Jerry D. Roof, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, East Alton IL, 2023

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Jerry D. Roof, a 31-year-old resident of East Alton, Illinois, was today sentenced by Judge David R. Herndon to 30 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.

Court documents reveal that Roof, who was already on probation, was caught with a firearm at his residence in January 2014. As a convicted felon, Roof is prohibited from possessing firearms, making his actions illegal under both federal law and his probation terms. Roof pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him in federal court in East St. Louis.

United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton emphasized the severity of Roof’s offense, stating, ‘My office remains committed to prosecuting felons who illegally arm themselves with firearms. A sentence like this one sends a strong, clear message: If you’re a convicted felon, you simply cannot have a gun. Period.’

There is no parole in the federal prison system, and Roof’s sentence was further augmented by Judge Herndon’s order that he serve 3 years of supervised release following his prison term. Additionally, Roof was ordered to pay a $300 fine and $100 in court fees.

The investigation into Roof’s illegal firearm possession was conducted by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Madison County Probation Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump was responsible for prosecuting the offense.