Four Men Charged in Violent Robbery of Local Businessman

Birmingham, Alabama, September 11, 2025

News Summary

In Birmingham, Alabama, four men have been charged in connection with a violent robbery of businessman Jim Massey. The robbery involved assault and theft of cash, with one suspect allegedly orchestrating the attack. Surveillance footage has aided the investigation, leading to the apprehension of the suspects. If convicted, they could face significant prison time.

Montgomery, Alabama – Four men have been charged in connection with the violent robbery of local businessman Jim Massey, which occurred on March 10, 2025. The two latest suspects, identified as Spirit Hooks, 51, and Clinton Thompson, 55, from Birmingham, join previously charged individuals Spencer “Dragon” Thomas, 67, and Zedekiah Sykes, 58. The robbery, which took place at Massey’s cleaning business, was meticulously planned, with Sykes reportedly orchestrating the attack.

The suspects are facing serious criminal charges, including Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison upon conviction. While Sykes and Thomas have already pleaded guilty, their sentencing dates remain undetermined. If convicted, Hooks and Thompson could also face lengthy prison sentences with no possibility of parole.

The assault unfolded around 6:10 p.m. when Massey, upon hearing a noise, went to investigate. He was confronted by four men posing as construction workers, who forcibly took him into an office where they demanded access to his locked safe. During the confrontation, one assailant struck Massey, a move that led to them stealing between $6,000 and $8,000 cash. Following the robbery, they bound Massey’s hands and feet with zip ties, confiscated the business’s phones, and made off with Massey’s vehicle.

Surveillance footage captured the four men nearby on Noble Avenue shortly after the incident, aiding law enforcement in their investigation. Following the robbery, witnesses approached Massey, alleging they had information about the crime and demanding money in return for details. These witnesses ultimately revealed to authorities that Sykes had planned the robbery, spending months recruiting the suspects and surveying Massey’s property.

In the wake of the crime, the Metro Area Crime Suppression Task Force began monitoring Sykes. Investigators noted suspicious purchases made with Sykes’s credit card for items such as hard hats and safety vests, indicating further planning of the robbery. Additionally, they found a duffle bag in Sykes’s vehicle that resembled the one used during the crime, as well as urine-filled bottles that suggested he may have been living in his car.

The investigation led to the arrest of Thompson in Las Vegas on May 27, 2025. Evidence from a search of his home in Prattville linked him to the robbery, including work gloves and cash tied to Massey’s bank account. Law enforcement agencies involved include the Montgomery police, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the FBI, and the Metro Area Crime Suppression Task Force, showcasing significant collaboration between multiple law enforcement entities in this case.

As of now, trial dates are set for Thomas on June 17, 2025, and for Sykes on August 11, 2025. The outcome of these trials may set a precedent for similar future cases as law enforcement crackdowns on organized robbers become more stringent.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Birmingham Men Charged in Brutal Robbery
• Wikipedia: Robbery
• AL.com: Vehicle Sought After Professor Killed
• Google Search: Montgomery Crime
• Yellowhammer News: Alabama Town Hall Drama
• Google Scholar: Montgomery Crime
• AL.com: Montgomery Businessman Robbed
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Robbery
• AL.com: Second Arrest in Vicious Robbery
• Google News: Alabama Crime

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.