Jessie Alan Fuller, Highway Robbery, Alabama 2012

A former Alabama police officer has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for stealing money and property from motorists on Interstate 65 in central Alabama.

Jessie Alan Fuller, 25, of Pensacola, Fla., pleaded guilty on April 26, 2012, to one count of conspiracy against rights, a felony, and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, a misdemeanor.

Fuller admitted to stealing money and property from motorists between May and June 2009, including thefts of $200 each from two separate victims and $120 from a third victim. He also admitted to stealing a GPS device from a driver whom he pulled over and arrested on March 14, 2009.

“This defendant abused his power as a law enforcement officer for his own financial gain. He violated not only the law, but also the public trust,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Division.

Fuller and another former Fort Deposit police officer, Carlos Tyson Bennett, worked together to commit the thefts, using a marked patrol car, wearing police clothing and carrying a firearm.

Bennett has been charged with one count of conspiracy against rights, four counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, and three counts of obstruction of justice. His trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 10, 2012.

The case is being investigated by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, the Butler County, Ala., Sheriff’s Office, and the Lowndes County, Ala., Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gray Borden for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“It is terrible to see those sworn to uphold the law, break the law and prey on the public,” stated George L. Beck, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. “While it is always difficult to prosecute a member of our law enforcement community, my office is dedicated to protecting the community and seeking justice for all.”

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