Three members of a Jacksonville-based drug trafficking organization have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a violent revenge shooting and widespread marijuana distribution conspiracy along Interstate 95, federal prosecutors announced.
James Toney, 20, of Jacksonville, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger. Toney was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, committing a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a felony drug crime, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
In related sentences, Javon Davis, 27, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, and Christian Guyton, 23, was sentenced to eight years and four months, both for conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute.
Announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Multi-state marijuana operation
According to court documents, Toney, Davis, and Guyton operated as armed sales agents for the Jacksonville Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), led by Nathaniel Hatcher III.
Prosecutors allege the organization trafficked large amounts of marijuana from Northern California to Jacksonville in multiple ways, including:
Smuggling drugs on commercial airlines Shipping packages through the mail Transporting marijuana across state lines in vehicles
Once in Jacksonville, the marijuana was stored, packaged, and distributed to short-term rental homes throughout the city. Authorities say members routinely carried firearms in these locations to protect drugs and profits.
Investigators also revealed that former corrections officer Desmond Maxwell was assisting the organization by illegally purchasing firearms for Hatcher and other members.
$45,000 heist sparks violent retaliation
The violence stemmed from a drug deal gone wrong at a gas station on Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville on September 18, 2023. During the transaction, another group allegedly stole approximately $45,000 from Hatcher and Toney without handing over the promised marijuana.
Prosecutors said that after the robbery, Hatcher contacted a former police officer who illegally accessed law enforcement databases to obtain personal information about the suspects.
For nearly a month, Tony and other DTO members monitored the individuals involved, cyberstalked them, and exchanged text messages planning retaliation.
Drive-by shooting on I-95
On October 17, 2023, the situation escalated dramatically.
After pursuing one of the robbery suspects as he left the Duval County Courthouse, Toney and other members of the organization followed the victim’s vehicle south on Interstate 95 toward St. Johns County.
Authorities said the group used multiple vehicles, including stolen sedans and SUVs, to force their way into the victim’s car in the left lane around 11:20 a.m.
Toney and Hatcher allegedly fired dozens of 7.62-caliber rounds into the vehicle. Deputies later recovered approximately 25 spent shell casings, and ballistics testing confirmed that two separate firearms were used.
The male victim sustained gunshot wounds but survived after being airlifted to a trauma center. The glass broke and a female passenger was injured. The vehicle was severely damaged, with bullets hitting the passenger side, windshield, hood, interior and engine block.
The suspects fled the scene.
Additional conspiracy text
Several other members of the Hatcher DTO have already been sentenced.
Nathaniel Hatcher III – 35 years in federal prison Tavarius Blue – 12 years in federal prison Yaquasia Del Carmen – 8 years in federal prison Aldonta Easterling – 10 years in federal prison Darrion Jerrid – 6 years and 6 months in federal prison Bryhon Johnson – 14 years and 3 months in federal prison
Maxwell pleaded guilty to the firearms charge for purchasing the straw, which could carry up to 25 years in prison.
Jason Hatcher has pleaded guilty to marijuana conspiracy charges and could be sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison.
Multi-agency investigation
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Adams prosecuted the case.
Federal officials said the case was part of Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative that targets organized crime and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated federal enforcement efforts.
