Blog Layout

Operation Jamaican Knights Fifth Suspect Arrested After Chase Through Gulf Shores

Erica Thomas • February 13, 2025

High-speed chase through Gulf Shores ends in an FBI arrest

Gulf Shores Police Cruiser

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The FBI arrested a fifth suspect in connection to a fraudulent lottery scam.


Multiple agencies have been working to take suspects into custody since last Friday, when four arrests were made as part of Operation Jamaican Knights.


Peter Walcott, Malik Chambers, Romario Nembhard and Jermaine Smith, all Jamaican nationals, were taken into custody last week and charged with mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.


The fifth suspect was arrested Wednesday after a police chase through Gulf Shores. Police said a vehicle registered to the suspect was spotted in the area of Highway 59 and Ft. Morgan Road around 7:47 a.m. When officers attempted to pull the car over, the driver fled.


Units with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and the Orange Beach Police Department assisted in the chase, which ended on Cotton Creek Drive.


According to the FBI, the defendants scammed victims nationwide out of more than $200,000.


Court documents state that some of the victims were elderly, and they were made to believe they had won the lottery. The scammers directed them to pay taxes on their winnings by sending cash to addresses in Baldwin County. Over 100 shipments of cash were made.


If convicted, the suspects face up to 20 years in prison for the scam.


The defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Foley City Council to Vote on Downtown Streetscape Design Funding

Foley City Council to Vote on Downtown Streetscape Design Funding

By OBA Staff • March 17, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley City Council is set to discuss and vote on a number of resolutions at its meeting tonight. One of the most items on the agenda involves allocating additional funds for professional services related to the Downtown Residential Streetscape Conceptual Design.
Places to Go and Things to Do on the Gulf Coast this Week

Places to Go and Things to Do on the Gulf Coast this Week

By Jessica A. Taylor • March 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Spring is in full swing on the Gulf Coast, and this week brings a lineup of events that highlight the best of local entertainment, food, and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish fashion, explore the local music scene, or set sail at the Wharf Boat and Yacht Show, there’s something for everyone. From high-energy festivals to laid-back waterfront dining, the week ahead offers the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on the Alabama Gulf Coast

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on the Alabama Gulf Coast

By R. Ken Cooper • March 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – St. Patrick’s Day originated as a religious feast day in Ireland to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island in the 5th century. He was said to have used the shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity and is often associated with driving the snakes out of Ireland (though this is likely symbolic rather than literal).
Join the Turtle Watch Volunteer Meeting in Gulf Shores

Join the Turtle Watch Volunteer Meeting in Gulf Shores

By R. Ken Cooper • March 16, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Share the Beach, established in 2005, is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles that nest on Alabama's beaches from May through October. Volunteers play a crucial role in this mission by patrolling beaches, educating the public and school groups, conducting late-night nest observations, and assisting with supply and equipment preparations.
Chef Brody Olive and sous chef Luis Silvestre put the finishing touches to their winning dish.

Chefs Invited to Compete in the 10th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off

By OBA Staff • March 16, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Alabama’s top chefs have a chance to showcase their skills in the 10th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, set for May 5, 2025, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The competition, now hosted by Sweet Grown Alabama, will feature four chefs competing for the title and a chance to represent Alabama at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
Dangerous Storms Expected Today with Tornadoes, Hail, and High Winds Possible

Dangerous Storms Expected Today with Tornadoes, Hail, and High Winds Possible

By OBA Staff • March 15, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The National Weather Service in Mobile is warning residents of a significant severe weather event expected to impact the area today and tonight. Forecasters say conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreak, with the potential for long-track, violent tornadoes, damaging wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, and large hail up to two inches in diameter. While the morning may be relatively quiet, storms are expected to develop rapidly during the afternoon and evening hours, moving eastward across the region.
Orange Beach’s 2025 Summer Camp Offers Fun, Learning, and Adventure for Kids

Orange Beach’s 2025 Summer Camp Offers Fun, Learning, and Adventure for Kids

By OBA Staff • March 15, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is once again gearing up for an exciting summer filled with fun, learning, and adventure with the 2025 Expect Excellence Summer Camp Program. Designed for children from rising 1st to 7th grade, this camp provides an engaging mix of recreational and educational activities, ensuring a well-balanced, out-of-school experience. Whether your child loves hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, or creative arts, this camp offers something for everyone.
Orange Beach Garden Club Donates $1,000 to Support Emergency Medical Services

Orange Beach Garden Club Donates $1,000 to Support Emergency Medical Services

By R. Ken Cooper • March 15, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach community continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of its residents and organizations. One such group, the Orange Beach Garden Club, recently demonstrated its commitment to public service by donating $1,000 to support local emergency medical transport services.

Meet Bestselling Author Colleen Coble in Foley

By Guy Busby • March 15, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Bestselling author Colleen Coble will be meeting with readers at a special event hosted by the Foley Public Library. Attendees will have the chance to meet Coble, hear about her writing journey, and join in a discussion about her latest works.
Gulf State Park Pier

Annual “Dive Against Debris” Event Returns to Gulf Shores

By R. Ken Cooper • March 14, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Dive Against Debris initiative at Gulf State Park is part of a global program encouraging divers to tackle marine litter. The upcoming dive is open to snorkelers, certified divers, and other volunteers. It is hosted in partnership with a local dive center, Down Under Dive Shop, with the goal of improving the health of the underwater ecosystem by removing fishing line, lost tackle, and other debris.
Show More
Share by: