Four people from Texas, Virginia, and Florida have been charged on federal drug trafficking allegations involving large quantities of cocaine, federal prosecutors stated Thursday.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, representing the Middle District of Florida, listed the defendants as Esequiel Maldonado, 46, of Texas; Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., 46, of Fort Myers, Florida; Ron Ramirez, Jr., 23, of Texas; and Schuyler Jordan Thompson, 31, of Virginia.
The indictment accuses the group of conspiring to distribute cocaine, distributing 500 grams or more of cocaine, and utilizing communication services for drug trafficking crimes.
According to the indictment, each defendant had a role in the conspiracy. Esequiel Maldonado allegedly led the drug trafficking organization (DTO) from Texas. Authorities claim he negotiated cocaine trades, decided prices, and authorized transactions involving kilogram quantities of cocaine. Ramirez handled logistics and communications, including courier recruiting and payment.
According to court filings, Ramirez recruited Thompson as a courier and arranged for Thompson’s trip to Florida. According to comments made by co-defendant Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., authorities think the cocaine Thompson received was provided by “Los Chapitos,” a renowned offshoot of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., a Florida resident, allegedly received Thompson’s cocaine shipments and oversaw distribution throughout central Florida. He was also in charge of funneling drug sales earnings back to Esequiel Maldonado.
Esequiel Maldonado and Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., face severe punishments if convicted, ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison. If found guilty of all allegations, Ramirez and Thompson could face 5–44 years in federal prison each.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spearheaded the investigation, which was supported by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray will prosecute the case.
