A west Kentucky man who used a false name to make threats on social media against Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky State Police now faces federal charges.
United States Attorney Russell Coleman on Tuesday announced 25-year-old Jeremiah Wooley of Kevil, Kentucky is charged with possession of an unregistered firearm (destructive device).
According to the criminal complaint filed April 29, Kentucky State Police (KSP) charged Wooley for threats made against Beshear and KSP troopers via a social media platform, using a false name. During the arrest, Wooley had two handguns on his person. Officers found approximately 12 firearms including a 50-caliber rifle, assault style firearms, shotguns, and handguns while executing a search warrant of Wooley’s residence.
A press release from Coleman’s office said a State Police Hazardous Device investigator also discovered approximately 50 MKII pineapple-style hand grenades in a bucket in Wooley’s bedroom.
Investigators determined all the grenades, with the exception of one, had been rendered inert by a hole drilled in the hull of the grenade, or had been manufactured as novelty items. However, one of the grenades had the hull-hole welded shut, and boxes in the same room contained all of the necessary components to complete and assemble a grenade including black powder, time fuses, electric matches, ammunition primers, grenade spoons, safety pins, and spring cock strikers.
“Albeit unusual times and despite elevated risk to their own safety, Kentucky law enforcement continues to show up to protect our commonwealth,” Coleman said in a statement. “I could not be prouder of the mission-driven collaboration between the FBI, ATF, KSP and United States Attorney’s Office in the Purchase Region and across Kentucky.”
Special Agent In-Charge Robert Brown Jr. said, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FBI in Kentucky is especially grateful for the strong law enforcement partnerships throughout the Commonwealth. This investigation is a great example of law enforcement working side by side to keep Americans safe.”
ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Lissa G. Jordan said, “ATF will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate anyone who poses a threat against the citizens and communities of the Commonwealth. This is another great example of law enforcement agencies working together for the same goal, which is to keep Kentuckians safe.”
If convicted at trial, the maximum sentence for unlawfully possessing an unregistered firearm (destructive device) is 10 years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both, and not more than a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock, who also serves as the branch chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office-Paducah, is set to prosecute the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and KSP conducted the investigation.
