A Moultrie resident with previous felony convictions was sentenced on Mar. 5 to ten years in prison for illegally possessing firearms, following an investigation into armed drug trafficking.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun violence and drug-related crime in the Middle District of Georgia. Authorities say that removing repeat offenders from the community is a key part of their strategy to improve public safety.
Johnny Will Murray, Jr., age 41, received a sentence of 120 months in prison and three years of supervised release from Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. Murray was found guilty at trial on Nov. 3, 2025, of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 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 made during trial, officers executed a search warrant at Murray’s home on Nov. 11, 2021, suspecting armed drug trafficking activity. Police found about two ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, empty vacuum-sealed bags, and a rifle in his bedroom. A safe inside his closet contained three more firearms, magazines, ammunition, and $5,600 in cash. Officers also discovered methamphetamine floating in a toilet bowl.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
The Moultrie Police Department and Colquitt County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels prosecuted it for the government.
