I
n a shocking turn of events, a 27-year-old licensed real estate agent from Jacksonville has been indicted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to traffic firearms and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Braden Hobbs, who works out of a Ponte Vedra Beach office, is accused of purchasing over 120 firearms from three different federally licensed gun dealers between March 2022 and June last year.

    According to investigators, Hobbs would then sell these guns on the street to drug dealers, traffickers, and convicted felons. He allegedly advertised firearms for sale before completing purchases, and customers paid him in cash or traded drugs for the guns. Hobbs was aware that some of his buyers intended to resell the weapons, often to those involved in the drug trade.

    Hobbs did not act alone, investigators found. He enlisted unnamed co-conspirators to help find buyers, who would then advertise the firearms for sale. Cell phone records revealed one co-conspirator regularly purchased guns from Hobbs. The indictment also alleges that Hobbs made straw purchases at licensed gun stores, buying guns for individuals who were not legally allowed to own them.

    This case highlights the devastating consequences of straw purchases, which can lead to guns ending up in the wrong hands. "You have to imagine that many of those 120-something guns are still out there, used in crimes and potentially linked to murders," said Tom Hackney, a retired JSO Director of Investigations and Homeland Security.

    The investigation began when several guns purchased by Hobbs were recovered during unrelated drug raids on suspected drug houses. In addition to the firearm charges, Hobbs is also accused of trafficking illegal drugs. Court records show that in June last year, he was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, with 330 grams of cocaine and other paraphernalia found in his car.

    Hobbs posted a $120,000 bond and was awaiting trial when he was recently indicted on gun charges. If convicted, he faces up to 95 years in prison. Despite being a licensed real estate agent, Hobbs' employment status remains unchanged, with his corporate office confirming that he is still employed and has a valid real estate license.