In a significant legal development, Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has handed down a six-year and three-month federal prison sentence to 39-year-old Jacksonville resident Pocols Lashawn Jackson.
This sentence follows Jackson’s guilty plea for being in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, with the plea entered on August 22, 2023, marking a crucial point in this high-profile case.
The roots of this case trace back to November 21, 2022, when Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers conducted a routine traffic stop on Jackson’s vehicle, initially prompted by a seatbelt violation.
However, the situation escalated when officers detected the smell of marijuana emanating from the car. This discovery led to a thorough search, revealing a loaded semi-automatic pistol beneath the driver’s seat.
The severity of Jackson’s sentence was influenced by his criminal history, boasting nine prior felony convictions, rendering him legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This recent offense marked a significant breach of the law.
The investigation into Jackson’s case was a collaborative effort involving both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro prosecuted the case, bringing it to a conclusion with Jackson’s sentencing.
This case falls within the framework of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.
The program facilitates collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve, fostering a collective effort to create safer neighborhoods.
A noteworthy enhancement to this program occurred on May 26, 2021, when the Department launched a more robust violent crime reduction strategy, emphasizing building trust in communities, supporting organizations that work to prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and rigorously measuring outcomes to ensure effectiveness.
