Montgomery, Alabama - On February 23, 2012, Bernard Thomas pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute approximately two kilograms of cocaine powder and use of the mail in connection with the possession of the two kilograms of cocaine powder, announced United States Attorney George L. Beck, Jr.

On January 17, 2012, United States Postal Inspectors and Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that a man was receiving large amounts of drugs at a rented post office box at the South Station Post Office on East South Boulevard. On January 18, 2012, Postal Inspectors obtained a federal search warrant to open a box believed to contain cocaine. When agents opened the box, they found approximately two kilograms of cocaine. On January 19, 2012, Postal Inspectors and DEA Agents set up surveillance and watched Bernard Thomas entered the post office, get a box and put it in his car. This was not the box that contained cocaine. However, Thomas went back into the post office and obtained a second box, the box agents knew contained cocaine. When agents approached Thomas, he tried to run from them, but was ultimately caught and arrested. Agents then opened the first box Thomas brought out of the post office. That box contained marijuana. Thomas later confessed that the drugs were his and that he had mailed additional drug packages to himself in prior months through the United States Mail.

Thomas’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2012, before U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins. Thomas faces a possible sentence of at least five years, but not more than 40 years, in jail and a term of supervised release of no less than four years.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspectors and agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan R. Redmond.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
Email: usaalm.press@usdoj.gov
Telephone: (334) 551-1755
Fax: (334) 223-7617

Return to Top