Joseph Lee Rainey, Hobbs Act Robbery, Alabama 2025

Birmingham Man Pleads Guilty to Gas Station Robbery

Birmingham, AL – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to the robbery of a gas station in Attala, Alabama, in a crime that led to a high-speed chase and the recovery of a firearm used in the heist.

Joseph Lee Rainey, 34, of Munford, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke to Hobbs Act Robbery, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

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 the beverage. Rainey then robbed the cashier at gunpoint. The cashier complied with Rainey’s demand and gave him approximately $500.

On August 25, 2025, members of the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit were looking for Rainey in Ohatchee, Alabama, when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Rainey was a passenger. The driver made an abrupt stop and got out of the vehicle. Rainey moved into the driver’s seat and sped away. The officers pursued Rainey in a high-speed chase that ended when Rainey jumped out of the vehicle and ran. A short time later, officers found Rainey hiding in a wooded area.

The search of the vehicle revealed a Taurus 9mm pistol, matching the gun used during the Marathon gas station robbery, and a cell phone. 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney L. Plyler is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the ATF and the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit.

Rainey’s sentence is pending, but he faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the Hobbs Act Robbery and firearm charges. He also faces up to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The case serves as a reminder of the consequences for those who choose to commit crimes with firearms, especially those with prior convictions.

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