FBI: Florida MP, drug-related DEA officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The FBI has arrested two Florida law enforcement officers on illegal drug charges after they worked together on a Drug Enforcement Administration task force.

Federal court records show that James Darrell Hickox, a Nassau County Sheriff’s office sergeant, and Florida Highway Patrolman Joshua Errie were arrested separately last week. Hickox is charged with possession for the purpose of illegal sale of drugs, and Arry is charged with the use of illegal drugs while possessing a firearm.

Emails asking for comment were left Tuesday for lawyers for Hickox and Arry. Hickox is imprisoned without bail; According to court records, Erri was released from $50,000 bail.

Hickox, 37, is a 17-year veteran of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department and served on the DEA task force from 2014 to 2022. Arry, 44, and the 22-year-old Highway Patrol veteran were on the same DEA task force. since 2020.

The FBI sworn letter says that Hickox regularly sold drugs, including cocaine, ecstasy and a substance containing fentanyl. A confidential informant told the FBI that Hickox and others often stole money and drugs “from above” from suspects, keeping cash and selling drugs. According to the affidavit, a large number of both were found in the Hickox home.

In Arry’s case, the FBI says he has been addicted to oxycodone since 2021 and has been buying drugs from another confidential informant. The FBI also reports that Arry received 43 legal prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and a form of morphine.

Both officers were fired by their respective agencies.

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