James Darrell Hickox, a former deputy sheriff and DEA task force officer, has been sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison. The sentencing by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger in Jacksonville, Florida, addresses multiple offenses including conspiracy to distribute narcotics, defrauding the United States, and tax evasion. Hickox is also required to forfeit or abandon money, firearms, and ammunition linked to these crimes. He had pleaded guilty on May 15, 2024.
Court documents reveal that between 2017 and 2023, while serving as a deputy with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Hickox engaged in corrupt activities with a co-conspirator. Their illegal actions included stealing money and drugs seized during investigations, distributing drugs such as fentanyl and cocaine through others, and concealing over $420,000 from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They stole more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana from evidence records and provided it for sale under false pretenses of destruction. Similarly, they appropriated a kilogram of cocaine from evidence for distribution.
A federal search warrant executed at Hickox's residence on March 10, 2023 uncovered approximately 263 grams of fentanyl-laced powder along with cocaine intended for distribution. Agents also discovered an illegally modified rifle functioning as a machine gun among four additional firearms improperly removed from evidence storage. Additionally found was $195,000 in cash linked to his criminal dealings. A subsequent search at his Nassau County Sheriff’s Office workspace revealed methamphetamine pills.
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler stated: “Law enforcement officers who operate as though they are above the law betray the badge and the citizens they swore to protect." She emphasized the FBI's dedication to accountability among public servants violating laws they vowed to uphold.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper commented on Hickox’s actions: “He betrayed the oath he took to become a police officer... His poor judgment and criminal behavior should not reflect negatively on all the good men and women at NCSO who go out every day and do it the right way.”
Ron Loecker from IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office remarked: “As a sworn law enforcement officer... he turned his back on that oath.” He praised collaborative efforts in ending this betrayal of public trust while committing continued investigation into public corruption cases.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and IRS-Criminal Investigation with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton. Appreciation was extended towards several cooperating entities like Florida Highway Patrol alongside various federal departments during this inquiry.