CHARLESTON, S.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Thomas Lamont Ancrum, 37, of Goose Creek, has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison for possessing two firearms as a convicted felon.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Ancrum led officers with the North Charleston Police Department on a dangerous highspeed chase on the night of Aug. 12, 2024. During the chase, Ancrum reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, weaving in and out of interstate traffic. Eventually, officers used stop sticks to puncture the vehicle’s tires which quickly ended the pursuit. Ancrum then exited the vehicle, dropped a book bag, and ran across the interstate. He was quickly apprehended by a police K9 and arrested. Inside the backpack, officers found two firearms and small quantities of cocaine and marijuana.
As a previously convicted felon, Ancrum is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition. He was indicted in federal court on one count of felon in possession of a firearm in 2025.
United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Ancrum to 115 months' imprisonment—the maximum term called for by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Ancrum will be under court supervision for three years upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the North Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole Shannon prosecuted the case.
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