Texas Man Pleads Guity to Federal Drug Charge

Tampa, Florida - Esequiel Maldonado (47, Texas) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Maldonado worked with his three co-conspirators to distribute cocaine. From Texas, Maldonado authorized sales of kilogram-quantities of cocaine, served as a broker, and set cocaine prices. A co-conspirator then distributed the cocaine in the Middle District of Florida and arranged for drug proceeds to be paid back to Maldonado.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, and the Virginia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.