Esequiel Maldonado, 47, of Texas, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, a charge that carries a minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, though a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Court documents reveal that Maldonado collaborated with three co-conspirators, authorizing sales of kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Texas. He also served as a broker and set the prices for the illicit drug. A co-conspirator was responsible for distributing the cocaine within the Middle District of Florida and arranging for the drug proceeds to be returned to Maldonado.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, supported by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray is prosecuting the case.
This case is a component of "Operation Take Back America," a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.