Federal prisoner charged with manslaughter in death of inmate

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen C. Crawford, a former inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton, was indicted today on charges of manslaughter and assault regarding the death of another inmate, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Crawford, age 41, was indicted today on one count of “Voluntary Manslaughter,” one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm,” and one count of “Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.” Crawford is accused of stabbing another inmate “A.C.” resulting in his death. The crime allegedly took place in March 2015 at USP Hazelton in Preston County.

Crawford faces up to 15 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the manslaughter charge and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the other two charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.