Two Florida Men Sentenced For Heroin Conspiracy
ORLANDO, Fla. - Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Robert E. O’Neill, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, announced today that Senior U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp sentenced Jose Manuel (41, Orlando) to life in prison and Julian (45, Miami) to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin. Jorge and Gil were indicted on July 12, 2012. They were convicted by a federal jury on September 19, 2012.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, from May 2012, through June 11, 2012, Jorge negotiated controlled substance transactions with a DEA confidential source. The negotiations involved cocaine and heroin that would be trafficked between New York and Orlando. Agents learned that a package of heroin was to be delivered to Jorge in Orlando, with a portion of that heroin going to Gil. DEA agents intercepted the heroin package in New York, which ultimately resulted in the arrest of the New York source of supply.
On June 11, 2012, agents facilitated a controlled delivery of 1.2 kilograms of heroin to Jorge. Later that same day, Jorge and Gil arrived together at the predetermined meeting location. During the meeting, the confidential source transferred to Jorge and Gil what they believed to be heroin. Jorge and Gil were subsequently arrested.
This case was investigated by the DEA Orlando District Office. Mr. Trouville commends the prosecution efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
