Jury Finds Harrell Guilty of Illegal Possession of a Firearm

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found James Harrell III guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. With the verdict, Harrell faces up to 15 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable London Kite will sentence Harrell at a later date.

On Oct. 1, 2022, Harrell got into an argument with the victim at an apartment complex in the Hollybrook neighborhood of Jacksonville. The victim told officers with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office that the argument began over two 9-year-old boys fighting. The victim approached the boy’s father about the fighting.  A few minutes later, Harrell arrived holding a black handgun and threatened to kill the victim. The victim went into his apartment and called the police. The victim provided surveillance video with audio to police that showed the exchange, including Harrell with the firearm. Harrell is a previously convicted felon and is not legally allowed to possess a firearm.  An arrest warrant was issued for Harrell.  On April 21, 2023, JSO officers pulled Harrell over for a routine traffic stop. Officers saw a firearm at Harrell’s feet.  Harrell was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, and the officers served the Oct. 1, 2022, arrest warrant.   

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Crystal Ganpath-Freed and Kendall Briley.