Office of the Attorney General: A.G. ANNOUNCES 6-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR THEFT OF $50,000

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

July 30, 2008

(MONTGOMERY)—Attorney General Troy King announced the sentencing today of a Sylacauga man for theft of $50,000 from a Coosa County business. Danny Collins, 50, was sentenced to six years in prison, $50,000 restitution, a fine of $1000, and was denied probation. He pleaded guilty on June 24 in Talladega County Circuit Court to first-degree theft.

The Attorney General's Office investigated and prosecuted the case, which involved a deal for Collins to purchase materials and construct three metal buildings. Collins took $50,000 from Quality Earth Movers, a family-owned business located in Equality, Alabama, but Collins never ordered the metal buildings, delivered nothing to his victim, and returned none of the money his victim had paid. The case was prosecuted in Talladega County because the transaction took place there.

"It is appropriate that this defendant serve time in prison for his crime. This kind of crime is devastating to small businesses and families, and today's sentencing should serve as a warning that my office will not tolerate those who steal from our citizens," said Attorney General King.

Attorney General King commended Special Agent Darrell Sambor of his Investigations Division, Assistant Attorney General Bill Lisenby, chief of his Public Corruption and White Collar Crime Division, and Assistant Attorney General Noel Barnes, for their outstanding work.