Argelius C. Croft, a 37-year-old from Greenville, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence includes three years of supervised release following his prison term.
The case stems from an incident on January 27, 2023, when officers from the Evansville Police Department approached Croft at the Evansville Greyhound Bus Station. They were aware that Croft had an active arrest warrant in South Carolina for a pending charge. When confronted by police, Croft provided false identification and attempted to flee on foot with his backpack. After a brief chase, he was apprehended by officers.
A search revealed that Croft's backpack contained a Ruger .22 Charger rifle with a partially obliterated serial number and a Ruger BX-25 magazine loaded with 47 rounds. Upon discovery of the firearm, Croft reportedly asked officers to dispose of it by throwing it into the river.
Croft's criminal history includes convictions for burglary, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and domestic violence. These felony convictions legally bar him from owning firearms.
"Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals fuel the shootings and deaths that have devastating impacts on our families," said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "This sentence should send a clear message to those who ignore their prohibition - if you choose to pick up a gun, you face a serious term in federal prison."
Thomas A. Greco, Acting ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge stated: "ATF’s core mission is to identify, pursue, and perfect criminal cases against individuals who unlawfully possess or use firearms in furtherance of criminal activity." He emphasized continued collaboration with law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Evansville Police Department. U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young handed down the sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger for prosecuting the case.