A second Alabama police officer has been sentenced to serve time because of his thefts from motorists on I-65. Former Fort Deposit police officer Carlos Tyson Bennett, 37, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $500 in restitution. Bennett stole money from motorists during traffic stops with another ex Fort Deposit cop, Jessie Alan Fuller, on Interstate 65 in 2009. (Read AutoInformed on Ex Cop Gets Prison Sentence for Robbing I-65 Motorists)
Bennett pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy against rights and four counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. During his plea, Bennett admitted that he and Fuller pulled over vehicles under the guise of legitimate law enforcement activity to steal cash from drivers and passengers in violation of their Fourth Amendment rights.
Bennett acknowledged that he and Fuller worked together, acting with each other’s knowledge, typically sharing the stolen money. In May and June 2009, Bennett committed four specific thefts, taking between $100 and $200 per victim. Bennett further acknowledged that he and Fuller tried to cover up their conspiracy when authorities began to investigate.
Fuller previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison last year.
“Police officers are here to protect public, not exploit the public,” stated U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. “When law enforcement officers take advantage of people they are supposed to be serving, they must be punished.” (See also AutoInformed on: Ex Alabama Cop Arrested for Stealing from Motorists on I-65)
