Sean P. Costello U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
A Selma man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Marquavius Benjamin, 25, was found guilty of possessing a Glock handgun. The incident occurred on October 4, 2024, when an officer from the Selma Police Department responded to a call at Creekside Apartments regarding a stolen vehicle.
During the investigation, the officer heard gunshots and observed Benjamin firing multiple shots with a handgun. The officer called for backup and attempted to take Benjamin into custody. Benjamin handed over the Glock pistol but resisted arrest, stating, “you’d better call for backup,” before making an aggressive move that led to his arrest with the use of a Taser.
The Glock Model 43, 9mm semi-automatic pistol in Benjamin's possession was reported stolen through the Selma Police Department. A Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives confirmed that it was manufactured outside Alabama and had been reported as stolen.
Benjamin has prior felony convictions in Dallas County for Robbery in the First Degree in 2018 and Felony Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle in 2024, along with Escape in the Third Degree also in 2024.
Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama stated: “Together with our partners in law enforcement in Selma and Dallas County, we will continue our mission to bring to justice those who illegally possess guns.” He added that communities are safer due to law enforcement efforts.
The case was investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Selma Police Department, and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Arrington prosecuted on behalf of the United States.
