NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Law enforcement officials arrested Nathaniel James, an alleged member of the notorious “Miami Boys” drug trafficking organization, on fentanyl and cocaine distribution charges.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office apprehended James on Sunday based on an out-of-county warrant from Duval County. According to investigators, James—also known as “Bo Dilley” or “Bo Didley”—has ties to the Miami Boys, a drug ring that emerged in the 1980s and played a major role in distributing illegal narcotics throughout Florida and Georgia.
DEA Investigation Uncovers Drug Trafficking Operations
James’ arrest followed an October 2023 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, which established probable cause linking him to fentanyl and cocaine trafficking. Authorities say he was suspected of selling narcotics to a confidential source in Duval County.
James has an extensive criminal history, including a 1991 arrest for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. He was originally sentenced to life in prison, but his sentence was later reduced to 408 months in 2019, followed by 60 months of supervised release.
Arrest on US Highway 1
On Sunday, a Nassau County deputy located James during a traffic stop on US Highway 1 in Callahan, leading to his immediate arrest.
Sheriff Bill Leeper emphasized the significance of the arrest, stating:
“This arrest represents a significant blow to drug trafficking operations in our region. The dedication of our deputies and their collaboration with our federal partners demonstrate our commitment to getting dangerous drugs off the streets and holding repeat offenders accountable.”
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and additional charges may follow.
