James Wiley Kelley Jr, Machine Gun Possession, Florida 2023

⏱ 2 min read

James Wiley Kelley Jr, a 51-year-old convicted felon from Altha, Florida, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possessing a machine gun, other firearms, and ammunition. The bust came after US Customs Border Protection Agents intercepted a parcel from China containing a machinegun conversion device (MCD) addressed to Kelley’s residence. A subsequent search warrant yielded pistols, rifles, shotguns, and methamphetamine, landing Kelley in hot water due to his prior felony convictions.

Kelley’s troubles began when Customs agents identified a suspicious parcel on a flight from China, which contained a small box labeled as ‘plastic vent mounts for a smart phone’ but actually held the MCD. This device can convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon. Agents executed a controlled delivery of the MCD and then searched Kelley’s residence, where they found an arsenal of firearms and ammo, as well as methamphetamine.

Kelley’s prior convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car and possession of a controlled substance meant he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The case was a joint investigation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau, highlighting the ongoing efforts to crack down on violent crime and keep communities safe.

The sentence was announced by US Attorney John P Heekin, who emphasized the importance of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at targeting dangerous criminals and making streets safer. Kelley’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating federal firearms laws, particularly for those with prior convictions.

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