Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Orville Andrew Pernell, also known as "Oneil Christopher Reid," has been arraigned in Atlanta on a federal charge of possession of a firearm by an alien illegally present in the United States. Pernell, 32, originally from Saint Mary, Jamaica, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Georgia on April 23, 2025.
"Pernell is an international fugitive who was charged with murder before escaping custody in both Saint Lucia and Jamaica, and then unlawfully entering the United States under a false identity," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies from the United States, Saint Lucia, and Jamaica for their role in Pernell's capture.
Assistant Special Agent Beau Kolodka emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies: "This arraignment sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our local and international law enforcement partners will investigate and protect its citizens."
Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations highlighted the significance of global partnerships: "Pernell’s ability to evade law enforcement in multiple countries and unlawfully enter the United States under a false identity underscores the importance of strong global partnerships."
Pernell faces charges related to the murder of Clius Alfred in Saint Lucia on October 8, 2020. After escaping custody there while awaiting trial, he was arrested again in Jamaica but managed another escape while awaiting extradition.
He entered the United States illegally on December 7, 2022, using a false name at an unmanned border area near San Ysidro. On July 21, 2023, he was stopped by Clayton County Sheriff's Office officers after speeding on a motorcycle at 115 miles per hour. Officers discovered that both his motorcycle and firearm were stolen.
Pernell is currently detained pending trial for possession of a firearm by an alien illegally present in the U.S., with potential extradition back to Saint Lucia following proceedings.
The public is reminded that charges are not evidence of guilt; it remains for the government to prove Pernell's guilt beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are leading this case's investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wylly is prosecuting.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America aimed at addressing illegal immigration and transnational crime through coordinated efforts across various justice departments.
For more information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone provided above.
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