{"id":187755,"date":"2026-03-11T21:08:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:08:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/187755\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T21:08:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:08:07","slug":"jacksonville-man-gets-2-years-in-federal-prison-for-threatening-witness-on-facebook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/187755\/","title":{"rendered":"Jacksonville man gets 2+ years in federal prison for threatening witness on Facebook"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>FILE &#8211; The seal of the Dept of Justice is shown on the podium, Aug. 1, 2023, at an office of the Department of Justice in Washington. (AP Photo\/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (J. Scott Applewhite,  Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 A Jacksonville man was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for threatening to retaliate against a witness in a federal case. <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">According to the Department of Justice, Jesse McKenzie pleaded guilty last year. <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">According to court documents, an associate of McKenzie was indicted for the distribution of methamphetamine, a federal offense. In July 2025, McKenzie made a post to his Facebook page in which he identified a witness in that drug trafficking case, both by name and by posting a photo of the witness. <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">In the same post, McKenzie stated the witness was a \u201csnitch\u201d and threatened physical harm, including that McKenzie would \u201cwire that snitch box up\u201d in retaliation for the witness\u2019s involvement in the drug trafficking case. McKenzie also solicited information about the witness\u2019s whereabouts by stating he would \u201ctip\u201d in exchange for information about the witness\u2019s location, the DOJ said. <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 nALdY copyright\">Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX &#8211; All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<p>About the AuthorTravis Gibson headshot<a class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__LinkBase-sc-1fnzlkn-9 eUojqd gMnWPT\" href=\"https:\/\/www.news4jax.com\/team\/Travis Gibson\/\" title=\"View Travis Gibson&#039;s full profile\" itemprop=\"url\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travis Gibson<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 gnunoy bOlrXa\">Executive Reporter who has lived in Jacksonville for over 30 years and helps reporters develop meaningful and impactful community stories. <\/p>\n<p>EWU women&#8217;s hoops team playing in 1st NCAA DII tournament<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:07<\/p>\n<p>EWU women&#8217;s hoops team playing in 1st NCAA DII tournamentCaught up with Anton Harrison. It was his first time at The Players Championship. <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:54<\/p>\n<p>Caught up with Anton Harrison. It was his first time at The Players Championship. Trucks on 10 back at it again at TPC Sawgrass<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:37<\/p>\n<p>Trucks on 10 back at it again at TPC SawgrassTPC Sawgrass packed the day before the Players kicks off<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:21<\/p>\n<p>TPC Sawgrass packed the day before the Players kicks offHave your umbrella ready as you head to The Players Championship<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:44<\/p>\n<p>Have your umbrella ready as you head to The Players ChampionshipYour Goodwill donations do more than you think: How one item supports job training in North Florida<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:13<\/p>\n<p>Your Goodwill donations do more than you think: How one item supports job training in North FloridaVeteran helped by Operation New Uniform shares how $10K donation will help service members<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:09<\/p>\n<p>Veteran helped by Operation New Uniform shares how $10K donation will help service membersTracking much-needed rain in our forecast as drought drags on<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:52<\/p>\n<p>Tracking much-needed rain in our forecast as drought drags onJacksonville OIG launches investigation into JEA over millions in potential unpaid capacity fees<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:54<\/p>\n<p>Jacksonville OIG launches investigation into JEA over millions in potential unpaid capacity fees\u2018The people\u2019s utility\u2019: Carrico considering council action after IG requests review of JEA fees<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:55<\/p>\n<p>\u2018The people\u2019s utility\u2019: Carrico considering council action after IG requests review of JEA feesLudacris takes the stage at Military Appreciation Day during The Players Championship<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:13<\/p>\n<p>Ludacris takes the stage at Military Appreciation Day during The Players ChampionshipLawsuit filed over firearm policy at Bradford County Fair<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:28<\/p>\n<p>Lawsuit filed over firearm policy at Bradford County FairMarch 10, 6 p.m. scene of a crash on Edgewood Avenue, News4JAX working to learn more<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:30<\/p>\n<p>March 10, 6 p.m. scene of a crash on Edgewood Avenue, News4JAX working to learn moreClay County to bring K-9s into high schools. Some parents have concerns about the program<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:23<\/p>\n<p>Clay County to bring K-9s into high schools. Some parents have concerns about the programGet your garden growing!  The weather is perfect and there is some rain on the way<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 4:40<\/p>\n<p>Get your garden growing!  The weather is perfect and there is some rain on the wayDon&#8217;t pack up the jacket despite near record highs in our forecast<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:00<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t pack up the jacket despite near record highs in our forecastMorning Show anchor Bruce Hamilton shares update on his cancer journey<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:28<\/p>\n<p>Morning Show anchor Bruce Hamilton shares update on his cancer journey\ud83d\udc3e Meet Chowder, a big-headed sweetheart with an even bigger heart<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:04<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udc3e Meet Chowder, a big-headed sweetheart with an even bigger heartThe Players Championship practice rounds get underway under sunny skies<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:03<\/p>\n<p>The Players Championship practice rounds get underway under sunny skiesMeteorologist Katie Garner breaks down your forecast for The Players Championship this week<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:46<\/p>\n<p>Meteorologist Katie Garner breaks down your forecast for The Players Championship this weekDeadly Westside crash closes lanes on 103rd Street near Valdura Avenue<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:25<\/p>\n<p>Deadly Westside crash closes lanes on 103rd Street near Valdura AvenueOff-duty Nassau County deputy rescues child from retention pond<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:42<\/p>\n<p>Off-duty Nassau County deputy rescues child from retention pondBishop Kenny boys basketball team has used youth to power run to final four<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:59<\/p>\n<p>Bishop Kenny boys basketball team has used youth to power run to final fourLoss last year in playoffs fueled this season&#8217;s playoff run for Bishop Kenny<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:48<\/p>\n<p>Loss last year in playoffs fueled this season&#8217;s playoff run for Bishop KennyJFRD didn\u2019t inspect a halfway house for 59 years. Now the house faces costly issues<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:04<\/p>\n<p>JFRD didn\u2019t inspect a halfway house for 59 years. Now the house faces costly issuesPrevious photoNext photo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"FILE &#8211; The seal of the Dept of Justice is shown on the podium, Aug. 1, 2023, at&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":187756,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[1039,116,118,117],"class_list":["post-187755","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-jacksonville","tag-duval-county","tag-jacksonville","tag-jacksonville-headlines","tag-jacksonville-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187755","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=187755"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187755\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/187756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=187755"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=187755"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=187755"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}