JACKSONVILLE – Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the return of an indictment charging James Malcolm Davis, 45, Middleburg, with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. If convicted, Davis faces a minimum term of between five to 40 years in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 15 years imprisonment for the firearm offense.

The indictment also notifies Davis that the U.S. intends to forfeit multiple firearms, ammunition and magazines traceable to the firearm offense. Davis was arrested on March 25 and ordered detained. His trial is set for May 2025.

According to the indictment and court proceedings, Davis possessed with the intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine that was found in his car on Oct. 31, 2024. On that same date, it was also determined that Davis possessed multiple firearms at his residence. At the time of the offenses, Davis had four prior state felony convictions, including aggravated assault, felony battery or domestic and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon in 2010 and 2022. As a convicted felon, Davis is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.  

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — Jacksonville Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein will prosecute it.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that streamlines efforts and resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).