Cornelius Trotoyal Wilson, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, South Carolina 2024

Cornelius Trotoyal Wilson, a 38-year-old man from Greenville, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g).

According to the United States Attorney Beth Drake, Wilson pleaded guilty in Federal court in Greenville, South Carolina. United States District Court Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Wilson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The severity of the sentence is a testament to the gravity of the crime, and the government’s commitment to keeping firearms out of the wrong hands.

The evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on September 15, 2016, officers with the Simpsonville Police Department responded to a local motel based on a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival at the location, officers made contact with several individuals including Wilson. During the investigation, officers recovered a loaded .25 caliber pistol from Wilson after he told the officers that he had a .25 caliber pistol in his pocket.

Prior to that date, Wilson had previously been convicted of a crime for which he could have received more than a year in prison and agents confirmed that he had not received a pardon nor had his rights restored to possess firearms or ammunition. This prior conviction made it illegal for Wilson to possess a firearm, and his actions put himself and others at risk.

The Simpsonville Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the United States Attorney’s Office in Greenville. The successful investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the commitment to keeping communities safe.

For more information, contact Max Cauthen, II at (864) 282-2100. The public can also visit the Department of Justice website for more information on this case and other federal crimes.

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