Richmond Man Sentenced To More Than 12 Years In Federal Prison For Holding Undercover Agent At Gunpoint During Attempted Robbery

OAKLAND – Khusar Mobley was sentenced today to 147 months’ imprisonment, for conspiracy to commit robbery; assault on a federal officer; robbery; and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.

Mobley, 20, of Richmond, was convicted after a four-day jury trial on June 20, 2013. During the trial, evidence showed that Mobley held a loaded gun to the head of an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. As the agent attempted to push the gun away, Mobley – with his finger on the trigger – demanded that the agent empty his pockets. When nearby government agents came to the rescue, Mobley attempted to pull the trigger several times, but he was prevented from doing so by a heroic person who jammed his thumb under the trigger of the gun.

Mobley’s co-defendants – Otis Mobley and D’Marce Hutcherson – pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 114 months’ and 108 months’ imprisonment respectively in May 2013.

“The defendant’s conduct in this case should remind us all of the grave danger that law enforcement officers face every day when they do their jobs of keeping the public safe,” said United States Attorney, Melinda Haag. “The substantial sentence that the court imposed today should demonstrate that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute violent offenders to the full extent of the law and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

“This case shows how firearms used by violent criminals terrorize our communities and put the public at risk,” stated Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Riehl. “We are grateful for the safety of our agent who worked in an undercover capacity and was robbed at gunpoint. I would like to thank the cover team and the undercover agent for their brave response to a dangerous situation. I would also like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their diligent work in prosecuting this case. Let this sentencing be a message to those who pose a threat to our community that ATF will hold them accountable.”

The sentence was handed down by The Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Court Judge. The defendant was also sentenced to a five-year period of supervised release. Mr. Mobley is already in custody and will begin serving his sentence immediately.

James C. Mann and Natalie Lee are the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted the case with the assistance of Vanessa Vargas.

(Mobley indictment )