Pensacola rapper Jovon “Playa Pat” Booker was convicted by a federal jury of two firearm offenses tied to an alleged drug trafficking operation that prosecutors said moved hundreds of kilograms of marijuana into Florida.
The verdict adds to Booker’s federal convictions after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit money laundering and five money laundering counts involving high-end jewelry.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida said the jury found Booker guilty of discharging a handgun during a drug trafficking crime. Jurors also convicted him of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
“This case exemplified the unified commitment of our state and federal law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe,” U.S. Attorney John Heekin said.
Heekin called Booker a “violent, drug peddling thug” and said the prosecution had ended what he described as the rapper’s “reign of terror.”
Pensacola Rapper Jovon “Playa Pat” Booker Found Guilty In Multi-Million Drug Trafficking Operation
According to evidence presented at trial, Booker transported hundreds of kilograms of marijuana from Seattle to Pensacola between 2020 and 2025. Prosecutors alleged he used proceeds from the drug operation to purchase a Lamborghini Urus and diamond-encrusted jewelry.
The government also presented evidence concerning a May 12, 2024, shooting at Paparazzi Bistro & Lounge in Pensacola. Prosecutors alleged Booker shot co-conspirator Gustavus Nairn during a dispute over an outstanding drug debt.
Booker, 33, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 5. His firearm convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and expose him to a potential life sentence.
The federal case does not resolve separate criminal proceedings against Booker in Escambia County. He faces an attempted first-degree premeditated murder charge stemming from the Paparazzi shooting.
State prosecutors also charged Booker with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm by firearm, shooting inside a building, carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited location and witness tampering.
Booker’s attorneys said in June they were ready for trial. His federal custody, however, prevented authorities from transporting him to Escambia County.
His next state court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2. The state charges remain pending as Booker awaits federal sentencing.
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