19-year-old James Toney of Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, committing a drive-by shooting, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Toney faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison.
Drug Trafficking Operation
Between October 2022 and July 2024, Toney acted as an armed distributor for a Jacksonville-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by his brother, Nathaniel Hatcher III. The DTO smuggled marijuana from Northern California into Jacksonville using commercial airlines, the U.S. Postal Service, and cross-country vehicles.
Once the drugs arrived in Jacksonville, the DTO used short-term rental homes to store, package, and distribute the marijuana. The operation also involved carrying firearms to protect the drugs and proceeds. Federal agents determined Toney was responsible for distributing between 100 and 400 kilograms of marijuana during this time.
Failed Drug Deal and Retaliation Plot
On September 18, 2023, Toney and other DTO members attempted a drug transaction at a gas station on Old St. Augustine Road. The deal failed, and $45,000 in cash was stolen from Toney and Hatcher by individuals posing as buyers.
Following the theft, Hatcher contacted a former police officer who illegally accessed law enforcement databases to identify the thieves. The DTO then tracked, surveilled, and cyberstalked the individuals and their families. Text messages revealed discussions among DTO members about violent retaliation for the robbery.
I-95 Drive-By Shooting
On October 17, 2023, Toney and DTO members spotted one of the robbers at the Duval County courthouse. After court proceedings, they followed the man and a female companion as they drove southbound on I-95.
Using multiple vehicles, including a red sedan and a gray SUV, Toney and his associates boxed the victims’ white sedan into the left lane. They then fired dozens of rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition at the vehicle.
The male driver sustained a gunshot wound and was airlifted to a trauma center, while the female passenger suffered injuries from shattered glass. The white sedan was riddled with bullets, including damage to its passenger side, windshield, and engine block. Deputies recovered 25 spent shell casings from the scene, indicating the use of two different firearms.
Arrest and Prosecution
Federal agents obtained a warrant for Toney on June 28, 2024. During an arrest attempt on July 3, 2024, Toney fled, leading authorities on a high-speed chase through Jacksonville. He escaped but was later apprehended on July 8 in Jacksonville, where agents seized his cellphone and $1,000 in cash.
Co-defendant Al’Donta Easterling previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and firearm charges and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. Hatcher’s case is pending, and he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aakash Singh and Kirwinn Mike.
Toney has also agreed to forfeit $1,000 in illicit proceeds from the conspiracy. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
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