Joseph Lee Rainey, 34, of Munford, Alabama, pleaded guilty on Mar. 25 to robbing a gas station in Attala, Alabama, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
Rainey’s plea includes charges of Hobbs Act Robbery, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address violent crimes involving firearms and repeat offenders.
Court documents show that on August 20, 2025, Rainey entered the Marathon gas station in Attala. He took a drink from the cooler before approaching the cashier as if he intended to pay. Instead, he robbed the cashier at gunpoint and received approximately $500. Five days later, officers with the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit attempted to stop a vehicle with Rainey as a passenger in Ohatchee. After an abrupt stop by the driver who exited the vehicle, Rainey moved into the driver’s seat and sped away from officers.
A high-speed chase followed until Rainey abandoned the car and fled on foot into nearby woods where he was found shortly after by law enforcement. A search of the vehicle uncovered a Taurus 9mm pistol matching that used in the robbery as well as a cell phone.
Rainey is legally barred from possessing firearms due to six prior felony convictions between 2016 and 2024 across Calhoun County Circuit Court, Talladega County Circuit Court, and St. Clair County Circuit Court.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case along with local authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney L. Plyler is prosecuting.
