Thirty-year-old Nathaniel Hatcher III, known for leading a notorious Jacksonville drug trafficking crew, has been handed a 35-year sentence by U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger, according to a statement from the Department of Justice. Hatcher’s conviction includes multiple charges: conspiracy to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to commit money laundering, involvement in a drive-by shooting linked to drug trafficking, and using a firearm during a violent crime, following a guilty plea in September 2025.
The court also enforced a $2.2 million forfeiture order, benefits gained from Hatcher’s illegal activities.”Hatcher and his drug crew planned and executed a brazen drive-by shooting in broad daylight on I-95, putting dozens of law-abiding Americans in danger of losing their lives,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “Now, he will spend decades in federal prison where he can no longer terrorize the Jacksonville community thanks to the combined efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who investigated and prosecuted this case,” as mentioned on the Department of Justice website.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe praised the interagency cooperation that led to the sentencing, emphasizing the commitment to community safety and the fight against violence and harm. Meanwhile, HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker highlighted the importance of the outcome for community protection, and Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS CI underscored the penal consequences of profiting from illegal activities…