ALBANY, Ga. - A Moultrie, Georgia, resident with prior felony convictions was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing four firearms discovered during an investigation into armed drug trafficking in the community.

Johnny Will Murray, Jr., 41, of Moultrie, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. Murray, Jr. was found guilty at trial of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Nov. 3, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.

"Repeat offenders who illegally arm themselves, disregard the law and endanger the community will be prosecuted in federal court," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "Our highest priority is to ensure justice and work alongside our law enforcement partners to strengthen public safety for everyone in the Middle District of Georgia."

According to court documents and statements referenced at trial, on Nov. 11, 2021, the Moultrie Police Department executed a search warrant at Murray, Jr.'s home on suspicion of armed drug trafficking. Officers found approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, two digital scales, several empty vacuum-sealed bags and a rifle in his bedroom. Inside the bedroom closet was a safe with three more firearms, magazines, ammunition and $5,600. Officers also found a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine floating on top of the water in a toilet. Murray, Jr. has several past felony convictions; it is illegal for a felon to possess a firearm.

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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Moultrie Police Department and the Colquitt County Sheriff's Department's Narcotics Division investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels prosecuted the case for the Government.