Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking Organization Leader And Three-Time Federally Convicted Felon Sentenced

Jacksonville, Florida– U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced James Lester Calloway, Jr. (49, Jacksonville) to 24 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Calloway had pleaded guilty on September 12, 2018, his third federal felony conviction. Calloway was previously convicted in August 2010, in the Middle District of Florida, for conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Calloway’s home, DEA agents seized approximately 112 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a firearm, and $70,960 in cash. The total amount of pure/actual methamphetamine attributed to Calloway in the conspiracy was at least 4.5 kilograms.      

Jason Jed Morris (51, Palatka), another member of the drug trafficking organization, previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Morris was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison. According to the plea agreement, Morris traveled to Jacksonville to meet with Calloway, his source of supply, and purchased 28.25 grams of methamphetamine (99% purity) in order to distribute it to his customers in the Palatka area.

Two other members of the drug trafficking organization have also been charged for their roles in this case. On January 9, 2019, Samuel Trevor Martin (36, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2019. Anthony Donta Jones (39, Atlanta, GA) has been charged with possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His case is scheduled for trial in April 2019.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.