Jacksonville, Florida - A federal jury has found Karen Collins (51, Jacksonville) guilty of one count of conspiracy to import at least five kilograms of cocaine. She faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19, 2019.
According to evidence presented at trial, Collins recruited young women from her place of employment to carry suitcases roundtrip, from Jacksonville to Jamaica and Trinidad, with either currency or cocaine that was concealed in secret compartments. This conspiracy extended to Chicago, Baltimore, Charlotte, and Texas.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Miami Divisions), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Charlotte, North Carolina). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Taylor.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
