Tampa, Florida – In a blow to a notorious money laundering and drug trafficking organization, U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven yesterday sentenced Joseph Rumore (34, Plant City) to nine years and two months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
As part of his sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $2,560,000, the proceeds of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Rumore pleaded guilty on January 26, 2017. Court documents reveal that he served as a significant distributor for the Plant City arm of a Matamoros, Mexico-based money laundering and drug trafficking organization operating out of SAME Pallets Company in Plant City.
According to the investigation, Rumore obtained kilograms of cocaine at the pallet yard and then re-sold them at a profit, selling from one to five kilograms per week throughout most of 2016. During the investigation, law enforcement seized cocaine, methamphetamine, and over $775,000 in drug proceeds from members of the drug trafficking organization.
During Rumore’s participation in the conspiracy, the drug trafficking organization obtained at least $3,823,000 in proceeds, highlighting the significant impact of the organization’s activities on local communities.
‘HSI special agents, with our Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office partners, have dismantled a drug trafficking organization that was targeting our local communities,’ said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. ‘This sentencing highlights HSI’s vigilance in the investigation and prosecution of those engaging in drug activity.’
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josephine W. Thomas.
The sentencing of Joseph Rumore brings an end to a lengthy investigation into the Plant City-based money laundering and drug trafficking organization. The exact charges brought against Rumore were conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, with a significant money judgment entered against him as part of his sentence.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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