James Edward Hays, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Mississippi 2018
Gulfport, Miss. - In a shocking turn of events, James Edward Hays, a 34-year-old Vancleave resident and Simon City Royal gang member, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents, Hays was arrested on April 25, 2018, after the Jackson County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a person passed out behind the wheel of a running car at a gas station. Deputies found Hays, a three-time convicted felon, with methamphetamine, heroin, and a loaded gun.
The case was investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams will be prosecuting the case.
Hays faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the charge, as well as a fine of $250,000 and 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for January 18, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.
As a three-time convicted felon, Hays is not allowed to possess a firearm. His guilty plea is a significant blow to the Simon City Royal gang, which has been linked to various violent crimes in the area.
The guilty plea is a reminder that law enforcement is cracking down on gang activity in Mississippi. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
James Edward Hays, 34, of Vancleave, entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for January 18, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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