A California resident, James Blocker, has entered a guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and interstate transportation of stolen property. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson on June 12, 2025.
The indictment details that Blocker and accomplices were involved in the theft and transport of cigarettes from a burglary at the Imperial Trading Company in New Orleans on November 21, 2024. They were caught with the stolen goods in Fort Stockton, Texas, the next day. The group is also linked to similar burglaries in North Carolina and Texas earlier that year.
Blocker faces significant penalties for his actions. For the conspiracy charge (Count 1), he could receive up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The same penalties apply for the interstate transportation charge (Count 2).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended various law enforcement agencies for their roles in the investigation. These include the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; Knightdale Police Department; Atlanta Police Department; Rockmart Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; and Fort Stockton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell is handling the prosecution.
