A Hallandale woman and a California man were sentenced on April 10 to more than 19 and 27 years in prison, respectively, for the killing of a Miami man during a drug trafficking conspiracy. Tsvia Kol, 37, of Hallandale, and Jimmy Sanchez, 38, of Spring Valley, California, pleaded guilty to using a firearm resulting in death and conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.
The case highlights the violent consequences that can result from drug trafficking operations. Prosecutors said the defendants believed their victim had stolen about eleven pounds of methamphetamine valued at $90,000. However, authorities determined that law enforcement had already seized the drugs.
According to court documents, Kol and Sanchez confronted the victim in a hotel room they rented. Kol supplied Sanchez with a firearm before the confrontation turned deadly. The victim managed to call 911 during the incident; audio from the call captured sounds of an altercation and gunshots. Hotel security footage showed both defendants fleeing after the shooting. The body was discovered by authorities one day later.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said: “Suspecting that the victim had stolen drugs from them, these defendants committed an execution-style murder.” Duva added: “The drug business is a dangerous game that too often results in death. The Criminal Division will continue to prosecute drugs crimes, especially those involving violence.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said: “This started as a drug deal gone wrong and ended in an execution... The prison sentences... reflect the seriousness of that violence.” He continued: “In South Florida we pursue long federal sentences that keep violent criminals off the streets and protect our community.”
Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division commented: “These defendants ruthlessly murdered someone whom they thought had stolen from their own illegal drug trafficking network... Today their sentence ends this cycle of violence.” Special Agent Miles Aley (DEA Miami) stated his agency works tirelessly "to bring justice and safety" while U.S Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo noted: "It’s a decision they will pay for."
Kol and Sanchez each pleaded guilty in January 2026 to conspiracy charges related to methamphetamine distribution resulting in death during commission of a drug crime.
Multiple agencies investigated this case including DEA Miami Field Division; FBI; U.S Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office; Hialeah Police Department; San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S Attorney Monique Botero (Southern District Florida) along with Trial Attorney Jessica A Massey (Criminal Division's Violent Crime & Racketeering Section). This prosecution forms part of ongoing efforts under DOJ's Violent Crime Initiative targeting gang-related violence through federal resources.
