JACKSONVILLE – Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced Toby Harris, 46, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Harris faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of a CANIK 9mm pistol and ammunition used in the offense. No sentencing date had been set.  

According to court documents, on Aug. 27, 2024, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a reckless driver on Blanding Boulevard. After locating the car and arresting the driver for DUI, the CCSO advised Harris, who was a passenger, the car would be towed. As the CCSO prepared the car for towing, Harris repeatedly approached the car and was told by law enforcement to stay away from the vehicle. Ignoring law enforcement, Harris went to the front driver’s-side wheel well and then walked to a grassy area. A deputy walked toward Harris and located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol lying on the ground where Harris was previously standing.

An examination of the firearm determined it contained six rounds of ammunition with one round chambered in the barrel. At the time, Harris had multiple prior felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives –Jacksonville Office investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.