Montgomery Restaurant Co-Owner Convicted on Federal Drug and Gun Charges

            According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in August of 2017, law enforcement was investigating suspected drug trafficking activity in Montgomery, Alabama. They eventually identified an individual named Ronnie White, 51, from Montgomery, as a potential suspect. Using various investigative techniques, they discovered that White was buying cocaine from Richard Smith. On December 17, 2021, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Richard Smith and found five ounces of cocaine and a firearm. During the trial, the jury heard testimony that White regularly purchased cocaine from Richard Smith and, on the date of the traffic stop, he was expecting to buy between five and nine ounces. Other testimony stated that Richard Smith often carries a firearm during these transactions and that he would occasionally conduct the illegal drug sales while wearing his Air Force Reserve uniform.

            Ronnie White previously pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. White’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2021 and he faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Following his convictions, Richard Smith faces a maximum sentence of 25 years.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Montgomery Police Department, with assistance from the Prattville Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Alabama National Guard Counterdrug program. Assistant United States Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Mark E. Andreu prosecuted the case.