TAMPA, FL – Eleven individuals are facing federal charges after a long-term investigation dubbed “Operation Pocket Dial” ripped through heroin and fentanyl distribution networks operating in Tampa and Kissimmee, Florida. U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced the arrests today, the culmination of a joint effort between multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The unsealed indictments detail a conspiracy spanning from January 1, 2016, through August 27, 2020, alleging that the defendants conspired to distribute heroin and fentanyl throughout the Middle District of Florida. The investigation revealed the deadly consequences of their actions; the distributed drugs directly resulted in deaths and serious bodily injury, according to court documents. This wasn’t just about moving product – it was about profiting from devastation.
Among those charged are William Franqui, a/k/a “Gordo” (35, Tampa), facing charges of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl, along with two counts of distribution resulting in serious bodily injury, and two counts of heroin distribution. If convicted, Franqui faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conspiracy charge, 20 years for each distribution charge resulting in injury, and another 20 years per count of heroin distribution. Marie Rodriguez (39, Tampa), Kevin Darnell Diaz Tirado (27, Clearwater), and Edgardo Colon Rosado (28, Tampa) are all charged with similar offenses, each potentially facing decades behind bars.
Jose Miriel Morales Sanchez (29, Tampa) is also named in the indictments, facing the conspiracy charge. Previously, Eric Manuel Robles Rivera (45, Orlando) pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to distribute and received a 33-month federal prison sentence in July 2020. Another defendant, Eddie Quinones Santiago (38, Kissimmee), is slated to stand trial in October. This investigation isn’t just about taking down street-level dealers; it’s targeting the entire infrastructure fueling the opioid crisis in Central Florida.
The operation, a product of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, involved the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, DEA, Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Sinacore is prosecuting the case. OCDETF’s primary goal is to dismantle major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
An indictment is a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence gathered in “Operation Pocket Dial” paints a grim picture of a ruthless network prioritizing profit over human life. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
Defendant Details:
- William Franqui, a/k/a “Gordo” (35, Tampa): Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl; Distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting is serious bodily injury; Distribution of heroin (two counts) – Maximum Penalties: Mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison; Mandatory minimum 20 years, up to life, in federal prison; 20 years in federal prison (per count)
- Marie Rodriguez (39, Tampa): Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl; Distribution of heroin (two counts) – Maximum Penalties: Mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison; 20 years in federal prison (per count)
- Kevin Darnell Diaz Tirado (27, Clearwater): Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl; Distribution of heroin (two counts) – Maximum Penalties: Mandatory minimum 10 years, up to life, in federal prison; 20 years in federal prison (per count)
- Edgardo Colon Rosado (28, Tampa): Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl; Distribution of heroin (two counts) – Maximum Penalties: Mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison; 20 years in federal prison (per count)
- Jose Miriel Morales Sanchez (29, Tampa): Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl – Maximum Penalties: Minimum 10 years, up to life, in federal prison
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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