Springfield Man Indicted on Federal Firearms and Drug Charges

BOSTON – Robert Crichlow, 37, was indicted in U.S. District Court in Springfield on one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The indictment alleges that, on June 4, 2015, Crichlow possessed a Taurus Model PT 145 .45 caliber pistol and seven rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.  He also possessed eight rocks of crack cocaine packaged for sale.

For those who qualify as armed career criminals, the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of a lifetime in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to life of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine A. Wagner of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.