Tallahassee, FL – In a slam-dunk case, James Wiley Kelley, Jr., a 51-year-old convicted felon from Altha, Florida, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, possession of a machine gun, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to the DOJ, Kelley’s arrest and subsequent conviction were the result of a thorough investigation led by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The evidence presented in court revealed a clear pattern of Kelley’s disregard for the law, as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Priester, who prosecuted the case, praised the work of the ATF and other law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts in keeping the community safe. “Kelley’s sentence should serve as a warning to others who would engage in similar reckless behavior,” Priester said. “We will continue to work diligently to uphold the law and protect the public from those who would harm them.”
The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Mark E. Fuller in the Northern District of Florida. Kelley’s 30-month prison term is a direct result of his conviction on the above-mentioned charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
As a convicted felon, Kelley’s possession of a machine gun and other firearms and ammunition was a clear violation of federal law. The National Firearms Act, which Kelley violated, regulates the possession and transfer of certain firearms, including machine guns, silencers, and short-barreled rifles.
The case against Kelley serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating federal firearms laws. The public should be assured that law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, will continue to work together to prevent and investigate gun crimes, and bring those responsible to justice.
James Wiley Kelley, Jr. is currently in federal custody, awaiting transfer to a federal prison facility to serve his sentence. His case is a testament to the dedication and expertise of law enforcement agencies and the importance of upholding federal firearms laws to maintain public safety.
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