Kenyan Man Jailed in Alabama for Illegal Firearm Possession

A Kenyan man living in the United States without legal documentation has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm in Birmingham, Alabama.

Stanley Amalemba Ambeyi, 39, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to being an undocumented immigrant in possession of a firearm, US Attorney Catherine Crosby said. US District Judge Madeline Haikala delivered the sentence on Monday, 6 April.

Court records indicate that on 11 April 2025, a Birmingham police officer stopped Ambeyi’s vehicle and noticed a box of ammunition inside. Ambeyi denied having a firearm, but officers later recovered an Amadeo Rossi S.A. .22LR revolver from the car. An open alcoholic beverage was also found, prompting his arrest.

At sentencing, prosecutors cited a separate incident from November 2024 in which Ambeyi allegedly attempted to solicit sex from a person he believed to be a 15‑year‑old girl during a sting operation connected to the television programme To Catch a Predator. He now faces charges in Blount County Circuit Court, including first‑degree human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child, and travelling to meet a minor for sexual activity.

Investigators reported that Ambeyi arrived at the meeting location carrying a loaded firearm, condoms, lubricant, and a machete. He claimed the items were for self‑defence, but chat transcripts and other evidence were presented by prosecutors.

Sheriff Mark Moon, who oversaw the arrest, said Ambeyi is likely to face deportation to Kenya after completing his prison sentence. The case forms part of “Operation Take Back America,” a federal initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational crime.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in cooperation with Birmingham police. The prosecution was handled by Assistant US Attorneys John Ward and Ryan Rummage.

Immigration attorney Blaise Odhiambo said that although the Kenyan embassy could provide access to legal counsel, Ambeyi has already pleaded guilty and must serve his sentence. He faces additional prison time if convicted on the pending charges in Blount County.