Omar Idonis Graciani Rodriguez, 32, of Orlando, was sentenced on April 15 to life in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe handed down the sentence after Graciani Rodriguez pleaded guilty on December 19, 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Authorities said Graciani Rodriguez operated a drug trafficking organization while serving time in state prison. He used contraband cellphones to direct co-conspirators outside the facility, instructing them to pick up and deliver drugs and money at various locations. According to court documents, he also required his associates to keep ledgers and send him photos of cash and records.
The conspiracy took place between July 28, 2023, and November 30, 2023. During this period, Graciani Rodriguez managed transactions involving significant amounts of fentanyl—including one kilogram delivered while he coordinated in real time via cellphone from inside prison—and methamphetamine within the Middle District of Florida.
In June 2024, correctional officers discovered two hidden cellphones in Graciani Rodriguez’s possession during a sweep of his cell; he attempted to swallow a SIM card when ordered to surrender it. Officers also found a drug ledger documenting operations linked to the case.
Graciani Rodriguez’s operation resulted in at least $211,903 in proceeds from distributing more than 400 grams of fentanyl mixtures and over 500 grams containing methamphetamine mixtures. Two co-conspirators—Rachel Beth Cordero and Mayerline Patricia Salcedo—also pleaded guilty for their roles; they were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger on March 28, with Cordero receiving six years and six months’ imprisonment and Salcedo twelve years.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with support from the Florida Department of Corrections; Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff prosecuted it.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative using resources from Department of Justice programs including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)—which aims at combating illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
