Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in Florida.
Luis Omar Rosa Cotto, 32, of Orlando, was responsible for over 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on November 7, 2022.
Rosa Cotto pleaded guilty to the charges on July 12, 2022.
In a separate incident, Alejandro Acevedo Luna, 34, of Apopka, was responsible for over 1 kilogram of fentanyl and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on January 6, 2023.
Acevedo Luna pleaded guilty to the charges on July 6, 2022.
Another suspect, Juan Carlos Garcia, 38, of Apopka, was found guilty of fentanyl trafficking at trial from October 17 to 19, 2022, and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on January 6, 2023.
The DEA received information about a drug transaction involving Acevedo Luna and Garcia, who conspired to sell over a kilogram of fentanyl for $33,000 at a gas station in Apopka. A traffic stop was conducted by the Apopka Police Department, and a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun and a package of drugs. Both men were arrested without incident.
A controlled purchase was set up by the DEA to buy an additional half kilogram of fentanyl from Rosa Cotto, who arrived at the buy location with the drugs and was arrested. A bag containing more than half a kilogram of fentanyl was found inside his vehicle.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Apopka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Gardella and Courtney Richardson-Jones.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking in Florida and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
The defendants’ actions put countless lives at risk, and their sentences serve as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in such activities.
The community can take heart in knowing that law enforcement is working tirelessly to keep them safe and to hold accountable those who would seek to harm them.
Related Federal Cases
- Bradleigh Wayne Carter, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Florida 2020 · Wyoming
- Monique Elizabeth Carter, Fentanyl Tampering, Florida 2022 · Florida
- Donte McCray, Fentanyl Distribution, Florida 2021 · Florida
- Charles E. Posey, Jr., Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses, Florida 2023 · Florida
- Antony Junior Harris, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Distribution, Florida 2022 · California
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime