Jose Pabon Sentenced

José Pabon, a 45-year-old Tampa man, has been sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and distributing cocaine. This sentence is a direct result of his involvement in a large-scale cocaine distribution operation that spanned several months.

According to court documents, Pabon pleaded guilty in February 2025 to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense. The investigation, which began in July 2023, revealed that Pabon was a key player in the operation, supplying cocaine to his co-defendant, Joseph White.

An undercover officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office had been purchasing cocaine from White, and further investigation revealed that Pabon, along with another co-defendant, Daniel Vega Cabrera, were White’s sources of supply. Law enforcement officers observed Pabon delivering cocaine to White on multiple occasions, with the total amount exceeding one kilogram.

Pabon’s prior convictions for drug trafficking played a significant role in his sentencing, as he was subject to an enhanced penalty. The court took into account his history of involvement in drug trafficking, and the sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.

The case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The successful investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the Tampa area.

U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday handed down the sentence, which will see Pabon spend over two decades behind bars. The sentence serves as a warning to those involved in drug trafficking that they will be held accountable for their actions and face severe consequences.

The investigation and sentencing of José Pabon are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in disrupting and dismantling drug distribution networks. As the war on drugs continues, cases like this highlight the importance of cooperation between agencies and the need for severe penalties to deter those involved in these illicit activities.