OCALA, FL – James Clay Bexley, 35, of Center Hill, Florida, is headed to federal prison for three years after a disturbing cache of illegal weapons and explosive devices was discovered at his residence. Bexley pleaded guilty on July 28, 2022, to possessing unregistered destructive devices and firearm silencers, as well as possessing firearms while under a domestic violence injunction – a clear danger to his wife and the community.
The bust began with a seemingly routine call. Sumter County deputies responded to Bexley’s home after he contacted his wife in direct violation of a court-ordered injunction. What they found was far from routine. A search of Bexley’s vehicle revealed six firearms and two silencers. But the real danger lay ahead. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad was called in when two crude, but potentially lethal, pipe bombs were discovered on the front porch.
A subsequent search warrant unleashed a horrifying scene inside Bexley’s home. Federal agents seized approximately 35 pounds of explosive materials and bomb-making equipment. Twelve additional firearms and two more silencers were recovered, turning the residence into a veritable armory of illegal weaponry. None of the silencers or destructive devices were registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as federal law requires.
Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer, prosecuting the case, emphasized the gravity of the situation. Possessing unregistered silencers and destructive devices isn’t just a paperwork issue; it’s a direct threat to public safety. Adding to the severity, Bexley’s possession of firearms while under a domestic violence injunction demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and a potential for escalating violence.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement and community partnerships. The program aims to foster trust, support community organizations, and strategically enforce laws to create safer neighborhoods.
Bexley’s three-year sentence serves as a stark warning: illegal weapons and explosives will not be tolerated, especially when combined with a history of domestic violence. While three years may seem short to some, authorities hope it sends a message that such dangerous behavior carries serious consequences, and that the streets of Sumter County – and beyond – are a little safer with Bexley behind bars.
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