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, before the United States District Court in New Orleans.
According to court documents, Garland and others conspired to transport cigarettes stolen during a warehouse burglary on November 21, 2024. Authorities said the group traveled out of state after the theft and was apprehended in Fort Stockton, Texas, the next day while still in possession of the stolen goods. Investigators also linked the group to similar burglaries in North Carolina and Texas earlier that year.
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 conspiracy. For interstate transportation of stolen goods, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, up to three years supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and another mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson acknowledged several law enforcement agencies for their roles in investigating the case. “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 is handling prosecution.
