A 23-year-old man from Alabama, Arthur Varcea Colvin, has been sentenced to 96 months (eight years) in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentence was handed down by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama on March 4, 2025.
Following his prison sentence, Colvin will serve three years of supervised release. In the federal system, parole is not an option, which means Colvin will serve the full length of his sentence behind bars.
The charges against Colvin stem from an incident that took place on February 1, 2023. On that day, officers with the Montgomery Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop after observing a violation by a vehicle.
Colvin was a passenger in the vehicle, which was being driven by 28-year-old Le’Anthony Washington. During the stop, the officers became suspicious of the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. This suspicion led to a search of the car. What they found during the search was startling.
The police discovered three firearms in the vehicle: a .40 caliber handgun under the driver’s seat, an AR-15 pistol hidden under the front passenger’s seat, and a 9mm handgun on the back floorboard. In addition to these firearms, authorities also found over 400 grams of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. Colvin was found to be in possession of a handgun, as well as a small amount of marijuana. This discovery would prove to be a turning point in the case.
The drugs and firearms were the key pieces of evidence that led to Colvin’s arrest and charges. In the federal court system, possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, especially when combined with firearms, is considered a very serious offense.
Colvin was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In addition to Colvin’s involvement, Le’Anthony Washington, the driver of the vehicle, was also charged in the case.
Washington, who has a prior felony conviction, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. In federal court, individuals with previous felony convictions are prohibited from possessing firearms, making Washington’s actions all the more serious.
Like Colvin, Washington pleaded guilty to the charges against him in October 2024. Washington received a 35-month sentence in federal prison, which began on January 31, 2025. Washington’s sentence is notably shorter than Colvin’s, but it still reflects the severity of the crime he was involved in.
In total, the case highlights the serious nature of drug trafficking and firearms offenses in Alabama and across the United States. Authorities in Alabama have made it clear that they are committed to combating these types of crimes, which are often linked to organized criminal activity and public safety concerns.
The discovery of firearms alongside drugs in the vehicle is a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals involved in such illegal activities. Law enforcement officials have consistently stated that they will continue their efforts to take illegal firearms off the streets and prevent the distribution of illicit drugs.
For Colvin, the consequences of his actions are severe. The 96-month sentence is a reflection of the seriousness with which federal authorities treat drug trafficking and firearms offenses. In this case, Colvin’s involvement in both trafficking drugs and carrying firearms with the intent to distribute them led to a lengthy prison sentence. The 23-year-old man will now spend the next several years of his life behind bars, with no possibility of parole.
In addition to the prison sentence, Colvin will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his time in federal prison. During this period, he will be under the supervision of federal authorities and must comply with strict conditions.
This typically includes regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and a ban on associating with individuals involved in criminal activity. Violating these conditions could result in a return to prison.
The case also underscores the importance of law enforcement’s role in maintaining public safety and ensuring that criminals face the consequences of their actions. Officers with the Montgomery Police Department acted quickly and professionally when they stopped the vehicle and suspected the presence of illegal substances. Their diligence during the traffic stop and subsequent search led to the discovery of the firearms and drugs that were crucial to the investigation and the eventual prosecution of Colvin and Washington.
In today’s society, the issue of drug trafficking and gun violence remains a significant concern. The combination of illegal drugs and firearms often leads to more violence and crime, making these types of offenses particularly troubling.
Federal authorities and local law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to disrupt drug trafficking operations and remove dangerous firearms from circulation. The sentencing of Colvin and Washington serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to tackle these issues and the serious consequences of getting involved in such illegal activities.
For Alabama residents, this case highlights the importance of being vigilant and aware of the potential dangers posed by criminal activity in their communities. While this case involved a routine traffic stop, it ultimately led to the discovery of illegal drugs and firearms, which could have had a much broader impact on public safety if left unchecked.
The work done by local police officers and federal authorities is crucial in keeping communities safe and ensuring that individuals involved in drug trafficking and firearms offenses are held accountable for their actions.
As this case comes to a close, both Colvin and Washington will begin serving their respective sentences. Their time in federal prison will serve as a reminder to others about the severe consequences that come with being involved in illegal drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
As the community reflects on this case, it’s clear that law enforcement will continue to work diligently to prevent these crimes and ensure that public safety remains a top priority.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
