Gainesville man pleads guilty to federal charges for carrying multiple firearms while selling drugs
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kendrick J. Hills Jr., 23, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this drug dealer has been taken off our streets and now faces an extended stay in federal prison. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting these cases to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers and violent felons who have plagued our communities for too long.”
At about 9:25 p.m. on March 12, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of NW 75th Street for failing to stop at a stop sign, a suspected window tint violation, and impeding the flow of traffic by driving below the speed limit.
The deputy reported smelling green, unburnt marijuana when standing near Hills, and Hills reportedly said he did not have a medical marijuana card.
An ASO K-9 team was deployed around the exterior of the vehicle, and the K-9 provided an alert, giving deputies probable cause to search the vehicle.
Click here to watch ASO’s video of the arrest.
The search produced a stolen Glock 19 on the floorboard that was within reach of the driver and not in a holster; a Glock 23 with an extended magazine under the driver’s seat, also not in a holster; about 352 grams of marijuana, packaged into 13 separate bags; other bags that contained marijuana “shake”; a digital scale; and empty zipper bags.
A search incident to arrest produced two pills in Hills’s pocket, which he reportedly identified as Percocet but had no prescription, and about $8,000 in cash.
Post Miranda, Hills reportedly admitted possessing both firearms and said the marijuana, Percocet, cash, and other items were his. He later admitted that he possessed the firearms to protect himself, including protecting himself from the risk of drug-related robberies.
Hills faces a minimum of five years and up to life in federal prison. Following his release, he will be on supervised release for at least two years.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sherriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 11:00 am in Gainesville, Florida, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
He’s just misunderstood. JK
“Following his release, he will be on supervised release for at least two years.”
I bet I could predict how much ‘supervision’ he will receive until he gets caught again.
Why can’t the state and feds take over our local courts? Until citizen juries are formed.
In my opinion I think he should get 15 to 20
Good get by the ASO, but:
“U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this drug dealer has been taken off our streets and now faces an extended stay in federal prison. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting these cases to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers and violent felons who have plagued our communities for too long.”
Yeah, yeah, cut the Trump butt kissing. Crime stats have been trending downwards for decades now, not up, and this US Attorney spent almost his entire craeer as Rick Scott’s in-house legal advisor, so he’s experienced dealing with those who have committed Medicare fraud (Scott), but not with prosecuting gang bangers. Bondi of course previously served as Trump’s attorney fighting to overthrow the 2020 election. In 2013, after announcing joining NY in investigating 22 counts of fraud against Trump Univ, she quickly changed her mind after Trump donated to her Fl AG re-election campaign. She’s as dirty as a losing mud wrestler.
I write this as a relative of a 20 year federal prosecutor who’s put MS 13 members in jail, as well as political corruption actors of both parties and having left for private practice 3 years ago says morale among his old pals still in – both USA’s and FBI agents (who he worked closely with) – is bottomed out with the current leadership. They are ruining these previously non-partisan and proud agencies and the damage will take years to fix.
You mean Biden weaponizing the DOJ against half of American based on political affirmation, ot not adhering to Biden’s covid BS. I get that. You seeming can not find anything good or fair with Trump’s name attached to it. You are obsessed with Trump and need some expert mental health treatment.
Bear, can you please provide a link to your Biden accusation?
By the way, the lame TDS feint is left overs from the BDS era. Surely you can get something new.