14 Charged in Massive Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy

14 Charged in Massive Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy

A federal indictment has been unsealed charging 14 individuals with conspiring to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, according to a joint law enforcement investigation dubbed Operation Wooly Swamp. The arrests were made earlier today in Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announced the indictment, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, up to life in federal prison. If convicted, each individual faces this severe punishment.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force 2), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clearwater Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney James C. Preston, Jr. will be prosecuting the case. Here is a list of the 14 individuals charged:

• Armando Martinez-Hernandez, 26, of Wimauma, Florida, a/k/a Choco, a/k/a Mando, a/k/a Juan
• Luis Alberto Garcia, 45, of Weslaco, Texas, a/k/a Louie, a/k/a Chuey
• Herman Martinez, 32, of Weslaco, Texas
• Ismael Martinez, 23, of Wimauma, Florida, a/k/a Jose
• Charles Daniel Law, 52, of Riverview, Florida
• Anthony Edward Peters, 36, of Clearwater, Florida, a/k/a Tony
• Joseph Fairweather, 28, of Holiday, Florida, a/k/a Joey
• Christopher Hart, 39, of New Port Richey, Florida, a/k/a Chris
• Paul Jason Pless, 37, of Gibsonton, Florida
• Charles Francis Martin, III, 42, of Riverview, Florida, a/k/a Chuck
• Cynthia Ford Rico, 56, of West Memphis, Arkansas, a/k/a Cindy
• Pamela Ford Walker, 54, of Oxford, Mississippi
• David Ray Hobbs, 63, of Memphis, Tennessee

The investigation, dubbed Operation Wooly Swamp, is a joint effort to take down a large marijuana distribution ring. The suspects are currently being held without bail.

Stay tuned to Grimy Times for updates on this developing story.

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