Rock Hill, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Eli Gage Eason, 28, has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for his role in a strong arm bank robbery at Wells Fargo, Rock Hill. The incident occurred shortly before Thanksgiving, where Eason demanded money through a note. With a previous conviction and diagnosed on the autism spectrum, his case brings attention to mental health issues within the criminal justice system.
Rock Hill, South Carolina — Eli Gage Eason, a 28-year-old man from Clover, South Carolina, was sentenced to seven years in state prison for his involvement in a strong arm bank robbery. Eason previously served 38 months in federal prison for possession of destructive devices and was on probation at the time of the incident.
The robbery took place on November 22, 2024, at the Wells Fargo branch located on Celanese Road in Rock Hill, just a day before Thanksgiving. During the robbery, Eason attempted to extort $1,000 from a teller by passing a note, without displaying a weapon. He was apprehended shortly afterward by police in a nearby residential neighborhood, still holding the stolen cash.
After pleading guilty to strong arm robbery in York County criminal court, Eason’s sentence was confirmed by Judge Derham Cole Jr., who approved a negotiated plea deal between the prosecutor and Eason’s attorney, Lisa Collins. In court, Eason expressed a misguided belief that committing the robbery would be “cool.” Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during the incident, and surveillance video captured the robbery as it occurred.
Attorneys for Eason depicted him as “very intelligent” but naive concerning the world around him, noting his diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Since his arrest, Eason has been jailed without bail and has been granted credit for 329 days served, which will count towards his state prison sentence. Following the completion of his prison term, Eason faces an additional 15 to 21 months in federal custody due to a violation of his probation.
This case sheds light on the intersections of mental health, criminal justice, and the complicacies of rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with unique needs. The court’s decision reflects a combination of legal accountability and acknowledgment of the personal circumstances surrounding Eason’s actions.
Key Points Summary
- Name: Eli Gage Eason
- Age: 28
- Location: Clover, South Carolina
- Sentence: Seven years in state prison
- Previous Conviction: 38 months for possession of destructive devices
- Date of Robbery: November 22, 2024
- Bank: Wells Fargo, Celanese Road, Rock Hill
- Robbery Method: Passed note for $1,000 with no weapon
- Arrest: Apprehended minutes later with stolen money
- Guilty Plea: Strong arm robbery
- Time Served: 329 days credited towards sentence
- Post-Sentence Custody: Up to 21 months in federal custody for probation violation
Background Information
Robberies like the one committed by Eason pose significant challenges for law enforcement, financial institutions, and the communities they affect. While no one was hurt in this instance, the potential for violence always looms in such situations. Consequently, the legal system often explores alternatives for individuals with mental health concerns as they navigate the consequences of their actions.
FAQs
Who is Eli Gage Eason?
Eli Gage Eason is a 28-year-old man from Clover, South Carolina, who was sentenced to seven years in state prison for strong arm bank robbery.
What was the sentence handed to Eason?
Eason was sentenced to seven years in state prison following his guilty plea to strong arm robbery.
What prior convictions did Eason have?
Eason previously served 38 months in federal prison for possession of destructive devices.
What were the circumstances of the robbery?
Eason robbed the Wells Fargo bank by passing a note demanding $1,000, without using a weapon and was arrested minutes later with the stolen money.
What will happen after Eason’s state sentence?
After completing his state sentence, Eason faces an additional 15 to 21 months in federal custody for violating probation.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Eli Gage Eason |
| Age | 28 |
| Location | Clover, South Carolina |
| Sentence | Seven years in state prison |
| Previous Conviction | 38 months for possession of destructive devices |
| Date of Robbery | November 22, 2024 |
| Bank Involved | Wells Fargo, Celanese Road, Rock Hill |
| Robbery Method | Passed note for $1,000 with no weapon |
| Arrest Details | Apprehended minutes later with stolen money |
| Time in Jail | 329 days credited towards sentence |
| Post-Sentence | 15 to 21 months in federal custody for probation violation |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Masked Suspect Accused of Assaulting, Robbing Female at Rock Hill Bank of America
- Wikipedia: Bank Robbery
- Herald Online: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Rock Hill Bank Robbery
- WSOCTV: Bank of America Robbery Under Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- QCNews: Man Charged Following Bank Robbery in Rock Hill
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