TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – James Wiley Kelley, Jr., 51, of Altha, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case demonstrates the unified commitment of our state and federal law enforcement officers to use the full force of the law to keep our communities safe. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute offenders, like this defendant, to the fullest extent as a warning to criminals that violating our nation’s laws in the Northern District of Florida is a one-way ticket to federal prison.”
Court documents reflect that United States Customs Border Protection Agents identified a parcel bearing a fictitious name and an Altha, Florida, address while inspecting packages from a flight originating in China. Examination of the parcel revealed a small box titled “In-Car Vent Mount” which contained black plastic vent mounts for a smart phone, and three silver metal component parts comprising a machine gun conversion device (MCD). Following a controlled delivery of the MCD, agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, resulting in the seizure of pistols, rifles, shotguns and ammunition of various calibers, as well as methamphetamine. Further investigation confirmed the defendant’s acceptance of firearms as payment for methamphetamine. The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to prior felony convictions for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Marked Police Car and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The case involved a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is set for February 5, 2026, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
The defendant faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, an identical penalty for possession of a machinegun, and a maximum of fifteen years’ imprisonment for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, in addition to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
