Deputy’s Employment Records Provide Insight into Work History of Officer Involved in Sonya Massey’s Death

Personnel files from a sheriff’s department recently revealed details about the work history of Sean Grayson, the deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home in Springfield, Illinois. Grayson previously worked for the Logan County Sheriff’s Office where he disclosed alcohol abuse in the Army and several complaints were made against his behavior, including leaving a woman feeling violated during her arrest and harassing her fiancé during a jail visit. He was disciplined for hitting a deer with his squad car during a chase. Grayson was fired after shooting Massey, a Black woman, during an altercation in her home where he discouraged his partner from trying to save her. Grayson had been employed by six law enforcement agencies since 2020, was disciplined once, and faced two complaints that were found to be unfounded during his time in Logan County. He had also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol while in the Army. Despite his history, Grayson was allowed to work in law enforcement, raising questions about his past and the hiring process. He has been charged with murder in Massey’s death and is currently detained without bond. Massey’s killing has sparked widespread attention and protests in Springfield.

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