The Mobile County sheriff said his job is to protect citizens, and that is why he feels it's important to explain an enhancement law that allows stricter punishments for gang activity.
The response comes after the conviction of Marcus Cobbs, Jr., for trafficking marijuana to benefit from a criminal enterprise.
Sheriff Paul Burch said the conviction was not about a simple possession of marijuana for personal use, but was a part of a large-scale, organized trafficking ring. Burch said there was violent gang activity involved.
"Our Investigators worked tirelessly to follow the evidence, document patterns of activity, and establish the organized nature of this operation," said Burch. "These cases require patience, precision, and collaboration. I am proud of the professionalism demonstrated by our investigative team and grateful to the prosecutors who presented the case effectively in court."
After reading social media comments, Burch said he felt it was important to explain that trafficking involves large quantities and distribution networks and financial gain.
"We have read some of the comments after this conviction was released from DA's Office yesterday on various websites. Are you people for real?????" Burch posted on social media.
Prosecutors used an enhancement law (SB 143, passed in 2023) that allows the court to consider the entire operation.
"When drugs are distributed at scale, it fuels broader criminal activity, including illegal firearms, violence, intimidation, and recruitment of young people into gang culture," he explained. "The Criminal Enterprise enhancement was applied because the evidence showed structure, coordination, and leadership, not a single isolated act."
Burch then offered "cliff notes" and suggested citizens "read slowly."
"The Bill defines 'criminal enterprise' as any combination, confederation, alliance, network, conspiracy, understanding or other similar arrangement in law or in fact, including a street gang as defined in Section 13A-6-26, of three or more persons, through its membership or through the agency of any member, that engages in a course or pattern of criminal activity, according to his arrest history," Burch said. "There is clearly a pattern of criminal activity."
Cobb will be sentenced on April 30.
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Correction: This story has been updated to clarify Burch wants to explain an enhancement law, not repeal it, as first reported.
