When U.S. District Judge Terry Moorer sentenced Jeffery Sikes, the ringleader of a group which set fire to multiple Walmarts in Alabama and Mississippi, to an 18-year prison term, it was double the sentence prosecutors had sought.

Two of Sikes’ co-conspirators were sentenced this week and Moorer wasn’t inclined to show them any leniency, either.

Alexander Olson, 23, and Quinton Olson, 22, were sentenced to 15 years and three years, respectively, in federal prison for their roles in the conspiracy.

“These three defendants deliberately endangered innocent shoppers and destroyed millions of dollars of merchandise when they intentionally and maliciously set fires in four stores in two states,” said U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello.

“Setting fire to a business isn’t an economic or political argument, it’s a serious violent crime that has serious consequences,” Costello continued. “These criminals were brought to justice thanks to the exceptional work of the men and women of the FBI, who demonstrated persistence, creativity, and professionalism throughout this complex investigation.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the conspirators were residents of Kearney, Neb., but had fled to Lillian, Ala., after Sikes had pleaded guilty to wire fraud in Nebraska.

After arriving in Alabama, Sikes, the Olsons and others began planning the Walmart fires, drafting a document they called “Declaration of War and Demands for the People,” which included threats against Walmart.

They distributed copies of the document to media outlets in south Alabama and the Mississippi coast.

The conspirators set fire at four Walmart locations, including one on the I-65 Service Road in Mobile, along with locations in Tillman’s Corner; Gulfport, Miss.; and Biloxi, Miss.

The DOJ noted Alexander Olson was present when each of the four Walmart fires was set.

The conspirators were arrested in February 2022. Along with Jeffery Sikes and the Olson brothers, Erica Sikes, Jenna Sikes, Mikayla Scheele, Michael Bottorff and Sean Bottorff were also charged as co-conspirators.

Each of the accused ultimately pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the conspiracy. Erica Sikes, Jenna Sikes and Scheele are scheduled for sentencing on Friday.

Michael Bottorff and Sean Bottorff are set for sentencing on June 12 and Aug. 24, respectively.

“(Jeffery Sikes’) sentence was based on the totality and severity of the defendant’s actions,” said FBI Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “Sikes will also be required to pay approximately $7.3 million dollars in restitution to Walmart.”

“This case demonstrates domestic terrorism continues to persist in a variety of forms. The investigative rigor and professionalism of the Mobile JTTF and its partners brought this investigation to a successful conclusion.”