FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Chapman
Phone: (904) 255-3004
Cell: (904) 524-6626
ChapmanD@coj.net
August 23, 2023
JURY FINDS AUSTIN GUILTY OF ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARM, FLEEING POLICE
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury has found Robert Austin guilty of Actual Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Resisting Officer Without Violence, Possession of Less Than 20 Grams of Cannabis, and Giving False Name or Identification. With the verdict, Austin is facing up to 15 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Judge Jonathan Sacks will sentence Austin at a later date.
Around 2 a.m. on Jan. 23, 2023, an officer with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was patrolling when he saw a Tahoe run a stop sign at the intersection of Mark Avenue and John Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop and noted that Austin — the driver — was nervous and had pinpoint pupils. The officer asked for Austin’s driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Austin gave a license, and the officer noticed Austin had something in his hand. The officer asked what it was and Austin said, “it’s just some weed.” As Austin placed the marijuana in the cupholder, the officer noticed the bottom of a handgun magazine concealed in between the driver’s seat and the center console. The officer had Austin exit the vehicle, and that is when Austin ran from the scene. The officer did not chase Austin due to safety concerns considering Austin’s vehicle was still running and had drugs and a firearm inside. The officer found a Glock 43X with a full magazine and round in the chamber in the vehicle. The marijuana was located inside a clear bag in the cupholder. Austin is a convicted felon and is not legally allowed to possess a firearm. Two months later, Austin was picked up on a warrant after providing a false name to police.
The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Carleshia Jimerson and Korey Milo.