Skip to content

History of Misconduct: The Troubling Past of a Deputy Charged with Sonya Massey’s Murder in Illinois

Share:

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

The fired deputy charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in Illinois had a history of disciplinary issues in previous jobs, including inaccuracies in his police reports, failure to follow orders, and a perceived lack of integrity, according to his disciplinary file.

Sean Grayson’s personnel records from the Logan County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office, where he worked for about a year before joining the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, reveal multiple reprimands. Sangamon County fired Grayson this month, nearly two weeks after he fatally shot Massey in her home following her call to police to report a prowler.

The records indicate that the Logan County Sheriff’s Office and the Auburn Police Department, where Grayson worked from July 2021 to May 2022, were aware of his performance issues. Despite this, it is unclear whether these concerns were communicated to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office before his hiring. Requests for Grayson’s personnel files from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office have gone unanswered.

A recorded conversation from November 9, 2022, obtained by NBC News through a public records request, features Grayson being admonished by Logan County superiors, Chief Deputy Nathan Miller and Lieutenant Michael Block. They criticized Grayson for a report deemed inaccurate and potentially misconduct. “Others will say you have no integrity and you’re lying to get to that traffic stop,” one superior told Grayson. “When officers stretch the law, they get caught, prosecuted, and handcuff the rest of law enforcement.”

Grayson admitted that cases at a previous department were dropped due to his reports. The meeting followed a high-speed chase where Grayson, ignoring a supervisor’s order to stop, struck a deer with his squad car. Reports indicate he misrepresented his observations and location during the chase.

Grayson, 30, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in Massey’s death and is held without bond. His attorney, Dan Fultz, declined to comment.

Grayson’s employment history raises concerns about his suitability for law enforcement. Records show he moved among six law enforcement agencies in central Illinois over four years, with short stints at three small police departments and full-time positions at one police department and two sheriff’s offices.

While records from four of these departments provided to NBC News do not include complaints or disciplinary action against him, Logan County senior officers expressed concerns multiple times. In another recorded conversation on November 9, 2022, Grayson was reminded of previous warnings about report inaccuracies.

At the time, Grayson was undergoing cancer treatment and on light duty. His superiors emphasized respecting the chain of command and proper uniform attire. Despite reprimands and complaints, Grayson left the Logan County Sheriff’s Office in “good standing,” according to his personnel file.

Auburn Police Chief Dave Campbell had previously noted concerns about Grayson’s behavior, describing him as a “bragger” and “too aggressive” with evidence handling issues. However, Campbell also noted Grayson’s eagerness for training and punctuality.

On July 6, Grayson, who is white, shot Massey, a Black woman, in her Springfield home during an altercation over a pot of water. An autopsy confirmed she died from a gunshot wound to the head. Body camera footage shows Grayson claiming he felt threatened by the pot of hot water Massey was moving, though prosecutors argue that a counter provided him distance and cover, and Massey had put her hands up and said “I’m sorry” before the fatal shot.

The case has drawn national attention, highlighting concerns about Grayson’s past conduct and the processes that allowed him to continue in law enforcement despite multiple red flags.

Leave a Comment