Two Alabama 'Money Mules' Plead Guilty in Arkansas Sting Operation

Josiah Kamal Smith and Brittany Norwood sentenced to probation for theft by receiving charges

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

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Two people from Alabama accused of acting as 'money mules' in a scamming operation targeting elderly victims have pled guilty to theft by receiving charges in an Arkansas court. Josiah Kamal Smith and Brittany Norwood were arrested as part of a sting operation by local law enforcement and federal agencies that involved a 'controlled delivery' of $250,000 in 'bait money'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on 'money mules' - individuals who knowingly assist scammers by receiving and transferring illicitly obtained funds. As scammers often operate out of overseas call centers, these 'mules' play a crucial role in the schemes by providing a domestic conduit for the stolen money.

The details

Smith and Norwood were arrested in September 2025 after Smith, using a fraudulent ID, went to pick up a FedEx package containing the 'bait money' in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Norwood had driven Smith to the location. Both admitted to being 'recruited' to act as money mules, with Smith saying he was promised $500 for the task. The pair pled guilty to theft by receiving charges and were sentenced to three years probation.

  • On September 22, 2025, a 'controlled delivery scenario' involving $250,000 in 'bait money' was launched by authorities.
  • On September 24, 2025, Smith went to the FedEx location in Mountain Home to claim the package, at which point he was detained by law enforcement.
  • Also on September 24, 2025, Norwood was arrested in a nearby parking lot after driving Smith to the FedEx location.

The players

Josiah Kamal Smith

A 25-year-old resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama who pled guilty to theft by receiving charges for acting as a 'money mule' in a scamming operation.

Brittany Norwood

A 33-year-old resident of Northport, Alabama who pled guilty to theft by receiving charges for driving Josiah Kamal Smith to the FedEx location to collect the 'bait money'.

Mountain Home Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that was involved in the sting operation that led to the arrests of Smith and Norwood.

Baxter County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that was involved in the sting operation that led to the arrests of Smith and Norwood.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that was involved in the sting operation that led to the arrests of Smith and Norwood.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue our efforts to identify and prosecute those who knowingly participate in these scams as 'money mules'. Protecting vulnerable citizens from financial exploitation is a top priority.”

— Sheriff John Montgomery, Baxter County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Josiah Kamal Smith and Brittany Norwood to serve their probation sentences out of state.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of public awareness campaigns and law enforcement cooperation in disrupting the financial infrastructure that enables scammers to defraud vulnerable populations. Identifying and prosecuting 'money mules' is a crucial step in dismantling these criminal enterprises.