Jose Ruben Curet Villa of Hialeah pleaded guilty on April 20 to possessing with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the plea, which carries a minimum penalty of 40 years and up to life in federal prison. The sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The case is significant due to the large quantity of drugs involved and the use of firearms, highlighting ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address drug-related offenses in the region.
According to court documents, Curet Villa worked with co-conspirators in April 2024 to operate “pop-up shops” at five locations across Jacksonville, where they sold large amounts of marijuana. These operations were supported by individuals who provided both locations and security for the temporary businesses. Law enforcement said that confidential informants made controlled purchases from Curet Villa at these pop-up shops, and investigators believed he transported marijuana from his residence to these sites.
On November 15, 2024, officers executed search warrants at several locations linked to Curet Villa, including his townhome. Authorities recovered a money counter, vacuum sealers, packaging materials with marijuana residue, scales, cash, five firearms (including one reported stolen), over one hundred rounds of ammunition, and more than 298 pounds of marijuana.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry is prosecuting the case while Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko is handling forfeiture proceedings.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts involving Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
