.jpeg)
August 19, 2022
Levy County Drug Task Force Detectives received information nearly one year ago that James (Jim) Thomas Norris, DOB 11/28/1962, was selling drugs from his residence south of Chiefland. Detectives began gathering information on Norris’ activities and discovered he was supplying other dealers in the tri-county area. As the investigation spider webbed outward, Detectives received assistance from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office, the Chiefland Police Department, the North Star Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, FDLE, ATF and the DEA in the form of valuable source information and resources which was key in building the case.
Throughout the course of the investigation Detectives began obtaining information through numerous sources that Norris was also in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition. Covert operations were conducted and Detectives confirmed their suspicions that Norris was a major drug dealer. Detectives discovered evidence that he was in fact in possession of firearms and substantial amounts of methamphetamine he was distributing from his residence.
On August 15, 2022 Detectives had sufficient probable cause to arrest Norris for trafficking in methamphetamines and weapons charges. Levy County Detectives, with the assistance of the North Star Task Force, established surveillance and located Norris driving then attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Norris has a lengthy criminal history which includes felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. Norris made statements to anonymous sources that he was not going back to prison and would harm law enforcement if any attempt to apprehend him was made.
Norris accelerated away from the Detectives who were trying to stop him and ran head on toward a law enforcement vehicle. This action forced that Detective off the road to avoid a collision. Norris continued to flee law enforcement, swerving at pursuing law enforcement vehicles and was ultimately stopped when he intentionally cut off a pursuing vehicle which caused a collision. Norris sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No law enforcement officer was injured.
A search warrant was executed on Norris’ home later this same day. Detectives located and seized firearms, ammunition, and over a half pound of methamphetamine along with a variety of prescription controlled substances and Marijuana. At the conclusion of this investigation a total of 346.5 grams of methamphetamine (12.3 ounces), two AR-15 style rifles, a Springfield XD-40 handgun, and ammunition were seized.
Norris is now facing three counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, two counts of Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, two counts of Sale of Methamphetamine, three counts of Aggravated Assault on law enforcement, multiple weapons charges and maintaining a drug dwelling. Upon Norris’ release from the hospital he was booked into the Levy County Sheriff’s Detention Facility where he is being held on a bond amount of $1,676,000.00 for the above charges.