Shocking: Florida Cop Jailed On Corruption Charges

A former Florida police officer’s fall from grace shocks the law enforcement community as he receives a hefty prison sentence for drug trafficking and corruption.

At a Glance

  • James Hickox, ex-Nassau County Sheriff’s sergeant, sentenced to over 17 years for stealing drugs and cash from DEA investigations
  • Hickox admitted to swapping real cocaine with 3D-printed fakes and selling authentic narcotics
  • He confessed to receiving over $420,000 for his illegal activities
  • Case highlights potential mental health challenges in law enforcement
  • Sentence is the harshest among over 20 DEA agents and task force officers charged with various crimes

Former Florida Officer’s Shocking Betrayal

In a startling case that has rocked the law enforcement community, James Hickox, a former sergeant with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison. Hickox pleaded guilty to a series of crimes that paint a disturbing picture of corruption within the ranks of those sworn to uphold the law.

Hickox’s criminal activities spanned from 2017 to 2023, during which he engaged in a sophisticated scheme to redirect drugs, cash, and firearms from Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations for personal gain. In a brazen move, Hickox admitted to swapping DEA-seized cocaine with fake kilos made from a 3D printer, then selling the authentic narcotics on the illicit market.

The Extent of Corruption

The scale of Hickox’s illegal operations is staggering. He confessed to receiving over $420,000 for stealing and selling drugs seized in DEA operations. In one instance, Hickox gave cocaine to a drug trafficker, who sold it for around $20,000, with Hickox pocketing half the proceeds. The former officer also admitted to distributing 550 pounds of marijuana to an informant, earning between $200 to $400 per pound.

Authorities discovered various drugs and firearms in Hickox’s home, including cocaine and fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Hickox routinely broke into DEA evidence bags to steal cash, resealing them to cover his tracks. In a particularly egregious act, Hickox and Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joshua Earrey staged a fake traffic stop to seize what they believed was fentanyl.

Hickox’s sentence of over 17 years is the harshest among more than 20 DEA agents and task force officers charged with various crimes in recent years. The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of his offenses and the betrayal of public trust. In addition to his prison term, Hickox will serve a 10-year supervised release with restrictions on credit and purchases, and must undergo drug testing.

During his sentencing, Hickox expressed regret and apologized, citing fear of dying from cancer as a motive for his actions. However, prosecutors labeled him as a “thief, a crooked cop, and a drug dealer with a badge,” arguing that his actions were driven by greed rather than necessity.