Federal Jury Convicts Dothan Man of Meth Distribution and Illegal Firearm Possession

DOTHAN, Ala. - Today, United States Attorney Thomas Govan announced that a federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, sitting in Dothan, Alabama, convicted 37-year-old Pravin Dewayne Simpson of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony. The jury returned its verdict on August 27, 2026.

According to evidence presented at trial, in July 2024, officers with the Dothan Police Department executed a search warrant at Simpson's residence. During the search, officers located a firearm in his bedroom, along with a digital scale.

Officers also discovered a container holding 10 small bags of methamphetamine, collectively weighing approximately 277 grams, inside a vehicle belonging to Simpson. Officers recovered an additional 18 grams of methamphetamine, 22 grams of cocaine, and a container of marijuana from the vehicle.

Because Simpson has a prior felony conviction, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The jury also found that Simpson had previously served a term of imprisonment of more than 12 months for a serious drug felony within 15 years of the 2024 offense. That finding triggers an enhanced penalty for the drug-trafficking offense and increases the mandatory minimum sentence.

Simpson's sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. At sentencing, Simpson faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The firearm conviction carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Dothan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher P. Moore and Michael Bren McMaken prosecuted the case for the Middle District of Alabama.