Tampa, Florida - Jeffrey Luis Rodriguez (34, Tampa) and Mary Bell Rodriguez (62, Tampa) have each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and heroin, causing serious bodily injury. Jeffrey Rodriguez also pleaded guilty to one count of distributing heroin causing serious bodily injury, and six counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Mary Bell Rodriguez pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Each faces a mandatory penalty of life in federal prison.
According to court documents, from at least March 2017 and continuing through May 2018, Jeffrey Luis Rodriguez and Mary Bell Rodriguez were members of a conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and heroin, from their vehicle, around the Town and Country area of Hillsborough County. During the span of the conspiracy, the fentanyl that they had distributed led to many overdoses, including the serious bodily injury overdose of D.C.H.
Subsequently, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation of members of the conspiracy. Between January and May 2018, undercover law enforcement officers purchased narcotics from Jeffrey Luis Rodriguez and Mary Bell Rodriguez on various occasions.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael C. Baggé-Hernández.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
