Huntsville Man Sentenced to Life Under New Law

A Huntsville resident has been handed a life sentence, marking the first conviction under a law named in memory of a slain police officer, as announced by Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Reginald Eugene Scott, age 45, was found guilty of human trafficking involving cocaine. According to Marshall, Scott was identified as a key figure in orchestrating a network of drug trafficking activities connected to criminal groups in the southeastern United States. During the investigation, law enforcement seized several firearms linked to the drug operations.

Scott entered a guilty plea for a single count of human trafficking with cocaine, classified as a Class A felony, leading to his life sentence under Alabama’s habitual felony offenders statute.

To facilitate such a sentence, the Attorney General’s office has implemented the “Agent Billy Clardy III Method” alongside specialized teams from Alabama law enforcement and the Huntsville Police Department. Enhanced investigative methods were crucial in exposing Scott’s drug trafficking activities in Madison County.

State Senator Rex Reynolds, who introduced the law, mentioned in February that this legislation serves as an effective tool for law enforcement. He emphasized the importance of granting police access to electronic eavesdropping as a means to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the state.

In 2019, Agent Billy Clardy III was tragically killed in the line of duty while probing a significant drug trafficking ring.

Following his death, the Alabama Legislature enacted the “Agent Billy Clardy III Act” in 2023. This law empowers law enforcement agencies in Alabama to employ advanced investigative techniques aimed at uncovering drug lords operating within the state.

Marshall remarked that the life sentence given to Scott serves as an appropriate tribute to Agent Clardy. He expressed that Clardy had dedicated himself to fighting the drug crisis in the community, and laws established in his name will continue to support the efforts of law enforcement in battling drug-related issues, ensuring safety for officers as well.

Marshall also noted that the case remains ongoing, with hopes for additional convictions in the future.

He commended the special prosecutor’s department of the Attorney General’s Office for their efforts in this case and acknowledged the contributions of Attorney General Verne H. Speyers and Special Agent Todd Mim in implementing the Agent Billy Clardy III Act.

Additionally, he extended gratitude to Alabama law enforcement, the STAC team at the Huntsville Police Department, and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for their dedication in bringing the case to trial.