The former Illinois sheriff's deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home after she called 911 to report a prowler was the subject of a complaint alleging inappropriate conduct following a 2022 arrest, according to Sean Grayson’s disciplinary paperwork obtained by
.

A woman arrested by Grayson alleged that he instructed her to remove drugs from her vaginal area in his presence and that of another officer when he was employed with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, according to police records. Grayson worked at the Logan County Sheriff’s Office full time from May 2022 until he resigned in April 2023. He was hired in May 2023 by the Sangamon Sheriff’s Office, where he remained until he was terminated following the Massey killing.

“I tried to follow the officer's instructions, but I felt scared and pressured to do so,” the detainee explained in her complaint against Grayson. “Officer Aaron (a female officer) intervened and told Grayson that I shouldn't do that in front of them, as they were male officers.”

According to the report, the female officer then escorted the woman away from the male officers, allowing her to attempt to remove the narcotics. However, she was unable to retrieve them. The detainee was subsequently transported to a hospital for the drugs to be removed.

The woman then alleged that while she was on a hospital bed, completely exposed during the procedure, Grayson abruptly pulled back the curtain, exposing her to his view and, as she believed, two other male officers. The doctor immediately closed the curtain and instructed the officers to leave.

“I knocked on the door and walked into the room,” Grayson claimed in a police report, explaining that he entered to deliver a plastic evidence bag for the extracted narcotics. “As I entered the room I observed [name extracted by
for the former detainee’s privacy] laying on the bed fully clothed in a gown and with a blanket on her.”

Grayson stated in the report that when the police initially instructed the woman to remove the drugs, he provided her with a plastic glove and asked her to extract the narcotics. A “female jailor” then accompanied the woman “into the jail” to try to remove the narcotics, according to the former deputy.

“In conclusion of this I was never in physical contact with [name extracted by
],” Grayson stated. “I was never alone with [name extracted by
]. I did not talk to [name extracted by
] alone at any point.”

Before a formal investigation could take place, Grayson left the Logan County Sheriff's Office to join law enforcement in Sangamon County. His departure was described as being in "good standing."

The former deputy has been formally accused of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and misconduct in office in connection with Massey's death. He has entered a plea of not guilty and is currently in custody.

An investigation by Illinois State Police concluded that Grayson's use of deadly force was not justified. He was terminated from his position with the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office on July 17, the same day charges were filed against him.

During the past four years, Grayson has held a total of six different law enforcement positions. His job with Sangamon County was one of these positions.

Miller, Grayson’s boss at the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, expressed concerns over Grayson violating department policy and submitting inaccurate reports while discussing his mishandling of a traffic case, according to audio files previously obtained by
.

Prior to his time in public law enforcement, Grayson was discharged from the U.S. Army for unspecified "misconduct (serious offense)," according to documents obtained by
. The U.S. Army, citing the Privacy Act and Department of Defense policy, said it is prevented from releasing information relating to the misconduct of low-level employees or characterization of service at discharge.

also learned that Grayson was charged with two DUI offenses in Macoupin County, Illinois, in August 2015 and July 2016, according to court documents. He pleaded guilty to both charges. He paid over $1,320 in fines and had his vehicle impounded as a result of the 2015 incident. In 2016, Grayson paid over $2,400 in fines, according to court records.

Grayson and another unidentified deputy responded to Massey’s 911 call on July 6, reporting a potential intruder at her Springfield residence.

Body camera footage shows Massey, who was unarmed, saying to the two responding deputies, "Please, don't hurt me," after she answered their knocks at her door.

Grayson replied, "I don't intend to harm you, you called us."

Later in the video, as Massey searches for her ID inside her home, Grayson points to a pot of boiling water on her stove and says, "We don't want a fire while we're in here."

Massey then pours the water into the sink and tells the deputy, "I reject your presence in the name of Jesus."

The video reveals that Grayson yells at Massey and makes a threat to shoot her. In response, Massey expresses regret and hides behind a counter, shielding her face with what seems to be a red oven mitt. She briefly looks up, and Grayson shoots her three times in the face, as captured in the footage.

Grayson claimed he felt his life was in danger during the encounter with Massey, according to documents released by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office last week.

"While on the scene, I was afraid that Deputy (redacted) and I were going to be seriously injured or killed. Because I was afraid for our safety and lives, I discharged my service weapon," Grayson wrote in his field case report.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell , who hired Grayson, will be retiring later this month, he announced Friday in a statement.

"As elected officials, we must always prioritize the well-being of the community above our own interests; I will not jeopardize the community I swore to protect. Therefore, I am announcing my retirement as Sheriff of Sangamon County, effective no later than August 31st," Campbell stated.