Braden Huston Hobbs, 27, of Ponte Vedra, has been indicted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, dealing firearms without a license, making a materially false statement to a licensed firearms dealer, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (including 500 grams or more of cocaine), and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, announced United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
If convicted, Hobbs faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 95 years in federal prison.
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According to court documents, the investigation into Hobbs began when several firearms he had purchased were recovered during unrelated search warrant executions by law enforcement. These firearms were found in the homes of drug distributors and a convicted felon.
Furthermore, during ‘controlled purchase operations’ in the summer of 2024, agents acquired 11 firearms from two co-conspirators, and Hobbs was identified as the original purchaser of several of these firearms. Cellphone records indicated that at least one co-conspirator regularly purchased firearms from Hobbs.
The investigation revealed that between March 2022 and June 2024, Hobbs purchased over 120 firearms from three federally licensed firearms dealers in Jacksonville, with 67 of those purchases occurring between January and June 2024. Hobbs then allegedly sold these firearms to others. On numerous occasions, Hobbs reportedly advertised firearms for sale to potential customers before completing the purchase from the licensed dealer.
Customers typically paid Hobbs in cash or traded drugs for the firearms. Hobbs was allegedly aware that some of his customers intended to resell the firearms and were drug users or drug distributors. Additionally, Hobbs is accused of enlisting co-conspirators to assist him in finding buyers and advertising his firearms for sale. Despite engaging in the business of dealing firearms, Hobbs is not a federally licensed firearms dealer, a requirement under federal law.
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When purchasing firearms from licensed dealers, Hobbs allegedly made false statements on ATF Form 4473, claiming to be the actual buyer or transferee and denying being a user of or addicted to controlled substances. These statements were false, as Hobbs was allegedly not the actual buyer or transferee and was a habitual user of controlled substances.
The indictment also charges Hobbs with distributing controlled substances, including over 500 grams of cocaine and Adderall. He routinely advertised controlled substances for sale and coordinated deals, often selling drugs to the same individuals to whom he sold firearms.
On June 26, 2024, Hobbs was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence and trafficking in cocaine.
A search of his vehicle yielded approximately 330 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of Adderall, and items used to package and distribute controlled substances.
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