LAKELAND, Fla. — Two men face 15 years in federal prison if convicted of their involvement in the Jan. 30 drive-by shooting in Lakeland that injured 11 men, law enforcement announced.
Nicholas Hason, 32, was charged with possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, and 22-year-old Marcus Dewonn Mobley Jr. was charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, authorities said during a news conference Wednesday.
Detectives say forensic evidence taken from shell casings and inside the car link Hason and Mobley to the drive-by shooting.
“Both of these defendants are charged with being convicted felons who, in the case of Hanson just ammunition and in the case of Mobley possession of a firearm and ammunition,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.
Investigators say the motive in the appears to have been payback for an unpaid drug debt.
They say 21-year-old Alex Green, who died last week after leading officers on a pursuit through Winter Haven, likely ordered the shooting and provided and modified the weapons used.
“We think he might’ve been in a situation where he was owed a drug debt and requested some individuals that did the shooting to conduct this drive-by shooting in retaliation for the monies that he was owed,” said Chief Taylor.
Greene, who had a warrant for burglary, is accused of leading law enforcement on a chase last week before carjacking an elderly woman.
He then reportedly drove toward a Lakeland officer and didn't stop when told. The officer then fired six shots, hitting Greene, Sheriff Grady Judd said last week. Greene crashed and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
It was also announced that a 15-year-old who was believed to be in the vehicle during the time of the shooting will face a second-degree felony of delinquent in possession of ammunition and a delinquent in possession of a firearm, which is a first-degree felony.
Other states' charges are expected against some who are involved in the shooting, which will be handled with their federal charges, State Attorney Brian Hass said.
“If these folks who were involved in the shooting wanted our attention, they have our attention,” said Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor.
Law enforcement is also looking for two persons of interest: Brent Johnson, 19, and Marquez Green, 28, who they believe might know more about the shooting.
Authorities also announced Wednesday the creation of a gang task force that will be focused on "investigating and prosecuting groups that engaged in violence in Polk County."
"The task force is going to use the best available information so that we can force our efforts narrowly on violent offenders. And once we have identified those violent offenders the task force will use every available statutory tool to dismantle violence groups here in Polk County," said Roger Handberg, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.
"The federal charges in the Hason and Mobley cases are perfect examples of what you can expect to see in terms of the close coordination and teamwork and what those efforts will reveal. You should expect to see [a] methodical investigation resulting in timely charges that will serve to protect the community."
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd said in 2017 there were two gang-related shootings in Polk County, the following year four and in 2019 there were six. But last year he said that number had exploded to 59.
They’re determined, said the sheriff, to reverse what’s been a disturbing increase. “So, pack up your bags. Get your favorite pillow,” said Sheriff Judd. “We’re going to put you in jail.