Florida Man Convicted of Cocaine Conspiracy Involving Over 5 Kilograms

BATON ROUGE, LA – A Florida man has been convicted of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine, authorities announced today. Jacobo Garcia, age 28, of Ft. Meyers, Florida, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick to the crime.

Following his conviction, Garcia was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

During his guilty plea hearing, Garcia admitted that, on February 29, 2016, Baton Rouge Police Officers found 5.7 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the gas tank of Garcia’s vehicle. The cocaine was packaged in fifteen (15) vacuum sealed bags. Garcia admitted that he and a passenger had picked up the aforementioned cocaine in Houston, Texas.

U.S. Attorney Walt Green stated: “This case is yet another example of the drug pipeline that runs through and into our district. We will continue to work aggressively with the DEA, the Baton Rouge Police Department, and our many other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to fight this menace.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Baton Rouge Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

Garcia’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the region’s ongoing struggle against cocaine trafficking. The Middle District of Louisiana has seen a surge in cocaine-related crimes in recent years, with many cases originating from neighboring Texas.

The U.S. Marshal’s Service will continue to work closely with local law enforcement to ensure that Garcia is held accountable for his crimes. The community can expect a swift and fair prosecution, thanks to the tireless efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners.