Convicted Child Molester and Robber Sentenced for Posing as Cop, Threatening People at Atlanta Gas Station
ATLANTA, Georgia – A 34-year-old Atlanta man with a disturbing criminal record—including prior convictions for child molestation, robbery, aggravated stalking, and family violence battery—was sentenced to four years in federal prison after he was caught impersonating a law enforcement officer while armed at a local gas station.
Fredrick Crawford appeared at the gas station on April 12, 2024, dressed in a uniform emblazoned with “Fugitive Task Force” and carrying a firearm. He argued with customers, falsely claimed to be a police officer, and repeatedly threatened to issue tickets, creating fear among those present.
An off-duty Atlanta Police Department sergeant, who was fueling his vehicle at the time, observed Crawford’s suspicious behavior and approached him. Growing increasingly doubtful of Crawford’s claims, the sergeant called for backup by flagging down two marked APD patrol cars.
Upon seeing the approaching officers, Crawford fled the scene and discarded his firearm. He was quickly apprehended, at which point authorities confirmed he was a convicted felon prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm. This incident marked at least his second conviction for unlawful firearm possession by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg emphasized the potential danger averted, stating: “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 highlighted the broader implications: “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 praised the responding officers: “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.”
Initially prosecuted in Fulton County state court—where prosecutors recommended only nine months in prison—the Atlanta Police Department sought federal charges to secure a stiffer penalty for the repeat offender. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Atlanta Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas L. Evert and Chloe Cobb Smith handled the prosecution.
U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen imposed the sentence of four years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
