Skip to main content
Press Release

Miller County Sheriff Arrested

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia

United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, of the Middle District of Georgia announces that on October 28, 2016, Miller County Sheriff Shane Rathel, aged 42, was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents at the Albany FBI office on charges of selling two stolen firearms.

Copies of the complaint and supporting affidavit are attached. The complaint is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Sheriff Rathel is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.  If convicted, Sheriff Rathel faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Dasher. The case was investigated by the Albany office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

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

Updated October 28, 2016
Attachment
rathel_criminal_complaint_filed_copy.pdf [PDF, ]
Topic
Firearms Offenses
Component
USAO - Georgia, Middle

Related Content

Press Release
Defendants Sentenced to Prison in Separate Armed Meth Trafficking Investigations in Southwest Georgia

Two Albany residents with prior felony convictions were sentenced to federal prison this week in separate cases resulting from investigations into armed methamphetamine trafficking in Southwest Georgia.

Press Release
Repeat Offender Sentenced for Illegal Gun Possession in Southwest Georgia

A Southwest Georgia resident with a lengthy criminal history in the community was sentenced to prison today for illegally possessing a firearm resulting from separate a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation.

Press Release
Repeat Offenders Plead Guilty in Separate Drug Trafficking Investigations

Two Albany residents, both with lengthy criminal histories in the community, pleaded guilty to federal charges resulting from separate drug trafficking investigations in Southwest Georgia.