sentencing on January 13, 2027.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office will not tolerate those who bring violence and fear into our communities. This sentence sends a clear message: those who commit violent crimes will be prosecuted and held accountable for their actions," said U.S. Attorney Williams. "We commend our law enforcement partners for their dedication and tireless efforts to ensure that the victim was recovered safely and that this dangerous defendant was brought to justice."

"The FBI will not tolerate individuals who attempt to terrorize our communities through violence. The 235-month federal prison sentence and five years of supervised release imposed on Amarion Jackson for conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping underscore our unwavering resolve," said David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Birmingham. "Those who plot or carry out acts designed to create chaos or instill fear will be met with an immediate, coordinated, and forceful law enforcement response. We are grateful for our law enforcement partners whose dedication ensures that dangerous offenders are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. Our message is clear: if you threaten the safety of our communities, we will act swiftly and decisively."

According to court documents, in January 2025, Jackson and Co-defendant Williams kidnapped a victim at gunpoint from his apartment located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after a third party failed to pay them for a narcotics transaction.

The victim was not involved in the drug deal. Jackson and Williams, who were both armed with pistols, threatened to kill the victim and demanded at least $5,000 for his safe return. Williams digitally received $1,000 of ransom from the victim's family. An individual called 911 to notify law enforcement that one of the kidnappers stated that if they did not get paid, they would shoot the victim.

Later, an officer with the Bessemer Police Department responded to a call at a store in Bessemer of an armed kidnapping involving a white car. The officer located the vehicle and activated her emergency lights. Williams and Jackson, who were there to meet the victim's family to receive the ransom money in cash, were arrested and the victim was recovered unharmed. In the vehicle, officers found pistols, ammunition, two black ski masks, and gloves.

FBI investigated the case along with the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force, and the Bessemer Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.