JACKSONVILLE – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced Allen Tereal Grimes, 33, of Keystone Heights, pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Grimes faces up to 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of the ammunition, which is alleged to be traceable to his offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Grimes made his initial appearance in federal court on March 4, and was ordered detained.

According to court records, on Aug.11, Grimes was in possession of Winchester 9 mm ammunition, among other ammunition. 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 ammunition under federal law. 

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—Jacksonville Office investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.