Joyner Found Guilty of Illegally Possessing Firearm

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that Jonathan Joyner, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Joyner now faces up to 30 years in Florida State Prison if sentenced as a Habitual Felony Offender. The Honorable Mark Borello will set a sentencing hearing the week of June 14, 2021.

On Dec. 7, 2019, a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Joyner due to multiple traffic infractions. During the course of the traffic stop, officers saw drug paraphernalia in the car. Officers subsequently searched the vehicle and observed a 22-caliber revolver protruding from under the driver’s seat. A background check showed Joyner was previously convicted of a felony, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys John Moran III and Kelli Swaney.