A Clay County man has pleaded guilty to possessing a loaded firearm despite being a convicted felon. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 46-year-old Toby Harris now faces up to 15 years in federal prison following his guilty plea.
The incident that led to Harris's arrest unfolded on August 27, 2024, after the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a reckless driver on Blanding Boulevard. While the driver was arrested for DUI, Harris was instructed to steer clear from the vehicle that was being readied for towing. However, he ignored warnings from the law enforcement officers.
In an account described in court documents, and available on the Department of Justice’s website, Harris approached the car multiple times. After he walked away towards a grassy area, deputies found a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol where Harris had just been standing. The gun was determined to have six rounds of ammunition, one of which was chambered. Given Harris's record of multiple prior felonies, his possession of the firearm was in violation of federal law.
This case was investigated by Clay County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. No sentencing date for Harris has been announced at this time. The Department of Justice has identified this prosecution as a part of the ongoing Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a nationwide effort aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.
PSN is a cornerstone of the Department’s strategy to tackle violent crime, as outlined since its revitalization on May 26, 2021.
