ORLANDO, Fla. - Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement (DEA), Miami Field Division, and U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill for the Middle District of Florida, announced yesterday that a federal jury found Jose Manuel (41, Orlando) and Julian (45, Miami) guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin. Jorge and Gil were indicted on July 12, 2012. Jorge faces a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison. Gil faces a mandatory minimum term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. The sentencing hearings are scheduled for Dec. 19, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. before Senior U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, from May 2012 through June 11, 2012, Jorge and a DEA confidential source negotiated a drug transaction. The negotiation involved cocaine and heroin that would be trafficked between New York and Orlando. During the investigation, agents learned that a package of heroin was to be delivered to Jorge in Orlando, with a portion of that heroin going to Gil. DEA agents intercepted the heroin package in New York, which ultimately resulted in the arrest of the New York source of supply.
On June 11, 2012, agents facilitated a controlled delivery of 1.2 kilograms of heroin to Jorge. On that date, Jorge, driven by Gil, arrived at the predetermined meeting location. At the meet location, the confidential source provided a package to Jorge and Gil that they believed to be heroin. Jorge and Gil were subsequently arrested.
This case was investigated by the DEA Orlando District Office. DEA Special Agent in Charge Mark R. Trouville commended the prosecution efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
