A Hanceville resident, Jason Earl Shirley, has been sentenced to 87 months in prison following a conviction related to methamphetamine distribution. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Steven L. Hofer, Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Division Drug Enforcement Administration.
The sentencing took place under U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke after Shirley, aged 41, entered a guilty plea in November 2024 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Details from the plea agreement reveal that on October 5, 2023, a deputy from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Shirley's vehicle due to several infractions including driving on the center line and having an expired tag without a valid driver’s license. During the stop, Shirley appeared nervous and avoided eye contact, prompting the deputy to request him to exit the car. Upon doing so, a black zippered bag fell out of his vehicle which Shirley admitted contained drugs. A subsequent search led to the discovery of methamphetamine along with scales and a smoking device with residue under the driver's seat.
The case was investigated by both the DEA and the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Sara M. Judah.