Kendrick J. Hills Jr., a 23-year-old resident of Gainesville, Florida, has pleaded guilty to charges of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “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.”
According to court documents, Hills was stopped by law enforcement for multiple traffic violations. Officers noticed the smell and presence of marijuana in his vehicle, which was confirmed by a K9 unit at the scene. A search revealed a stolen 9-millimeter pistol on the driver’s floorboard, a .40-caliber pistol with an extended magazine under the seat, as well as nearly one pound of marijuana and various items associated with drug distribution such as scales and baggies. Hills admitted that he carried firearms for protection against potential drug-related robberies.
Hills could face a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment. After serving his sentence, he will be subject to supervised release for at least two years.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain are handling prosecution duties.
Sentencing is set for February 10, 2026, at 11:00 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative led by the Department of Justice that aims to address illegal immigration issues, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is among 94 offices serving as principal litigators under guidance from the Attorney General. More information about public court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
