September 25, 2025

Jacksonville Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Charges

News Summary

Nathaniel Hatcher III, a 29-year-old from Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges involving over a ton of marijuana and a drive-by shooting incident. His sophisticated drug operation, run from Airbnb homes, yielded approximately $2.2 million in proceeds. Hatcher faces a minimum of 20 years in prison, with possible life sentences for his crimes. The ongoing investigation has implicated multiple individuals in a large drug trafficking ring and reflects broader issues of drug-related violence in the region.

Jacksonville Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Charges and Involvement in Drive-By Shooting

Nathaniel Hatcher III, a 29-year-old man from Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to multiple drug and gun charges, including conspiracy to traffic over a ton of marijuana. The plea, which took place on September 24, marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable attention due to its ties to violent crime and a major drug trafficking organization. Hatcher now faces a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment for his crimes.

Hatcher’s drug operation was notably sophisticated, as it was conducted from Airbnb homes where he would inventory, sort, and price marijuana shipments. Evidence presented in court revealed that Hatcher’s marijuana was flown in from California, hidden within suitcases arriving on commercial airline flights. He directed his associates to limit suitcase shipments to 24 pounds to minimize detection risks.

Financially, Hatcher reaped large rewards from his illicit activities, collecting approximately $2.2 million in drug proceeds. The consequences of his actions were further highlighted by a ruling that required a woman, identified as the pot ring’s “manager and supervisor,” to forfeit $1.75 million in assets. Hatcher and the woman both utilized court-appointed attorneys due to their financial limitations.

Throughout the investigation, at least 10 other individuals have been charged as part of the same drug trafficking organization, further emphasizing the extensive network involved. Hatcher had been in custody since February 2024 and admitted to participating in the drug-trafficking conspiracy since 2016.

Involvement in Violent Crime

Aside from drug charges, Hatcher also pleaded guilty to federal charges connected to a drive-by shooting incident on Interstate 95. The shooting stemmed from a dispute with a rival trafficker, which was exacerbated when Hatcher attempted to buy an ounce of marijuana as a “sample.” Tensions escalated when Hatcher acquired unauthorized information from a former police officer regarding individuals linked to the rival’s arrest.

Armed with this intelligence, Hatcher tracked down his rival to a courthouse and engaged in a drive-by shooting that injured the rival trafficker. Due to federal laws, the charges related to this violent crime will result in additional prison time that must be served consecutively with his drug trafficking convictions. This could increase Hatcher’s total potential sentence to over 45 years in prison.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into Hatcher’s drug operation has been ongoing and has resulted in multiple arrests related to the drug ring. The case reflects a broader issue of drug trafficking and its associated violence, prompting law enforcement to scrutinize activities in Jacksonville and surrounding areas more closely.

The significant lengths that Hatcher’s organization went to evade detection and conduct their illicit activities illustrate the challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug-related crimes. With the guilty plea now recorded, the focus will shift to the sentencing phase, where the full extent of the legal repercussions for Hatcher’s actions will be determined.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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