Hayden O’Byrne United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida | The Florida Bar
A federal jury in Miami has convicted three men from South Florida for their roles in a murder-for-hire scheme that took place in August 2019. Rolando Ramirez, 52, of Doral, and Rasheed “Fresh” Ali, 39, of Miami, were found guilty on May 21 of several charges including solicitation of a crime of violence, interstate stalking, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm, discharging a firearm in furtherance of interstate stalking, conspiracy to commit murder for hire, and murder for hire. Tamrat “Shifta” Mason, 41, also from Miami, was convicted alongside Ramirez and Ali for tampering with the investigation leading to their arrest in August 2024.
The case stems from a contentious lawsuit between Ramirez and the victim—a local businessman—over business dealings that included a non-competition clause. After losing the right to prevent competition from the victim during settlement talks, Ramirez reportedly threatened the victim by saying, “In due time, I will kill you.”
Ali and Mason were involved with Jaime Serrano, a marijuana distributor in New York who owed them money. According to Serrano's testimony during the trial, Ali offered him an opportunity to clear his debt by carrying out a hit on behalf of his friend. The target was described as a former business partner who had allegedly informed against Ali’s friend in court. Serrano recounted that Ali mentioned Ramirez considered himself part of the "Cuban Mafia." On August 28, 2019, Serrano and Julian Jimenez executed the near-fatal shooting of the victim.
Investigations revealed efforts by Ramirez, Ali, and Mason to interfere with law enforcement inquiries into their involvement or knowledge of the crime.
In related proceedings separate from this case, Jimenez pleaded guilty to charges including interstate stalking and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime. He received a sentence of 35 years in prison. A federal jury found Serrano guilty on similar counts; he was sentenced to 50 years.
Sentencing for Ramirez and Ali is set for September 5 before U.S. District Court Judge Roy K. Altman. Both face potential life sentences.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida announced these developments alongside acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami.
The FBI's Miami office conducted the investigation with help from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abbie D. Waxman and Michael Gilfarb are prosecuting this case.
All defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt as per legal standards.
Further information can be accessed via court documents available on the Southern District of Florida's website or through PACER under case number 24-cr-20341.
