Festus Man Sentenced to Multiple Life Terms for 2023 Assault on Deputy

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Festus man has been sentenced to multiple life terms for a December 2023 assault on a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy that resulted in a gunshot being fired during a struggle.

32-year-old Sean Ramsey of Festus received the following sentences:

• Count 1: Assault 1st Degree – Special Victim: Life
• Count 2: Armed Criminal Action: 15 years, consecutive to Count 1
• Count 3: Disarming a Peace Officer: 7 years, concurrent with Count 1
• Count 4: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: 7 years, consecutive to Counts 1 and 2
• Count 5: Assault 1st Degree – Special Victim: Life, consecutive to Counts 1 and 2
• Count 6: Armed Criminal Action: 15 years, consecutive to Counts 1, 2, and 5
• Count 7: Disarming a Peace Officer: 7 years, concurrent with Counts 4 and 6
• Count 8: Resisting a Lawful Detention: 1 year in county jail with credit for time served

The charges stem from an altercation in which Ramsey assaulted a deputy who was attempting to detain him during a stolen vehicle investigation. During the struggle, Ramsey reached for the deputy’s firearm, causing a gunshot to be fired. No one was struck, and the deputy was able to restrain Ramsey until additional units arrived. Both Ramsey and the deputy were treated for injuries and later recovered.

Ramsey was previously held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says the sentencing brings closure to a significant and dangerous incident for the department.