Calhoun County, AL Calhoun County, ALMatthew Hal McCraney a 49 year old resident of Ohatchee has been sentenced to 63 years in jail by U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor for the crime of being a felon who was in possession of an firearm. The sentence was announced Friday November 11 with the help of U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
McCraney was previously guilty in August. The sentence stems from an incident that occurred on the 15th of September 2022. McCraney was involved in a verbal fight in a fight with his lover. McCraney then retrieved an assault weapon with a short barrel, and then pursued her across the street. It was reported that the Anniston Police Department received a phone call about the incident. This led to a police officer following McCraney and capturing McCraney after he fell through an embankment, crashing into the fence. While they were detained, police found a 12-gauge, short-barreled shotgun in bushes nearby. McCraney admitted to having the weapon during a fight with his partner.
McCraney’s criminal history is filled with multiple felonies, such as battery in a felony and battery on a police firefighter or police officer, which makes him ineligible for firearm possession.
An investigation of the incident was conducted by ATF in conjunction in conjunction with Anniston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and Darius C. Greene prosecuted the case and led to the conviction, and later sentencing. The decision of the court reflects the seriousness of the crime and highlights the legal ramifications for those who have had previous convictions for felony crimes in possessing firearms.
