Former Athens-Clarke County Coroner Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Stolen Firearm

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Bobby Tribble, age 62, of Athens, Georgia entered a plea of guilty on August 28, 2015 to one count of possession of a stolen firearm before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, U.S. District Court Judge, in Athens.

In December of 2014, Mr. Tribble was an employee of firearm merchant Franklin’s of Athens. A customer came to purchase a firearm and Mr. Tribble assisted him to complete the transaction according to the Firearm Transfer Record (ATF Form 4473). Shortly thereafter, another Franklin’s employee came across an empty box associated with a Springfield 9mm pistol at the store. When this employee reviewed the ATF Form 4473, he discovered it was supposedly purchased by the customer. The customer, confused as to why Franklin’s had shipped him an empty box for a firearm he did not purchase, contacted the store, bringing the matter to the attention of the management team, the Athens-Clarke Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. An ATF investigation revealed and Mr. Tribble admits that he stole a total of five firearms from Franklin’s of Athens. 

Mr. Tribble may face up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. He will be expected to voluntarily surrender his Georgia Peace Officer’s Standards and Trainings (POST) certification

“A man who will steal guns has no business working in a gun store or holding a POST certification,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “I appreciate the help of the management at Franklin’s and the good work of our local, state and federal partners. Guns in the possession of good, law-abiding people is a positive thing; a gun in the hands of someone who steals it is quite a different matter and will not be tolerated.”

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Atlanta Field Division. Assistant United States Attorney Danial Bennett is prosecuting the case for the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.