Convicted Child Molester Sentenced for Impersonating Atlanta Officer

Fredrick Crawford posed as a police officer and possessed a firearm despite being a felon.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A 34-year-old Atlanta man named Fredrick Crawford, a convicted child molester, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for impersonating a police officer and possessing a firearm as a felon. Crawford was caught in April 2024 arguing with customers at a gas station while wearing a uniform labeled "Fugitive Task Force" and claiming to be a police officer.

Why it matters

Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and safety. Crawford's actions endangered innocent citizens and posed a risk to legitimate police efforts. As a convicted felon, he was also prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The details

An off-duty Atlanta Police sergeant at the gas station confronted Crawford, suspected he was not a real officer, and flagged down two nearby marked APD vehicles. When Crawford saw the officers approaching, he fled and tossed the gun he had. He was arrested shortly after and authorities discovered his previous convictions, which included child molestation, firearms possession by a felon, and other violent crimes.

  • In April 2024, the off-duty Atlanta Police sergeant encountered Crawford at a gas station.
  • On January 29, 2026, a U.S. district judge sentenced Crawford to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

The players

Fredrick Crawford

A 34-year-old Atlanta man who is a convicted child molester and was sentenced to federal prison for impersonating a police officer and possessing a firearm as a felon.

Atlanta Police Sergeant

An off-duty Atlanta Police sergeant who confronted Crawford at a gas station, suspected he was not a real officer, and flagged down two nearby marked APD vehicles.

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd

Stated that impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and safety, and Crawford's actions endangered innocent citizens and posed a significant risk to legitimate law enforcement efforts.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg

Stated that if a real officer had not caught this armed felon pretending to be a cop, someone could have been seriously injured, and that the community is safer because Crawford is back in prison.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum

Stated that an armed felon impersonating a police officer poses a grave threat to public safety and to the integrity of law enforcement, and that the quick actions of the sergeant and the coordinated response resulted in a dangerous individual being taken off the streets.

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What they’re saying

“Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and safety. Fredrick Crawford's actions not only endangered the lives of innocent citizens but also posed a significant risk to legitimate law enforcement efforts.”

— Ryan Todd, ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge

“If a real officer had not caught this armed felon pretending to be a cop, someone could have been seriously injured. Thanks to my office's close partnership with the Atlanta Police Department, which referred this case for federal prosecution, the community is safer because Crawford is back in prison, where he belongs.”

— Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney

“This case underscores the vigilance and professionalism of our officers, even when off duty. An armed felon impersonating a police officer poses a grave threat to public safety and to the integrity of law enforcement. Thanks to the quick actions of our sergeant and the coordinated response that followed, a dangerous individual was taken off the streets.”

— Darin Schierbaum, Atlanta Police Chief

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Fredrick Crawford out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious threat posed by convicted felons impersonating law enforcement officers and the importance of vigilant and coordinated police response to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of law enforcement.