Guilty Pleas Entered by Talbot County Deputies

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Alvin Malone and Jeff Sivell, Georgia certified law enforcement officers working for the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, entered a plea of guilty today to one count of violating the Hobbs Act in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1951 before the Honorable Clay Land, United States District Court, Columbus, Georgia.

Malone and Sivell admitted to attempted extortion by a public official, also known as the Hobbs Act. They would make traffic stops in Talbot County, Georgia targeting certain automobiles after having received information from a confidential informant that the vehicle would be carrying drugs and drug money. The scheme between the deputies and the confidential informant included the officers taking the cash and confiscating the drugs and then later splitting the money with the confidential informant. The entire traffic stop was audio and video recorded.

Malone and Sivell are to be sentenced in February, 2012. The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or both, and up to three years’ supervised release.

United States Attorney Michael Moore said, “The vast majority of the men and women who wear the law enforcement uniform are good, honest, and dedicated public servants. The defendants dishonored the badge they wore as well as their colleagues who serve and protect us every day. We will continue to make sure that public corruption is uncovered and dealt with appropriately.”

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde is prosecuting the case.

For additional information please contact Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist at (478) 621-2602.