United States Drug Enforcement Administration

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Diandre Murel (29, Jacksonville Beach) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. Murel faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years, and up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.           

According to the court documents, Murel and another individual were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration for distributing cocaine in the Jacksonville Beach area. As part of the investigation, DEA agents tracked Murel to Atlanta where he purchased almost a kilo of cocaine. Murel was stopped in Baker County on his way back from Atlanta. Deputies from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office searched Murel’s car and located the cocaine. DEA agents and officers from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department then executed a search warrant at the condominium where Murel was renting a room. Law enforcement recovered additional cocaine, three firearms, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition from inside Murel’s room. As part of his plea agreement, Murel has agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition seized by law enforcement.           

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The State Attorney’s Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit also provided assistance with the investigation. Prosecution and forfeiture are being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov.  Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

The DEA encourages parents, teachers, care givers, guardians, and children to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com , www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov.

Follow DEA Miami via Twitter at @DEAMIAMIDIV.