Jack Jones, cornerback for the New England Patriots, was arrested at Boston’s Logan Airport on June 16 on charges related to the possession of two pistols allegedly found in his carry-on luggage.
Jones, who played in 13 games for the Patriots last year, could find his future with the team in doubt as the case progresses through the legal system.
What Charges and Penalties Does Jack Jones Face?
Jones is facing two counts each of possession of a concealed weapon in a secure area of an airport, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device.
He has pled not guilty on all charges and posted $30,000 cash bail. After Jones’ arraignment, his lawyer said, “All Mr. Jones wants to do is play football. He doesn’t want to be a distraction at all,” adding, “He had no intention of bringing any guns onto an airport that day.”
A spokesperson for the Suffolk County District Attorney pointed out that if Jones were convicted of each charge and sentenced consecutively for all crimes, he’d face more than 30 years in prison. It is unlikely, however, that Jones would face consecutive sentences for multiple charges stemming from one criminal act.
While sentencing is at the judge’s discretion, the most likely sentence in a scenario where Jones is convicted of each charge would be a concurrent sentence, where he would functionally only serve time for the most severe crime. That could still be as severe as 10 years because the penalties for large-capacity feeding devices on firearms can be steep.
As the Boston Globe reports, the Suffolk County District Attorney may not choose to prosecute the large-capacity feeding device charge in order to retain jurisdiction, which suggests a maximum criminal penalty of five years for the other crimes Jones is accused of.
In sentencing, judges will consider the context of a crime, the defendant’s criminal background, other extenuating circumstances, and/or aggravating factors. The minimum sentence of 18 months for one of the possession charges could be extended, for example, because the weapons were allegedly loaded.
Jack Jones Has a Troubled History
Jones has a history of off-field problems stemming from his time in college at both USC and Arizona State. He was dismissed from USC his sophomore year for academic reasons and shortly thereafter was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime at a Panda Express in Santa Paula, California.
After playing at Moorpark College, Jones committed to Arizona State. He played for the Sun Devils for the next three years but missed most of the 2020 campaign after a full-season suspension for team-conduct-related behavior after the season opener. The team clarified that this was not related to a police or legal matter.
The Patriots drafted Jones in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he played up to his billing as a former five-star recruit who fell in the draft primarily for off-field concerns. Late in the season, he injured his knee and was put on injured reserve, though he was suspended for the final two weeks of the season for missing rehab.
Shortly after news broke of Jones’ arrest at Logan Airport, fans began sharing a tweet from Jones chiding NBA player Ja Morant, who has been in trouble for appearing to hold a firearm on a livestream — the second such incident in months.
@JaMorant dumb.. you letting social media and yo pride ruin yo real money. Put them guns down and run that money up. Make one of yo homies sign up for security or concealed carry if you feel like you need it that bad.. but you the bread winner you gotta start acting like it..
— Jack Jones🏄🏽♂️ (@presidentjacc) May 15, 2023
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe has reported that Jones is unlikely to be a Patriot much longer, with the organization sensitive to criminal controversies after former Patriot Aaron Hernandez was convicted of murder.