Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A Ponte Vedra man has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to traffic firearms and controlled substances, following an investigation that uncovered an extensive illegal firearms and drug operation. Braden Huston Hobbs, 27, entered his plea in Jacksonville, Florida, facing significant prison time for his role in distributing at least 120 firearms and substantial quantities of cocaine and Adderall between March 2022 and June 2024.
Details of the Investigation
Law enforcement initiated an investigation into Hobbs after several firearms he purchased were recovered in unrelated probes, including from the homes of drug distributors and a convicted felon. This raised suspicions about his activities. During the summer of 2024, agents conducted controlled purchases, acquiring 11 firearms from Hobbs’s co-conspirators, Alton Wayne Cope III and Jayden Lance Cope, many of which Hobbs had originally purchased.
Cellphone records further solidified the connection, showing that Jayden Cope regularly bought firearms from Hobbs. The investigation revealed that Hobbs acquired at least 120 firearms from three federally licensed dealers in Jacksonville. A significant portion, 67 firearms, were bought between January and June 2024 alone.
Illegal Sales Practices and False Statements
Hobbs then resold these firearms to others, often advertising them to potential customers before even acquiring them from licensed dealers. Customers typically paid Hobbs in cash or traded drugs for the weapons. Hobbs was aware that some of his clients intended to resell the firearms or were involved in drug use and distribution.
Despite engaging in the business of dealing firearms, Hobbs was not a federally licensed firearms dealer, a requirement under federal law. When purchasing firearms, he falsely stated on ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual buyer and not a user of controlled substances. In reality, he intended to sell the firearms and was a habitual user of illicit drugs.
Drug Distribution Activities
In addition to firearms trafficking, Hobbs distributed controlled substances, including over 500 grams of cocaine and Adderall. He routinely advertised these substances for sale and coordinated transactions, often selling drugs to the same individuals who purchased firearms from him. His drug activities culminated in his arrest on June 26, 2024, by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence and cocaine trafficking.
During the arrest, officers seized more than 200 grams of cocaine and 17 grams of Adderall from Hobbs’s vehicle, along with various items used for packaging and distributing controlled substances. These findings further underscored the dual nature of his criminal enterprise.
Co-Conspirators and Sentencing
Hobbs faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years for the conspiracy offense, up to 10 years for making a false statement, and a minimum of 5 years to 40 years for the drug offense. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
In related court proceedings, Alton Wayne Cope III was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and conspiring to deal firearms without a license. Jayden Lance Cope has pleaded guilty to conspiring to deal firearms without a license, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for October 2025.
