The U.S. Department of Justice recently released an official statement regarding the prison sentence for a Jacksonville resident who threatened a witness in a federal case: JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced Jesse Lee McKenzie, 43, Jacksonville, to 28 months in federal prison for threatening to retaliate against a witness in a federal case. Mr. McKenzie pled guilty on October 28, 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
According to court documents, McKenzie’s co-workers were charged with distribution of methamphetamine, a federal crime. In July 2025, McKenzie posted on his Facebook page identifying witnesses in a drug trafficking case by posting their names and photos. In the same post, McKenzie said the witness was a “snitch” and that he had threatened physical harm, including “rigging a snitch box,” in retaliation for the witness’ involvement in a drug trafficking case. McKenzie also asked for information on the witnesses’ whereabouts, stating that he would “tip” them in exchange for information on the witnesses’ whereabouts.
This incident was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Swaney.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort to mobilize the Department of Justice’s efforts to repel illegal immigration, achieve the complete elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Reclaim America streamlines the efforts and resources of the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
