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Norton & 12 Others Sentenced in FL Cocaine Ring
TAMPA, FL – Thirteen individuals are facing significant time behind bars after being sentenced for their roles in a large-scale interstate cocaine distribution conspiracy that flooded Central Florida with the deadly drug. The bust, a collaborative effort between multiple federal, state, and local agencies, seized over seven kilograms of cocaine, nine firearms – including an assault rifle and shotgun – hundreds of rounds of ammunition, approximately $40,000 in drug proceeds, and even a currency counter, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez.
The operation, which ran from November 27, 2017, through April 18, 2018, saw leaders of the organization funnel more than 20 kilograms of cocaine into Florida directly from Puerto Rico. Once stateside, the drugs were packaged for street-level distribution and pushed out to dealers in Tampa, Orlando, and surrounding areas. The investigation revealed a sophisticated network designed to maximize profit while minimizing risk, a common tactic among seasoned drug traffickers.
William Leverne Norton, 41, of Tampa, received the longest sentence: 14 years in federal prison. Jesus Manuel Rodriguez, 31, of Brandon, was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months. Bryan Gomez Nevarez, 31, of Avon Park, and Luis Enrique Hernandez Quinones, 29, of Davenport, both received 11 years and 3 months. Avisys Lee Jackson, 28, of Tampa, will spend 10 years and 10 months behind bars. Pedro Luis Ramos Burgos, 26, of Kissimmee, and Javier Albaladejo Lopez, 24, of Tampa, each received 10-year sentences. Hector Jose Carrasquillo Perez, 26, hailing from Cataño, Puerto Rico, also received a 10-year sentence, highlighting the international scope of the operation.
The sentencing continued with Jose Angel Mendoza, Jr., 29, of Tampa, receiving 8 years and 1 month; Antonio Soul Gonzalez, 41, of Tampa, 7 years and 9 months; Ismael Pagan Marrero, 44, of Orlando, 5 years and 10 months; Edgar Hernandez, 28, of Tampa, 4 years and 3 months; and Henry Coira, 31, of Avon Park, 5 years and 10 months. Each defendant played a critical role in the conspiracy, contributing to the flow of cocaine and the subsequent damage inflicted on Central Florida communities.
“This investigation represents our commitment to keeping communities safe from destructive drug trafficking enterprises,” stated Bryan Vorndran, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in dismantling the ring. Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division, added, “Justice has indeed been served… ensuring that these convicted drug traffickers are no longer left on the playing field to inflict harm.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also played key roles, as did the Tampa Police Department.
The case was investigated through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force dedicated to disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations. The sentences handed down serve as a stark reminder that those who profit from the misery of others will be held accountable, and that law enforcement remains vigilant in its fight against the illicit drug trade. The streets of Tampa and Orlando are a little safer tonight, but the fight is far from over.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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