A California resident, Patrick Garland, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the interstate transportation of stolen property. The plea was entered on September 3, 2025, in response to a two-count indictment that includes conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
The indictment states that Garland and others conspired to transport cigarettes stolen during a warehouse burglary on November 21, 2024. Authorities apprehended the group in Fort Stockton, Texas, the next day while they were still in possession of the cigarettes. Investigators also linked the group to similar burglaries in North Carolina and Texas earlier in February 2024.
Garland faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for Count 1. For Count 2, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, another fine of up to $250,000, and an additional $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson acknowledged the efforts of several law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation: “Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Knightdale Police Department, the Atlanta Police Department, the Rockmart Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Fort Stockton Police Department in investigating this matter.” Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell from the General Crimes Unit is leading prosecution efforts.
