Statement of the Attorney General on Passage of the Fair Sentencing Act

"I congratulate the House of Representatives on today’s passage of the Fair Sentencing Act. The bill greatly reduces the unwarranted disparity in sentences for crack and powder cocaine offenses, and will go a long way toward ensuring that our sentencing laws are tough, consistent, and fair.

"By sending the bill to the President, the House has taken an important step toward more just sentencing policies while enhancing the ability of law enforcement officials to protect our communities from violent and dangerous drug traffickers.

"This day was long in coming, and I want to express my appreciation to the members of the House and Senate who worked tirelessly to bring about this result. Particular thanks are due to Majority Whip Clyburn, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers and Crime Subcommittee Chairman Scott, and to the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Sessions and Senators Durbin and Graham.

"I join them in celebrating this achievement, and look forward to working with them to implement the new law."

Birmingham Man Indicted for Robbery of Downtown Birmingham Bank

BIRMINGHAM—A federal grand jury today indicted a 27-year-old Birmingham man in connection with the June robbery of Regions Bank in downtown Birmingham, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Maley.

The indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges QUINTON DUWAN POSEY with robbing the bank on June 10 “by force and violence and by intimidation.”

“Our financial institutions, the people who work within them and the customers who depend on them must be protected,” Vance said. “Bank robbery is a serious crime. We answer it with stern prosecution.”

The bank robbery charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

This matter was investigated by the Birmingham Police and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Dimler is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.