Repeat Offender Caught with Gun and Drugs

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a career offender caught with a handgun and multiple types of drugs.  Nicholas Jordan Alberts, 43, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Sell Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.  Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on December 13 where Alberts faces a minimum of thirty-two years in prison because of his nine prior felony convictions.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Molly Martin explained to the jury that on October 20, 2022, Knox County Sheriff’s Office Detective Khristian Pickett conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Alberts for crossing over the center double-yellow line.  When Det. Pickett approached the vehicle, he could see a handgun in the passenger seat and a bag of heroin in the center console.  Det. Pickett asked Alberts to step out of the vehicle and asked Alberts if he was a convicted felon to which Alberts replied that he was.  Alberts was taken into custody, and a subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cash, and a digital scale, in addition to the handgun.

“This repeat offender is headed back to prison thanks to the hard work of the prosecutors and detectives in this case,” said DA Allen.

Alberts has nine prior felony convictions for drug trafficking offenses, weapons offenses, Aggravated Burglary, and Theft.  He is also classified as a member of the Aryan Nation criminal gang.  In addition to finding Alberts guilty, the jury also assessed fines totaling $95,000.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.