Two defendants have been sentenced for their roles in the robbery of a dry cleaning business in Montgomery in March of 2025.
According to a statement from U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones with the FBI Mobile Field Office, Spirit Hooks, 51, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced to 175 months while Spencer Thomas, 68, of Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 144 months.
The man believed to be the organizer, Zedekiah Sykes, 58, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 195 months.
These men, and one who allegedly took part and is yet to be tried, were arrested last year in connection to a robbery in which the business owner, Jim Massey, was struck after suspect forced their way inside and robbed him of approximately $8,000 in cash.
The suspect zip tied Massey and took his keys to escape in his car.
“This was a calculated and violent robbery that left a hardworking business owner injured and traumatized,” said Davidson. “The defendants planned out their actions and used threats and violence to carry them out, completely disregarding the safety and well-being of the victim. These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offense and our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.”
The alleged co-defendant, identified as Clinton Thompson, 55, has pending charges of robbery and carjacking. He will be tried on May 11.
Hooks, Thomas, and Sykes have been ordered to pay $17,624.49 in restitution.
"The dedication of the men and women in the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, ALEA, Montgomery Police Department, United States Attorney's Office and the FBI has culminated in a just result for our community,” said Jones. “These lengthy sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes committed and our unwavering resolve to bringing justice to victims and local businesses alike. We are stronger when we work together to combat violent crime."
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.