A Montgomery, Alabama resident is facing federal charges in connection to a robbery incident at a local dry cleaning business earlier this month. Zedekiah Sykes, 58, was apprehended on March 26, 2025, following charges of armed robbery, carjacking, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges have been officially confirmed by Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson, with the United States District Court in Montgomery publicly releasing Sykes' criminal complaint.
The investigative efforts that led to Sykes' arrest involved multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Metro Area Crime Suppression Task Force. Assistance was also provided by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Sykes is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.
The criminal complaint against Sykes serves as an allegation, and it is important to note that all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A conviction on all charges could lead to Sykes receiving a sentence that ranges from seven years to life imprisonment, as the federal system offers no parole. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits.
This case is part of a larger initiative known as Operation Take Back America. The operation aims to utilize the full resources of the Department of Justice to address issues related to illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and ensure community safety from violent criminal activities. The initiative aligns with efforts from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.