JACKSONVILLE – U.S. States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Allen Tereal Grimes, 33, of Keystone Heights, with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Grimes faces as many as 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Grimes the United States intends to forfeit ammunition alleged to be traceable to his offense. Grimes appeared in federal court on March 4 and was ordered detained.

According to the indictment, on Aug. 21, 2023, Grimes was stopped while riding a bicycle on County Road 214 because he had an outstanding warrant in Bradford County. Deputies uncovered 21 rounds of Winchester 9 mm ammunition when he was searched. At the time of the incident, Grimes had seven prior felony convictions, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, fleeing and eluding a police officer, felony battery and assault with intent to commit to a felony. As a previously convicted felon, Grimes is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein will prosecute it.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.