Former Deputy Charged with Murder of Sonya Massey Previously Discharged from Army for Serious Misconduct

Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who is charged with the murder of Sonya Massey, had previously been discharged from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct. Grayson, who is white, was indicted by a grand jury for the fatal shooting of Massey, a Black woman. The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the incident. Military records obtained from the Kincaid Police Department in Illinois reveal that Grayson was discharged from the Army in 2016 for “Misconduct (Serious Offense).” While the exact nature of the misconduct is unclear, legal experts suggest that it could be equivalent to a misdemeanor in the civilian world. Grayson’s defense attorney declined to comment on the specifics of his discharge. However, the DD Form 214, which summarizes Grayson’s tenure in the Army, indicates that he did not receive an honorable discharge. Instead, he received a “general” discharge under “honorable conditions,” which is a red flag to potential employers. It is unclear what offenses led to Grayson’s discharge, but they could include drug abuse, sexual assault, or going AWOL. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Grayson was not convicted of any crimes in Kansas, where he was stationed. However, it is unknown if he had any previous arrests or charges that did not result in convictions. Grayson’s actions have sparked national outrage and calls for police reform from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Grayson’s former employer, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, fired him after the charges were filed, stating that his actions do not reflect the values or training of the office. Grayson’s employment history reveals that he has worked for six police departments in Central Illinois since 2020. He started as a part-time officer with the Pawnee Police Department and the Kincaid Police Department. He was let go from the Kincaid Police Department for refusing to live within a 10-mile radius as required. Grayson then worked as a part-time officer at the Virden Police Department for seven months, where he received no official complaints or discipline. He later accepted a full-time position with the Auburn Police Department and then the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. In Logan County, he pursued a vehicle against orders and eventually hit a deer. Despite his discharge from the Army for serious misconduct, Grayson was hired by multiple police departments, raising concerns about the hiring process and oversight. Legal experts and civil rights attorney Ben Crump argue that Grayson’s misconduct in the Army should have been a red flag for law enforcement agencies considering his employment. The case highlights the need for improved hiring practices and accountability within the police force.