York, South Carolina, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Eli Gage Eason, 28, has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for a bank robbery at a Wells Fargo branch in York, South Carolina. Eason pleaded guilty to strong arm robbery after demanding $1,000 from a teller via a written note. No weapon was used, and he was apprehended shortly after the incident. Eason, who has a history of criminal activity and is on the autism spectrum, will also face additional federal sentencing after completing his state term.
York, South Carolina – Eli Gage Eason, a 28-year-old from Clover, South Carolina, has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for robbing a bank. The robbery occurred at a Wells Fargo branch on Celanese Road near India Hook Road on the day before Thanksgiving, November 27, 2024. Eason pleaded guilty to strong arm robbery in York County criminal court, initially facing charges of entering a bank with the intent to steal.
Visiting Judge Derham Cole Jr. accepted a plea deal that was negotiated between prosecutors and Eason’s lawyer, Lisa Collins. In a decision that waived his right to a trial, Eason admitted guilt in court. During the robbery, he did not carry a weapon but conveyed a demand in writing to a teller, requesting $1,000. He was captured by police just minutes after the incident, with the stolen money found in a nearby residential neighborhood.
Reportedly, Eason expressed that he thought committing the robbery would be “cool to do that one time” at the time of his arrest. Surveillance footage from the bank provided confirmation of Eason’s involvement in the robbery, although no injuries were reported stemming from the incident.
Collins characterized Eason as “very intelligent” but highlighted that he is on the autism spectrum, making him “very naive about how the world works.” Following the guilty plea, Eason acknowledged that this violated his federal probation. He now faces additional federal sentencing that could range from 15 to 21 months after he completes his state prison term.
This bank robbery is not Eason’s first brush with the law. He previously served 38 months in federal prison for possessing a destructive device in 2021 and was subsequently placed on three years of probation. Following his arrest for the bank robbery, Eason has been jailed without bail and has accrued credit for 329 days towards his state prison sentence.
As the situation develops, members of the local community have expressed concern over issues of mental health and criminal behavior, particularly regarding individuals on the autism spectrum. Legal experts note that the court’s acknowledgment of Eason’s mental health status may influence his future sentencing, demonstrating an intersection of criminal justice and mental health considerations.
Background on Bank Robbery Law
In South Carolina, strong-arm robbery is classified as a serious crime, which involves the use of intimidation or threats to steal from a victim. Penalties can include extensive prison time, especially if the perpetrator has a prior criminal history, as seen in Eason’s case. The legal system often considers both the nature of the crime and the offender’s circumstances in deciding on sentencing.
Future Implications
The outcome of Eason’s case raises broader questions surrounding mental health support for offenders and the legal ramifications of their actions. Eason’s case exemplifies the complexities at the intersection of criminal law and mental health, and experts are watching closely to see how this might influence future judicial outcomes.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Eli Gage Eason serves as a reminder of the serious nature of bank robbery and the potential consequences for those who violate the law. As Eason prepares to serve his sentence, the broader implications for mental health advocacy and criminal justice continue to resonate within the community.
FAQ
What was Eli Gage Eason sentenced for?
Eli Gage Eason was sentenced to seven years in state prison for robbing a bank.
Where did the robbery take place?
The robbery took place at a Wells Fargo branch on Celanese Road near India Hook Road.
When did the robbery occur?
The robbery occurred on November 27, 2024, the day before Thanksgiving.
Was anyone injured during the robbery?
No one was injured during the robbery.
What did Eason do during the robbery?
Eason did not carry a weapon but passed a note to a teller demanding $1,000.
What is Eason’s criminal history?
Eason previously served 38 months in federal prison for possessing a destructive device in 2021 and was placed on three years of probation.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Eli Gage Eason |
| Age | 28 |
| Crime | Bank robbery at Wells Fargo |
| Location | Celanese Road near India Hook Road, York, SC |
| Date of Robbery | November 27, 2024 |
| Sentence | 7 years in state prison |
| Prior Conviction | 38 months for possessing a destructive device |
| Probation Status | On federal probation at the time of the robbery |
| Additional Federal Sentencing | 15 to 21 months after state sentence |
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- WYFF4
- WBTV
- WSOC TV
- QC News
- Wikipedia: Bank Robbery
- Google Search: Bank Robbery Law
- Google Scholar: Criminal Law Bank Robbery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Robbery
- Google News: Bank Robbery News
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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