Two Peoria men, Isaiah L. Holland and Tyrone Anthony Curtis, have been sentenced to federal prison following their convictions on robbery and firearm charges. The sentencing took place on February 14, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois.
Holland admitted guilt to a robbery involving U.S. currency and using a firearm during a violent crime. Curtis pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a felon. U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley sentenced Holland to 12 months for the robbery and 84 months for the firearms offense, totaling 96 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Curtis received a sentence of 33 months in prison with an additional three years of supervised release.
During the sentencing hearings at the federal courthouse in Peoria, evidence was presented showing that Holland robbed an individual at gunpoint during an arranged sale of handguns and machinegun conversion devices. Curtis had organized the sale. Holland used a firearm from his backpack to rob the buyer of $4,100 intended for payment, along with taking the person's wallet and car keys.
Law enforcement later stopped Holland and Curtis, discovering loaded firearms in their possession: a Glock Model 19 found in Holland's backpack and a Canik Model TP9SA under Curtis's seat. Both weapons are being forfeited to the government.
A complaint against both defendants was filed in January 2024, followed by an indictment in February 2024. They have been held by the U.S. Marshals Service since their arrests.
The statutory maximum penalties for robbery involving U.S. currency can reach up to 25 years' imprisonment and fines up to $250,000. Using a firearm during such crimes carries sentences from seven years to life imprisonment consecutively served with terms for violent crimes; supervised release can extend up to five years per count. Possessing a firearm as a felon may result in up to 15 years' imprisonment plus three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, which includes agents from various law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Peoria Police Department; Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections; and Illinois State Police.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement levels and communities they serve while fostering trust and supporting community-based violence prevention efforts.