Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery, Illegal Gun Possession

0:00A 34-year-old man from Munford, in Talladega County, has pleaded guilty to armed robbery and illegal gun possession. Joseph Lee Rainey admitted to the charges in federal court after holding up a marathon gas station at gunpoint last year. On August 20, 2025, Rainey walked into the store, grabbed a drink, and then pulled a gun on the cashier. The worker handed over about $500 without a fight. Rainey had a long criminal history that made him ineligible to own any firearms. Court records show six prior felony convictions across several Alabama counties from 2016 to 2024. Just five days after the robbery, deputies tried to pull over a car. Rainey was riding in, Nero Hatchy. He jumped behind the wheel, leading police on a high-speed chase before ditching the vehicle and hiding in the woods nearby. Offices found a 9-millimeter pistol in the car that matched the robbery weapon, along with Rainey's cell phone. His guilty plea wraps up the case for now as sentencing details emerge.

1:01That wraps Birmingham News today. Brought to you with AI.