PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – In a shocking turn of events, John Cody Hawthorne, 32, of Pensacola, has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Hawthorne, who was on state probation at the time, was caught with multiple firearms, including a short-barreled rifle, and over 400 rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement also recovered marijuana, methamphetamine, ballistic body armor, and several thousand dollars from his residence.
According to U.S. Attorney Heekin, ‘I applaud the excellent work of Sheriff Chip Simmons and our federal law enforcement partners to make our community safer by getting this dangerous individual off the streets.’ Hawthorne faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, ten years for possession of a short-barreled rifle, and twenty years for drug possession.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is set for November 13, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting violent criminals and illegal immigration.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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