Church suspect faces federal charge

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - The man accused of bringing a loaded pistol, rifle and a backpack off ammunition to a Fairhope church is now facing a federal charge.

Robin Hernandez stood be a federal judge Friday and charged with being a drug user in possession of a firearm. 

A criminal complaint filed by an FBI special agent shows what authorities believe to be probable cause in support of the federal charge.

The complaint detailed Hernandez’s behavior shortly after the incident at the Fairhope Church of Christ on July 1.

It said while Hernandez was being interviewed at Fairhope Police Headquarters, he was profusely sweating then would have chills. It said he had dilated pupils and was having extreme mood swings.

 The complaint said Hernandez's behavior was consistent with that of someone under the influence of narcotics or illegal drugs.

The complaint said lab results given to authorities on July 10 showed Hernandez had traces of THC, a component found in marijuana, in his blood.

The criminal complaint details a July 3 search warrant issued by the Baldwin County Circuit Court. The complaint said investigators found a fully loaded 12-gauge shotgun (with a round in the chamber) marijuana residue, homemade pipes, well over on thousand rounds of ammunition and several high capacity firearm.

The complaint said on June 30, one day prior to the Fairhope church incident, Hernandez delivered a two page typed letter and a six page typed "Manifesto" to the pastor of the Fairhope Church of Christ addressing his dissatisfaction with the pastor and several other members of the church.

Minister Mike Ray said earlier this month, the church has decided to treat the incident like a "private family matter" and will not be commenting on the incident.

Fairhope Police Spokesman Sgt. Craig Sawyer said Robin Hernandez is now also charged with possession of a firearm at a demonstration, which is a state charge.

"Simply applies to the fact that the suspect in this case brought numerous firearms to a public gathering where according to state law he did not have a right to possess that firearm," said Sawyer.

Sawyer said this charge stems from Hernandez bringing firearms into the Fairhope Church of Christ.

Hernandez was already facing illegal possession of prescription drugs, possession of a concealed weapon without a permit, possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct.

Online jail records show Hernandez is being held as a federal inmate.