A Greenville, South Carolina man, Argelius C. Croft, 37, has been sentenced to federal prison for the illegal possession of a firearm. Croft's sentencing today amounted to more than eight years—specifically, 100 months—followed by three years of supervised release after a guilty plea to a charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to official court documents by the Justice Department, the incident occurred on January 27, 2023, when Croft was approached by police officers at the Evansville Greyhound Bus Station over an active arrest warrant.
When confronted, Croft attempted to evade the Evansville Police Department officials by providing false identity information and fleeing the scene. The pursuit ended when Croft fell and was apprehended. Officers discovered a Ruger .22 Charger rifle with a defaced serial number and a magazine loaded with 47 rounds of ammunition in his backpack. Croft's history of burglary, drug distribution, and domestic violence offenses prohibits him from gun ownership. In light of this, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, John E. Childress, highlighted the gravity of the offense. "Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals fuel the shootings and deaths that have devastating impacts on our families," Childress stated, emphasizing the message this sentence sends to prohibited possessors of firearms, according to the Justice Department.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the Evansville Police Department, led the investigation that resulted in Croft's arrest and subsequent sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. The federal authorities emphasized their commitment to stamping out illegal firearm possession and its related violence. Thomas A. Greco, Acting ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge, reiterated this mission: "We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who commits violence in our communities is held accountable for their actions," according to the Justice Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger was credited for prosecuting the case. This sentencing serves not only as retribution for Croft's illegal actions but as also a stern reminder of the consequences awaiting those who flout gun laws.
