Jury Convicts Melbourne Man of Transporting Four Kilograms of Cocaine to Brevard

Orlando, Florida - A federal jury has found Leonard Ronald Nile, Jr. (53, Melbourne) guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Nile faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to testimony presented at trial, Nile drove a co-conspirator from Melbourne to south Florida to assist that individual (a known drug distributor) with picking up almost 30 pounds of marijuana and 4 kilograms (nearly $60,000 worth) of cocaine which were destined to be distributed in and around Brevard County. DEA surveilled the men as they picked up the drugs. After attempting a traffic stop, Nile led troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase at speeds exceeding 140 mph. The chase ended when troopers successfully executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT maneuver).

After the vehicle was disabled, Nile fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by a police K9 and several law enforcement officers. Agents recovered the marijuana and the 4 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle Niles was driving.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the West Melbourne Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry M. Harre and Matthew Del Mastro.