Joe Taylor III: Conviction in Firearm Possession Case Amid Moorish Nation Claims

Asheville, 15 January 2026 – Joe Lindsey Taylor III, also known as Yosef Hakiem Bey, was convicted in 2024 for possessing a firearm as a felon, following a trial in the Western District of North Carolina where he represented himself and raised jurisdictional challenges based on his affiliation with the Moorish Nation.

Background and Arrest

Joe Lindsey Taylor III was arrested in June 2020 during a warrant execution for an unrelated matter, where officers discovered him in possession of a firearm. He had prior convictions for state drug trafficking offenses, serving eight to 19 months, and a robbery offense, serving 29 to 44 months. In August 2020, a grand jury indicted him on a single count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

At his initial appearance, Taylor elected to represent himself, citing his right to counsel but choosing not to accept the appointed federal public defender. The magistrate judge advised him of the charges, potential penalties, and the complexities of federal rules, including the Federal Rules of Evidence and Criminal Procedure. Despite warnings that self-representation was inadvisable, Taylor persisted, stating he understood the risks.

Trial and Defense Strategy

Taylor’s trial commenced in June 2021 after several continuances. He made jurisdictional arguments tied to his Moorish Nation beliefs, claiming he was not subject to U.S. jurisdiction and that the Second Amendment protected his right to bear arms. The court removed him from the courtroom during voir dire due to disruptive behavior but allowed him to watch proceedings from his holding cell.

In his defense, Taylor testified that his identity had changed to Yosef Hakiem Bey, arguing he was not the same person charged. He introduced documents supporting this claim and accepted standby counsel for limited purposes. On cross-examination, he admitted possessing the firearm but contended the law did not apply to him as a Moorish Nation member.

The government presented testimony from arresting officers and a probation officer about his prior convictions. Taylor cross-examined witnesses but was found guilty by the jury.

Sentencing and Appeal

At sentencing, the district court determined a Guidelines range of 77 to 96 months but imposed a below-Guidelines sentence of 65 months, considering Taylor’s children and the impact of a longer term. Taylor accepted responsibility for his conduct but claimed he was influenced by beliefs about his nationality and encouraged to carry a firearm.

Taylor appealed, arguing the court erred in admitting jail call recordings under Federal Rules of Evidence 401, 403, and 404(b). The Fourth Circuit affirmed in March 2024, finding the calls relevant to consciousness of guilt and not unfairly prejudicial. The court reviewed the waiver of counsel and concluded it was knowing and voluntary despite Taylor’s lack of familiarity with legal rules.

Key Facts and Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Joe Taylor III’s defense based on?

Taylor argued that his identity had changed to Yosef Hakiem Bey, making him immune to U.S. jurisdiction under Moorish Nation principles, and that the Second Amendment protected his firearm possession.

Why did the court allow self-representation?

The magistrate judge found Taylor’s waiver of counsel knowing and voluntary after multiple advisories, despite warnings about the inadvisability and his unfamiliarity with legal rules.

What was the outcome of the appeal?

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the conviction, ruling that jail call recordings were admissible as evidence of consciousness of guilt and not unduly prejudicial.