October 24, 2025

Man Sentenced for Attempted Bank Robbery in Rock Hill

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