Orville Andrew Pernell, an illegal alien from Jamaica who is wanted for murder in Saint Lucia, was sentenced on May 19 to federal prison for possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address threats posed by individuals crossing international borders unlawfully and possessing illegal firearms. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency in the region and coordinates cases with nationwide and international dimensions, according to the official website.
“After he was charged with murder, Pernell escaped custody twice in the Caribbean, entered the United States under a different identity, and then repeatedly endangered our community through his possession of stolen and high-powered firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “All of our communities are safer with Pernell behind bars and subject to extradition to Saint Lucia to face murder charges.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd of ATF Atlanta said, “Individuals who attempt to hide behind false identities, cross international borders unlawfully, and traffic stolen firearms should understand that ATF and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue those who threaten public safety. This case highlights ATF’s critical role in tracing illegal firearms, disrupting trafficking networks, and ensuring dangerous offenders are removed from our communities.” Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama added: “No one who flees justice abroad and threatens public safety in the United States will escape accountability. Through the coordinated efforts of HSI and our partners, Pernell has been apprehended, convicted, and when his sentence concludes will be returned to face murder charges in Saint Lucia.”
According to court information presented by Hertzberg: Pernell was charged with murder on October 8, 2020; escaped custody twice—first from Saint Lucia authorities while awaiting trial then again from Jamaican authorities while awaiting extradition; entered the United States using a false identity at San Ysidro near California’s border with Mexico; was later stopped for speeding at 115 miles per hour on a motorcycle where deputies found a stolen firearm; posted bail after being arrested but remained free until further investigation led federal agents to arrest him under his alias on April 4, 2025.
At his home agents discovered another stolen handgun as well as an assault rifle loaded with a high-capacity magazine. While held before trial he damaged cell walls during apparent escape attempts.
Pernell pleaded guilty on February 11 this year to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien before being sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson to serve thirty-three months imprisonment followed by removal proceedings.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia enforces federal criminal laws—including those related to terrorism threats—and represents civil matters across north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs up against state borders serving about 7.5 million residents according to their official website.
This prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration-related crime including cartel activity.
