Three Men Indicted Under Criminal Enterprise Act

2023 Alabama law enhances penalties for crimes that benefit the interest of a Criminal Enterprise

Three men have been indicted in Lee County for discharging a weapon into an occupied building or vehicle. They face enhanced charges under the Alabama Criminal Enterprise Act.

Jamaroun Dayshun Satterwhite, Demarious Ross and Timothy Bell each face four felony counts stemming for their alleged involvement in the crime, according to a statement released by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office on Thursday. They are each charged with two counts of Shooting or Discharging a Weapon into an Occupied Building or Automobile, and two counts of Possession, Use or Carrying of a Firearm.

If convicted, each of the defendants faces up to 99 years in prison, plus an additional 20 years of mandatory time for firearms possession related to a Criminal Enterprise.

The Alabama Criminal Enterprise Act enhances penalties for crimes that benefit, promote, or further the interests of a criminal enterprise, while also imposing mandatory consecutive sentences for firearm possession in certain offenses. The 2023 law was sponsored by State Senator Will Barfoot and Representative Allen Treadaway, and supported by the Attorney General.

The indictments were the result of a cooperative effort between Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere and Attorney General Marshall.

“The indictments handed down by the Lee County Grand Jury are a testament to the hard work of our investigators, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office," said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones. “We are committed to working in concert with our state and local partners to identify and apprehend those who threaten the safety of our communities by engaging in criminal activity through organized gang type operations.”

“We appreciate the strong collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in combating gang-related violence and keeping our communities safe,” said Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere. “These indictments demonstrate our shared commitment to holding offenders accountable and ensuring justice for our community. As these cases move through the court system, we will continue working together to see that justice is served and that those who endanger our citizens face the full consequences of the law.”

“The Alabama Legislature has equipped our state with the tools necessary to directly combat gang activity, and today, we are putting those tools into action,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Gang violence is a plague on our communities, and the cure is strong enforcement and tough sentences. My Office has worked alongside law enforcement to create and enforce the law and secure our communities, and we are committed to holding violent offenders accountable. Let this serve as a warning: if you bring violence to our streets, law enforcement will be there to meet you, and you will face the full force of the law.”