Fredrick Crawford, a convicted felon with prior offenses including child molestation, robbery, and stalking, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm while impersonating a police officer at an Atlanta gas station. The incident occurred on April 12, 2024, when an off-duty Atlanta Police Department sergeant observed Crawford wearing a uniform labeled “Fugitive Task Force,” arguing with customers and claiming to be a police officer. Crawford also threatened to issue tickets to people at the scene.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, "If a real officer had not caught this armed felon pretending to be a cop, someone could have been seriously injured. Thanks to my office’s close partnership with the Atlanta Police Department, which referred this case for federal prosecution, the community is safer because Crawford is back in prison, where he belongs."
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd commented, “Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and safety. Fredrick Crawford’s actions not only endangered the lives of innocent citizens but also posed a significant risk to legitimate law enforcement efforts. The ATF is committed to working alongside our partners to ensure that individuals who engage in such reckless behavior are held accountable.”
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum added, “This case underscores the vigilance and professionalism of our officers, even when off duty. An armed felon impersonating a police officer poses a grave threat to public safety and to the integrity of law enforcement. Thanks to the quick actions of our sergeant and the coordinated response that followed, a dangerous individual was taken off the streets.”
According to information presented in court by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, after being approached by the off-duty sergeant and subsequently confronted by additional officers from marked APD vehicles, Crawford fled and discarded his firearm before being apprehended. Officers determined he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions for crimes including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, child molestation, family violence battery, aggravated stalking, and robbery by force.
Crawford was initially prosecuted in Fulton County where he faced nine months of imprisonment as recommended by the district attorney’s office. However, seeking more severe punishment for what they described as violent recidivism, Atlanta Police requested federal prosecution.
The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen: four years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with help from the Atlanta Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas L. Evert and Chloe Cobb Smith prosecuted it.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia—including Atlanta—and works closely with local agencies on criminal prosecutions such as this one (official website). The office prioritizes threats like violent crime and collaborates across agencies within its jurisdiction serving millions throughout north Georgia (official website).
For further information about this case or other matters handled by this office—led by United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg—contact details are available on their website.
