Four individuals from Texas, Virginia, and Florida have been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges involving substantial amounts of cocaine, federal prosecutors announced today.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, representing the Middle District of Florida, identified the defendants as Esequiel Maldonado, 46, of Texas; Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., 46, of Fort Myers, Florida; Ron Ramirez, Jr., 23, of Texas; and Schuyler Jordan Thompson, 31, of Virginia.
The indictment charges the group with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine, and using communication facilities in drug trafficking activities.
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According to the indictment, each defendant played a role in the conspiracy. Esequiel Maldonado allegedly operated as the Texas-based leader of the drug trafficking organization (DTO). Authorities state he brokered cocaine deals, determined pricing, and authorized transactions of kilogram quantities of cocaine. Ramirez managed the logistics and communications, including recruitment and payment of couriers.
Court documents indicate that Ramirez recruited Thompson as a courier, coordinating Thompson’s travel to Florida. Authorities believe that the cocaine supplied to Thompson was connected to “Los Chapitos,” a notorious faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, according to statements from co-defendant Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr.
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Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., based in Florida, allegedly received the cocaine shipments from Thompson and oversaw distribution within central Florida. He was also responsible for funneling proceeds from drug sales back to Esequiel Maldonado.
Due to prior convictions for serious drug felonies, both Esequiel Maldonado and Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr. face severe penalties if convicted, ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to potential life imprisonment. Ramirez and Thompson each face between 5 to 44 years in federal prison if found guilty on all charges.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with cooperation from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher F. Murray will prosecute the case.
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