Calhoun County, AL – Matthew Hal McCraney, a 49-year-old resident of Ohatchee, has been sentenced to 63 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor for the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing was announced on Friday, November 11, by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
McCraney had previously pleaded guilty to the charge in August. The sentencing follows an incident on September 15, 2022, where McCraney engaged in a verbal altercation with his girlfriend. He subsequently retrieved a short-barreled shotgun and pursued her down the street. The Anniston Police Department received a call reporting the incident, leading to an officer pursuing McCraney and successfully apprehending him after he slid down an embankment into a fence. During the arrest, officers discovered a short-barreled, 12-gauge shotgun hidden in nearby bushes. McCraney admitted to possessing the firearm during the altercation with his girlfriend.
McCraney’s legal history includes multiple felony convictions, such as felony battery and battery on a law officer or firefighter, making him prohibited from firearm possession.
The investigation into the case was carried out by ATF in collaboration with the Anniston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and Darius C. Greene prosecuted the case, leading to the conviction and subsequent sentencing. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the offense and underscores the legal consequences for individuals with prior felony convictions found in possession of firearms.
