Jerreif Crawford, 18, was sentenced to 18 years by Judge Steven John on Wednesday after pleading guilty to armed robbery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and criminal conspiracy.  He will have to serve at least 85% of his sentence since armed robbery is a “no parole” offense.
On the night of April 5, 2013, Crawford, along with two juveniles, entered the Tiger Mart store on East Main Street in Dillon and robbed the two cashiers at gunpoint, taking cash and cigarettes.
The three were arrested a few days later by the Dillon Police Department, at which time all three separately confessed to committing the armed robbery.
Shortly thereafter, both juveniles pled guilty in family court.  Both are currently serving their time at separate facilities.
Crawford requested a trial, and a jury was selected.  After the State won its motion to introduce Crawford’s statement into evidence, Crawford decided to admit his guilt.
“All violent crimes are unfortunate, but it’s especially unfortunate when we are forced to punish such young people,” said Assistant Solicitor Shipp Daniel, who prosecuted the case for the State.  “But we take these crimes seriously and have to react accordingly.  It’s not acceptable to go into a store with a gun and rob the cashiers, regardless of your age.”
Daniel added that Crawford’s plea encompassed a few other unrelated violent offenses for which he had been charged.
Dillon Police Investigator James Hayes was the lead investigator on the case, and Investigator Jason Turner assisted.