Rock Hill, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Eli Gage Eason, a 28-year-old from Clover, South Carolina, was sentenced to seven years in state prison for robbing a bank the day before Thanksgiving. Eason pleaded guilty to strong arm robbery after handing a note to a teller demanding $1,000. He was apprehended shortly after the robbery with the stolen money. This case highlights issues surrounding crime and rehabilitation, particularly considering Eason’s previous convictions and mental health challenges.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Eli Gage Eason, a 28-year-old man from Clover, South Carolina, has been sentenced to seven years in state prison following a bank robbery that took place the day before Thanksgiving in 2024. In addition to his state sentence, Eason is expected to serve an additional 15 to 21 months in federal custody due to earlier criminal convictions.
Eason pleaded guilty to strong arm robbery in York County criminal court after he was charged with entering a bank with intent to steal. The robbery occurred at the Wells Fargo branch located near India Hook Road, a busy intersection in Rock Hill. During the heist, Eason did not use any weapon; instead, he handed a note to a bank teller demanding $1,000. Minutes after the robbery, police apprehended him in a nearby residential neighborhood with the stolen money in his possession.
Following his initial federal conviction in 2021 for possession of bomb-making chemicals, Eason was previously sentenced to 38 months in prison and three years probation. Eason admitted to police that he thought it would be “cool” to commit a robbery just once. He has been held without bail since his arrest after the bank robbery, and he is credited with 329 days already served towards his seven-year state prison sentence.
Eason, who is on the autism spectrum, has a lawyer who describes him as intelligent but naive to the world. Eason waived his right to a trial and accepted a guilty plea, fully aware that his actions would violate his federal probation terms. The robbery was documented by the bank’s surveillance cameras, which captured the entire incident.
This series of events puts a spotlight on Eason’s troubled history with the legal system and raises questions about his motivations and mental health. His case serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal actions and the complex interplay of various factors that contribute to such behavior.
Background Context
The incident has repercussions beyond Eason’s personal circumstances. Bank robberies, while often sensationalized in media, bring to light the ongoing issues of crime and rehabilitation in society. Eason’s sentencing reflects the legal system’s approach to handling such offenses, balancing punishment with the potential for rehabilitation given his background of mental health issues.
The Wells Fargo branch in Rock Hill, where the robbery occurred, remains a busy location for banking services, and local law enforcement continues to enhance security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eli Gage Eason | 28 years old, from Clover, South Carolina |
| Sentence | 7 years in state prison |
| Previous Conviction | 38 months in federal prison for bomb-making chemicals |
| Additional Custody | 15 to 21 months in federal custody after state sentence |
| Robbery Date | Day before Thanksgiving, 2024 |
| Location | Wells Fargo branch on Celanese Road, Rock Hill |
| Robbery Method | Strong arm robbery using a written note |
| Stolen Amount | $1,000 |
| Time to Apprehension | Minutes after the robbery |
FAQ
Who is Eli Gage Eason?
Eli Gage Eason is a 28-year-old from Clover, South Carolina, who was sentenced to seven years in state prison for committing a bank robbery.
What was Eason convicted of?
Eason pleaded guilty to strong arm robbery in York County criminal court following a bank robbery.
When did the bank robbery occur?
The robbery took place at the Wells Fargo branch on Celanese Road the day before Thanksgiving in 2024.
What is the expected additional federal custody after the state sentence?
After completing his state prison sentence, Eason is expected to serve an additional 15 to 21 months in federal custody.
What was Eason’s previous conviction?
Eason was previously sentenced to 38 months in federal prison in 2021 for possession of bomb-making chemicals.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Bank Robbery
- WYFF4: Bank Robber Convicted
- WCCB Charlotte: Police Investigating Robbery
- Wikipedia: Bank Robbery
- Google Search: Rock Hill Bank Robbery
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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