Seven-time convicted felon sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for gas station robbery (DOJ)

OPERATION TAKE BACK AMERICA

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A convicted felon has been sentenced for Hobbs Act Robbery of a gas station in Atalla, Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.

U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Joseph Lee Rainey, 35, of Munford, Alabama, to a total of 157 months in prison. Rainey pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

"This sentence sends a clear message that violent offenders - particularly convicted felons who knowingly choose to disregard the law and commit violent crimes - will be held accountable," said U.S. Attorney Williams. "I commend our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication to keeping the citizens of the Northern District of Alabama safe."

"In this case, a multi-convicted felon committed a premeditated, terrifying act of violence and showed blatant disregard for human life," said ATF Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet. "ATF, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, remains committed to protecting our communities and confronting offenders such as these, swiftly bringing them to justice before they can commit other senseless, violent crimes."

According to court documents, on August 20, 2025, Rainey entered the Marathon gas station in Attala, Alabama, took a drink from the cooler, and approached the cashier as if he were going to pay for it. When Rainey got to the register, he drew a gun and demanded the money in the register. The cashier complied and gave him nearly $500. On August 25, 2025, members of the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit found Rainey in Ohatchee, Alabama, during a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Rainey was a passenger. The driver of that vehicle stopped abruptly when officers tried to pull him over, and he jumped from the car. When he did, Rainey moved into the driver's seat and sped away. The officers pursued Rainey in a high-speed chase across Calhoun County that ended when Rainey jumped out of the vehicle and ran. A short time later, officers found Rainey hiding in a wooded area. During their search of the vehicle, officers found a Taurus 9mm pistol, matching the gun used during the Marathon gas station robbery, and a cell phone. Rainey later admitted that firearm was the same one used during his Attalla robbery.

Rainey is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his six prior felony convictions that span from 2016 to 2024, in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County, Circuit Court of Talladega County, and Circuit Court of St. Clair County.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The ATF investigated the case along with the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit and the Attalla Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney L. Plyler and Scott Woodard prosecuted the case.

Updated September 16, 2026