As if the investigation into Sonya Massey’s shooting couldn’t get anymore disturbing, the new information emerging about the deputy who shot her makes us wonder if he even deserved to be employed as a cop.
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Just over a week after fatally shooting 36-year-old Massey in her home, former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson was fired from the department, arrested and indicted on three counts of first-degree murder and one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.
The details of Massey’s death have been covered extensively by The Root, and they’ll probably have you wondering how Grayson even had a badge and gun to begin with. (Not the least of which is Grayson calling Massey a “crazy b***h after shooting her.)
But what if we told you that Sangamon County was his sixth gig in just four years at the tender age of 30? We’re guessing you can figure out why on your own, but just in case…
Logan County Sheriff’s Office
Before joining Sangamon County’s police force, Grayson worked for the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. He was disciplined there for hitting a deer with his squad car during a police chase, which is against department policy, per NBC News.
The outlet also found he had two complaints filed against him: a woman who accused him of “inappropriate” behavior during her arrest and the woman’s fiancé who accused Grayson of abusing his power and harassing him in the jail. Despite the allegations, he left the department in good standing, the report says.
Pawnee Police Department
He was hired at the department in August 2020 and worked there part-time. This appeared to be his consistent gig while working simultaneously for two other police departments, per NBC’s report.
Kincaid Police Department
Grayson worked part-time at the department from February to May 2021, according to Chief D. Mathon, via NBC News. He was let go by a decision of the Village of Kincaid Board because he refused to relocate within a 10-mile radius of the neighborhood, the report says. No disciplinary action was taken against him. He still kept his job at Pawnee while working.
Virden Police Department
After leaving Kincaid, the report says Grayson went over to the Virden Police Department where he worked part-time while also still working part-time for Pawnee PD. The department told NBC Grayson’s reason for leaving was unknown. It appeared he never handed in a resignation letter but just stopped taking shifts. He stopped working there by the end of 2021.
During his time here, he received is part-time law enforcement certification which is now suspended, according to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
Auburn Police Department
Before quitting the Virden Police Department, Grayson handed in an application to the Auburn PD saying he desired to be an officer full-time, the report says. He began July 2021 and worked there until May 2022. He also departed from Pawnee when he began working at Auburn.
Upon his resignation from Auburn he wrote a heartfelt letter reading, “I appreciate the opportunity you presented to me and I am sincerely grateful for everything you and this department has done for me. I will take everything I have learned from you and this department and continue to learn and grow.”
Upon leaving is when he joined the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
On top of his lengthy resume, Grayson pleaded guilty not once but twice to driving under the influence of alcohol, according to court records. One incident was in 2015 while he was enlisted in the U.S. Army. The Auburn PD was aware of his license being revoked or suspended as a result of the charges, per NBC’s report.
He’s now facing much more serious charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and obstruction of justice. He’s entered a not guilty plea but remains in custody without bond. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office found he use of deadly force against Massey was not justified.
