Two Peoria men, Isaiah L. Holland and Tyrone Anthony Curtis, have been sentenced to federal prison for robbery and firearm offenses. The sentencing took place on February 14, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois.
Holland admitted guilt to charges of 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 in prison 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 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 meant for payment along with their wallet and car keys.
Both men were apprehended by law enforcement shortly after the incident. A Glock Model 19 pistol was found in Holland's backpack, while a Canik Model TP9SA pistol was located under Curtis's seat. Both firearms will be forfeited to the government.
The case began with a complaint filed in January 2024 and an indictment followed in February 2024. Since their arrests, both defendants have been held by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Robbery involving U.S. currency can result in up to 25 years' imprisonment and fines up to $250,000. Using a firearm during a violent crime carries sentences ranging from seven years to life imprisonment, served consecutively with other sentences related to violent crimes. Felons possessing firearms face penalties up to 15 years' imprisonment with potential supervised release terms.
The investigation was conducted by the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, including agents from several local 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 case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
