Columbia, South Carolina
Ray Anthony Kelly, 55, of Spartanburg, has entered a guilty plea in federal court on charges of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.
United States Attorney Beth Drake announced the plea, which was accepted by United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain.
Kelly, a previously convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition and faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
The charges stem from an incident on June 6, 2016, in the parking lot of an auto repair store on John White Boulevard in Spartanburg.
According to the evidence presented, Kelly returned fire after an argument between two individuals led to an exchange of gunfire. Eight .9mm shell casings were recovered by the Spartanburg Police Department.
Kelly was interviewed by SPD officers on June 9, 2016, and admitted to possession of the ammunition during the shooting.
Kelly was arrested federally as part of “Operation Real-Time,” a program aimed at identifying individuals with significant criminal histories who continue to possess firearms in the Upstate community.
The operation has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of over 100 defendants and the seizure of approximately 115 firearms and assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between state and federal agencies that led to the adoption of the case.
The Spartanburg Police Department and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen prosecuting the case.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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