Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who is charged with murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, was discharged from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct, according to military records. Grayson, who is white, was indicted by a grand jury for the July 6 killing of Massey, who is Black. The U.S. Department of Justice has also opened an investigation into the incident. Grayson’s discharge from the Army in 2016 was for “Misconduct (Serious Offense),” although the specific details of the misconduct were not disclosed. Grayson received a “general” discharge under “honorable conditions,” which suggests that some, but not all, of his service was honorable. The nature of Grayson’s separation from the military was an involuntary discharge. Grayson’s defense attorney declined to comment on the nature of his discharge. The case has sparked national outrage and calls for police reform. Grayson is currently being held in jail without bond and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Grayson’s military records indicate that he was a wheeled vehicle mechanic from May 2014 to February 2016. The Army declined to provide further details about his discharge, citing privacy and policy restrictions. However, legal experts suggest that a discharge for serious misconduct typically indicates an offense equivalent to a civilian misdemeanor that would have led to at least a year of incarceration. Grayson’s discharge should be a red flag to potential future employers, as it suggests a history of misconduct. It is unclear what specific offense led to Grayson’s discharge.
The shooting of Sonya Massey occurred when Grayson and another deputy responded to a call from Massey about a suspected intruder at her home. Body-camera footage shows Grayson shooting Massey three times after entering her home and telling her to drop a pot of boiling water she was holding. Massey can be seen ducking with her hands up and saying “I’m sorry” before Grayson fired. Grayson later discouraged his fellow deputy from providing medical aid to Massey. The incident has sparked national outcry and calls for police reform from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Grayson’s employment history raises concerns about the hiring practices of law enforcement agencies. Records show that Grayson has worked for six police departments across Central Illinois since 2020. He was fired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office shortly after charges were filed against him. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell stated that Grayson’s actions do not reflect the values or training of his office. Grayson’s previous employers have varying levels of knowledge about his discharge from the Army and his history of misconduct. The Auburn Police Department, where Grayson worked full-time, declined to comment on his employment. The Logan County Sheriff’s Office, where Grayson worked for a year, has not responded to requests for comment.
Legal experts and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey’s family, have expressed concerns about Grayson’s hiring despite his history of misconduct. Grayson’s discharge from the Army for serious misconduct should have been a red flag for police departments considering his employment. The case has prompted an online petition calling for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell’s resignation and an investigation into the hiring practices of the sheriff’s department.
The shooting of Sonya Massey highlights the need for police reform and greater scrutiny of law enforcement hiring practices. The case has sparked national attention and raised questions about accountability within the criminal justice system. As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, it is crucial to address the systemic issues that allow officers with a history of misconduct to remain in positions of authority.