Outback laptop thief gets 10 years

TAMPA -- A federal judge today sentenced a career criminal to 10 years in federal prison for stealing laptops from Outback Steakhouse's Tampa headquarters as well as other big name companies in the state.

It was the maximum term allowed by law that Eric Brandon Almly could receive.

"The only way to protect the public from Mr. Almly is to keep him in prison," U.S. District Judge James S. Moody Jr. said.

Almly, 34, pleaded guilty in June to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. Prosecutors said he crisscrossed the country stealing laptops from businesses and then selling them through eBay.

Investigators had dubbed Almly the "Khaki Bandit." Authorities said he'd slip into corporate offices during business hours, mix among employees and then walk away with laptops in a shoulder bag. He pleaded guilty to stealing 11 laptops from the Westshore Boulevard headquarters of Outback's parent company, OSI Restaurant Partners.

Authorities said he also stole laptops from the Miami headquarters of Burger King Corp. and the FedEx Corp.

Speaking on his own behalf today in court, Almly blamed his crimes on a gambling problem.

"My mindset was all I needed was one good night at the casino and I wouldn't have to steal again," Almly said in court. "I would like to sincerely apologize to Outback Steakhouse and the other companies I stole laptops from."

Judge Moody seemed unmoved by Almly's remorse.

"I find that the likelihood of Mr. Almly reoffending is extremely high," the judge said.

Moody mentioned that Almly's criminal record stretched back to when he was 12. The judge said he didn't think Almly had a gambling problem back then.

Kevin Graham, Times Staff Writer

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