Former Nassau County Sheriff’s Deputy and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer James Darrell Hickox, 38, of Callahan, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for a string of federal offenses, including conspiring to distribute narcotics, defrauding the United States, and tax evasion.
The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger, also includes the forfeiture of firearms, ammunition, and cash proceeds linked to Hickox’s criminal activities. Hickox pleaded guilty to the charges on May 15, 2024.
Court documents revealed that Hickox engaged in corrupt activities from 2017 to 2023, exploiting his role as a law enforcement officer to commit serious crimes.
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Working with a co-conspirator, Hickox stole drugs and money seized as evidence during criminal investigations and orchestrated their illegal distribution. These crimes included:
- Stealing over 1,000 pounds of marijuana and a kilogram of cocaine from evidence and providing them to drug dealers to sell on his behalf.
- Submitting falsified paperwork to cover up the thefts, including documents falsely indicating that the marijuana had been destroyed.
- Distributing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- Hiding more than $420,000 in cash proceeds from his illicit activities to evade taxes.
When federal agents searched Hickox’s residence in March 2023, they discovered 263 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and over $195,000 in cash. Investigators also found a modified rifle functioning as a machine gun, four firearms stolen from law enforcement evidence lockers, and methamphetamine pills stored at his workspace at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
The case has drawn sharp condemnation from law enforcement officials, who emphasized the damage Hickox’s actions inflicted on public trust.
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“Law enforcement officers who operate as though they are above the law betray the badge and the citizens they swore to protect,” said Kristin Rehler, FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge. “This case exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to holding public servants accountable if they violate the very laws they promised to uphold.”
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper expressed deep disappointment in Hickox, stating, “He betrayed the oath he took to become a police officer and lost his career. He also let down his co-workers and our community. It’s law enforcement officers who do stupid things like this that erode the confidence and trust in our profession by our citizens.”
Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office highlighted the role of greed in Hickox’s crimes. “Instead of upholding the law, he profited from the very crimes he was tasked with investigating. We will continue to investigate allegations of public corruption and follow the money to prosecute individuals who abuse their position of trust for personal gain.”
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