Jackson County Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

Gulfport, Miss. – James Edward Hays, 34, of Vancleave, entered a guilty plea yesterday, before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to possession of a firearm by a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Hays, a Simon City Royal gang member, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the charge. He further faces a fine of $250,000 along with 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for January 18, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.

On April 25, 2018, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a person passed out behind the wheel of a running car at a gas station. Deputies found Hays, a three-time convicted felon, with methamphetamine, heroin and a loaded gun.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.