Six men are facing decades in prison after authorities broke up a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering ring operating in Broward County and other parts of South Florida.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges against Isaac Lakeith Bruton, Wayne Morgan Brutton Jr., Wayne Morgan Brutton Sr., Omar Dwayne Cooper, Rene Danger Jr., and Cleon Fabian Reid.
According to investigators, the group moved large quantities of narcotics, including kilograms of cocaine, pounds of marijuana, and prescription pills. They reportedly turned powdered cocaine into crack near their distribution spots and used hidden compartments inside vehicles to move the drugs around undetected.
To hide the money they made from the drug sales, Bruton and Cooper allegedly laundered the cash by buying real estate, everyday vehicles, and jewelry. They also invested in various businesses and restored classic cars to wash the illegal proceeds.
“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal enterprise that pumped dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said. “Through the tireless work of the Office of Statewide Prosecution and our great law enforcement partners, we are taking on more criminal prosecutions than ever before.”
The bust was led by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office’s Organized Crime Unit and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. They were assisted by the FBI and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
All six men are charged with first-degree felony racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Bruton and Cooper were also handed a third-degree felony charge for money laundering.
If convicted, Bruton and Cooper could spend up to 75 years in the Florida Department of Corrections. The other four men—Brutton Jr., Brutton Sr., Danger Jr., and Reid—each face up to 60 years behind bars.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Jillian Tate and Nicholas Kaleel will prosecute the case.
READ: 88-Year-Old Man Gets Life For Dismembering 3rd Victim After Promising He Was Done Killing
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
