Sentences have been handed down stemming from an incident in March 2025 at a well-known Montgomery dry cleaning business, where the owner was brutally assaulted, bound, held at gunpoint, and robbed.
Jim Massey III, owner of Jim Massey’s Cleaners, was the victim.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson and FBI Mobile Field Office Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones announced this week that two additional men have been sentenced in connection with the robbery.
In addition to the assault, the offenders made away with roughly $8,000 in cash.
On Tuesday, a federal judge sentenced 51-year-old Spirit Hooks, of Birmingham, Alabama, to 175 months in federal prison. Spencer Thomas, 68, of Montgomery, Alabama, was also sentenced to 144 months in prison.
The ringleader and organizer of the robbery, 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes — who was arrested in Las Vegas back in June — was previously sentenced to 195 months in prison on October 23, 2025. Thomas was also arrested along with Sykes in Las Vegas.
Hooks, Thomas, and Sykes, along with alleged co-defendant Clinton Thompson, 55, forcibly entered the Montgomery business on East South Street by shattering the front door with a rock. Once inside, the men confronted the business owner and forced him into an office containing a locked safe.
Charges are still pending against Thompson.
Notably, the federal system does not offer an opportunity for parole.
“This was a calculated and violent robbery that left a hardworking business owner injured and traumatized,” Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson said.
“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 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 Special Agent in Charge 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.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
