Bessemer man agreed to kill someone for $300 during meth deal, feds say
Joshua Cole Rasberry, 34, and Donald Paul Sheets, 38, both of Bessemer are charged with distribution of methamphetamine.
Ethan Parker 
Two men from Jefferson County are facing a slate of federal charges following a recent indictment, with authorities alleging a disturbing plot involving a murder-for-hire scheme.
Federal Indictment Unsealed
As reported by 205focus.com, Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Phil Williams announced Thursday that 34-year-old Joshua Cole Rasberry and 38-year-old Donald Paul Sheets, both residents of Bessemer, have been charged with the distribution of methamphetamine.
The six-count indictment, which was officially unsealed on Thursday, outlines criminal activity allegedly taking place in January. In addition to the drug charges, Rasberry faces severe allegations, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and a count related to a murder-for-hire plot.
Details of the Alleged Plot
Federal investigators allege that Rasberry accepted $300 in exchange for the intent to kill an undisclosed victim. Prior to the federal indictment, the Bessemer Police Department took action on January 15, arresting Rasberry on a state charge of conspiracy to commit capital murder.
Investigation and Prosecution
While further details regarding the case remain limited at this time, the investigation was led by the FBI. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Cross and Kristy M. Peoples. You can find the original coverage of this story here.
