Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
Argelius C. Croft, a 37-year-old resident of Greenville, South Carolina, has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. The sentence follows Croft's guilty plea to the charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Court documents reveal that on January 27, 2023, officers from the Evansville Police Department approached Croft at the Evansville Greyhound Bus Station. They were aware of an active arrest warrant from South Carolina related to a pending criminal charge. When questioned, Croft provided false identification and attempted to flee on foot with his backpack. After a short pursuit, he was apprehended by police.
Upon searching Croft's belongings, officers discovered a Ruger .22 Charger rifle with an altered serial number and a loaded Ruger BX-25 magazine containing 47 rounds inside his backpack. Croft reportedly asked officers to dispose of the gun in the river when it was found.
Croft's criminal history includes convictions for burglary, drug distribution intent, and domestic violence. These felony convictions legally bar him from possessing firearms.
John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, stated: “Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals fuel the shootings and deaths that have devastating impacts on our families.” He added that this sentencing should serve as a warning about the serious consequences of violating firearm prohibitions.
Thomas A. Greco, Acting ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge, commented: “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.”
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 imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger prosecuted the case under Acting U.S. Attorney Childress's supervision.
