Man Who Threatened Governor & KY State Troopers Charged Federally

PADUCAH, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell Coleman today announced the charging of Jeremiah Wooley, 25, of Kevil, Kentucky, for possession of an unregistered firearm (destructive device).  

“Albeit unusual times and despite elevated risk to their own safety, Kentucky law enforcement continues to show up to protect our Commonwealth,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “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.”  

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FBI in Kentucky is especially grateful for the strong law enforcement partnerships throughout the Commonwealth,” said FBI Special Agent In-Charge Robert Brown Jr. “This investigation is a great example of law enforcement working side by side to keep Americans safe.”

“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,” stated ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Lissa G. Jordan. “This is another great example of law enforcement agencies working together for the same goal, which is to keep Kentuckians safe.”

According to the Criminal Complaint filed today, on April 29, 2020, Kentucky State Police charged Defendant Wooley for threats made against Kentucky’s Governor and Kentucky State Police Troopers via a social media platform under a false name. During the arrest Wooley had two handguns on his person. A search warrant of Wooley’s residence revealed approximately 12 firearms, including a 50 caliber rifle, assault style firearms, shotguns, and handguns.

A State Police Hazardous Device investigator also discovered approximately 50 MKII pineapple style hand grenades in a bucket in the bedroom of the defendant. All of 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 the grenade, including black powder, time fuses, electric matches ammunition primers, and grenade spoons, safety pins, and spring cock strikers.

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 3 year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock who also serves as the branch chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office-Paducah.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Kentucky State Police conducted the investigation.

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A Criminal Complaint is an accusation only and

the person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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