Fredrick Crawford, a convicted child molester, robber, and stalker, 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 noticed Crawford wearing a uniform labeled “Fugitive Task Force,” armed and arguing with customers while claiming to be a police officer. Crawford also threatened to issue tickets to people at the scene.
The sergeant became suspicious of Crawford’s identity as their conversation progressed and flagged down two marked APD vehicles. Upon seeing the officers approach, Crawford fled and discarded his firearm. He was apprehended and found to be a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. In addition to prior convictions for possession of a firearm by a felon, Crawford’s criminal history includes child molestation, family violence battery, aggravated stalking, and robbery by force.
Initially prosecuted in Fulton County with a recommended sentence of nine months’ imprisonment, the Atlanta Police Department requested federal prosecution for more substantial punishment. U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen sentenced Crawford to four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“If a real officer had not caught this armed felon pretending to be a cop, someone could have been seriously injured,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “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.”
“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,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd.
“This case underscores the vigilance and professionalism of our officers, even when off duty,” said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. “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.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance 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 national initiative using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration, transnational criminal organizations, cartels, and violent crime perpetrators.
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the main federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia—including Atlanta—handling criminal prosecutions like this one while collaborating with local agencies such as the Atlanta Police Department (official website). The office prioritizes threats including violent crime and works across jurisdictions serving over seven million residents (official website).
Theodore S. Hertzberg holds the position of United States Attorney for this district (official website).
For more information about cases or operations led by this office visit their official site.
