A Selma man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm. Marquavius Benjamin, 25, was found guilty of possessing a Glock handgun. The incident occurred on October 4, 2024, when a Selma Police Department officer responded to a call about a stolen vehicle at Creekside Apartments in Selma, Alabama.
While speaking with the victim, the officer heard gunshots nearby and observed a black male firing multiple shots with a handgun. The officer called for backup as his body camera recorded Benjamin approaching him unprompted. Benjamin handed over the Glock semi-automatic pistol but resisted arrest, telling the officer to “call for backup” before walking away. After an aggressive move by Benjamin, the officer used his Taser to subdue him and took him into custody.
Upon checking Benjamin’s background, it was revealed that he was a convicted felon and that the Glock Model 43, 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his possession had been reported stolen through the Selma Police Department.
A Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives confirmed that the pistol was manufactured outside Alabama and had been reported stolen. It was also determined that Benjamin had prior felony convictions in Dallas County for Robbery in the First Degree in 2018, Felony Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle in 2024, and Escape in the Third Degree in 2024.
Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama stated: “Together with our partners in law enforcement in Selma and Dallas County, we will continue our mission to bring to justice those who illegally possess guns.” He added that communities are safer thanks to law enforcement efforts.
The case was investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Selma Police Department, and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Arrington prosecuted on behalf of the United States.
