The Pensacola rapper accused of running a multi-million dollar drug trafficking network was convicted by a federal jury of discharging a handgun in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
Jovon “Playa Pat” Booker, a 33-year-old rapper who is also facing local criminal charges in Pensacola, pleaded guilty ahead of his federal trial to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit money laundering and five counts of money laundering through high-end jewelry.
“This case exemplified the unified commitment of our state and federal law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe by ridding our streets of a violent, drug peddling thug,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John Heekin. “Thanks to the aggressive prosecution by my office and outstanding trial work by my prosecutors, his reign of terror has come to an end and he’ll spend his days locked behind federal bars where he belongs.”
The jury heard evidence that Booker transported hundreds of kilograms of marijuana from Seattle to Pensacola between 2020 and 2025 and used the proceeds to buy a Lamborghini Urus and diamond encrusted jewelry. He also didn’t report any legitimate income during the same timeframe.
On May 12, 2024, Booker allegedly shot one of his co-conspirators, Gustavus Nairn, at the Paparazzi Bistro & Lounge over a drug debt owed, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Booker is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 5 and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life.
Jovon Booker’s attempted murder case still pending
Booker is also facing an attempted first-degree premeditated murder charge in state court in Pensacola for the Paparazzi Bistro & Lounge shooting where he allegedly shot Nairn.
He also faces charges of aggravated battery with great bodily harm by discharging a firearm, shooting within a building, carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited place and tampering with or harassing a witness.
Attorneys in the state case announced they were ready for trial in June, but could not transport Booker to Escambia County due to his federal custody status.
Booker’s next state court date is scheduled for Sept. 2.
Benjamin Johnson is the breaking news, crime and military reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He covers local law enforcement, courts, breaking news and military within Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. He can be reached at bjohnson@pnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola rapper convicted of running multi-million dollar drug network
Reporting by Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
