JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Al’Donta Easterling, 26, of Jacksonville, has admitted his involvement in a large-scale marijuana trafficking operation, pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana and possession of a firearm during drug trafficking. He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
Easterling’s plea agreement reveals that from at least October 2022 until July 2024, he played a key role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that transported marijuana from California to Jacksonville. He and his co-conspirators frequently traveled to California to obtain marijuana, which they then smuggled back to Jacksonville in suitcases on commercial flights or through mail parcels.
Read: Virginia Fugitive Arrested In Florida For 2010 Cold Case Murder
Once in Jacksonville, the marijuana was sold from short-term rental properties. Easterling and his associates routinely carried firearms at these locations to protect themselves, the drugs, and the profits from the drug sales. Law enforcement seized more than 100 kilograms of marijuana from the DTO during the investigation.
On May 22, 2024, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Easterling after finding a pound of marijuana and a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle. JSO records indicate that Easterling is a documented member of the Six Block street gang.
This case was the result of a joint effort by multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and various local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aakash Singh and Kirwinn Mike.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.