News Summary
Jadan O’Neal Cooper, a 21-year-old H2K gang member, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun. Cooper’s arrest followed a police operation where an AM-15 assault-style rifle was discovered in his vehicle. The case underscores ongoing gang violence in Birmingham and the commitment of law enforcement to tackling firearm-related crimes.
Birmingham Gang Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Machine Gun
Jadan O’Neal Cooper, a 21-year-old member of the H2K (Hard to Kill) street gang, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun. The ruling was delivered by U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala following Cooper’s guilty plea in January 2024.
Cooper’s legal troubles began on February 1, 2024, when he was arrested during a police surveillance operation in the Inglenook area of Birmingham. This operation was a collaborative effort involving the Leeds Police Department, the Birmingham Police Department’s East Task Force, the FBI, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office’s Star One Aviation Unit.
During the operation, law enforcement officers noticed Cooper as a passenger in a red 2021 Hyundai Sonata that was found to have a switched license plate. Upon initiating a traffic stop, officers discovered an AM-15 assault-style rifle at Cooper’s feet. This weapon was loaded and equipped with a 3-D printed “swift link” conversion device, which altered the firearm to function as a fully automatic machine gun.
Gang Background and Criminal Involvement
The H2K gang, to which Cooper is affiliated, is a known faction operating on the east side of Birmingham. It is recognized as a spinoff of the GTO (Goons Taking Over) gang, which had been active in the area from 2015 to 2018. The GTO gang was notorious for a range of criminal activities, including burglaries, robberies, drug dealings, and car break-ins. The emergence of the H2K gang signifies the ongoing challenge of gang-related violence and criminal enterprise in the region.
The investigation leading to Cooper’s arrest was thorough, involving multiple law enforcement agencies that delved into the operations of local gangs and their activities. The combination of community surveillance and strategic policing played a crucial role in apprehending individuals like Cooper, who are believed to contribute to the rising crime in the area.
Conclusion and Implications
Cooper’s sentencing highlights the commitment of authorities to curtail the illegal possession of firearms and gang-related violence in Birmingham. The case underscores the risks posed by street gangs and the lengths to which law enforcement will go to dismantle these networks. With ongoing vigilance and collaborative efforts, officials aim to address the roots of gang crime and enhance public safety in the community.
The sentence serves as a reminder that illegal possession of firearms, particularly modified ones capable of fully automatic fire, is taken very seriously within the judicial system. As efforts continue to combat gang activity, it remains crucial for communities to work alongside law enforcement to foster a safer environment for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham H2K Gang Member Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Gang
- ITV: Drug Gang Members Jailed
- BBC News: Birmingham Gang Activities
- Sunday World: Birmingham Drugs Gang
- Google Search: Birmingham gang violence
