Inman Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court for Firearms Violations

SWAT Team removed subject after stand-off

          COLUMBIA, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Jeffry Sims Gray, age 40, of Inman, pled guilty in federal court in Spartanburg to the charge of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Henry F. Floyd accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

          Evidence presented in court established that on the morning of June 15, 2007, members of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a disturbance call in the Lake Bowen area. Witnesses told deputies that as they were heading back on the water to their dock on Lake Bowen, they passed a boat landing where they noticed a man pointing a rifle in their direction and yelling at them. The witnesses called 911 and reported the incident. Deputies identified the man as Jeffry Gray, obtained warrants for his arrest, and went to Gray’s residence. When they arrived, Gray refused to exit, barricading himself inside the home. A SWAT team was dispatched and a stand-off ensued. After several hours, during which time officers heard two shots come from the house, deputies were able to take Mr. Gray into custody. Upon the execution of a search warrant for Gray’s home, officers found 12 firearms and over 2,800 rounds of ammunition.

          With previous state court convictions, Gray is a convicted felon, and is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

          Mr. Wilkins stated the maximum penalty Gray can receive is a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.00.

          The case was investigated by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office handled the case. This prosecution was a part of Operation CeaseFire. CeaseFire is a joint local, state, and federal initiative which seeks to prosecute aggressively individuals who unlawfully use, possess, or transfer firearms.

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