Southwest Georgia Repeat Offender Sentenced for Illegal Gun Possession

41-year-old Moultrie man with prior felony convictions sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally possessing firearms

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:22am

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Johnny Will Murray, Jr., a 41-year-old Moultrie, Georgia resident with prior felony convictions, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for illegally possessing four firearms that were discovered during an investigation into armed drug trafficking in the community.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to crack down on repeat offenders who illegally possess firearms, which is a significant public safety concern in many communities. Prosecuting these types of cases at the federal level can result in longer prison sentences without the possibility of parole.

The details

In November 2021, the Moultrie Police Department executed a search warrant at Murray's home and found approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, two digital scales, several empty vacuum-sealed bags, and a rifle in his bedroom. They also discovered a safe in the bedroom closet containing three more firearms, magazines, ammunition, and $5,600 in cash. Murray, who has several prior felony convictions, was found guilty at trial in November 2025 of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

  • On November 11, 2021, the Moultrie Police Department executed a search warrant at Murray's home.
  • On November 3, 2025, Murray was found guilty at trial of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • On March 21, 2026, Murray was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

The players

Johnny Will Murray, Jr.

A 41-year-old Moultrie, Georgia resident with prior felony convictions who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally possessing four firearms.

U.S. Attorney William R. 'Will' Keyes

The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia who stated that repeat offenders who illegally arm themselves and endanger the community will be prosecuted in federal court.

Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands

The judge who sentenced Murray to 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Moultrie Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that executed the search warrant at Murray's home and discovered the firearms and drugs.

Colquitt County Sheriff's Department's Narcotics Division

The local law enforcement agency that investigated the case alongside the Moultrie Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Repeat offenders who illegally arm themselves, disregard the law and endanger the community will be prosecuted in federal court. 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.”

— U.S. Attorney William R. 'Will' Keyes

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Murray out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to crack down on repeat offenders who illegally possess firearms, which is a significant public safety concern in many communities. Prosecuting these types of cases at the federal level can result in longer prison sentences without the possibility of parole.