James L. Kelley, Sr., pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap announced today.

Kelley, 52, Salem, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Due to his previous criminal history, he is forbidden by law to own or possess firearms.  He appeared before United States District Judge Carol E. Jackson.

Kelley now faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, when he is sentenced on February 2, 2010.

Reap commended the work on the case by the Salem Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Assistant United States Attorney Cristian M. Stevens, who is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.