A multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy has been presented before the courts, as federal officials unseal an indictment involving residents of Texas, Virginia, and Florida. The office of United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe published a formal announcement describing the allegations, providing a closer glimpse into the intricate network of these illegal operations. According to the unsealed indictment, the four individuals face charges of conspiracy and distribution of large amounts of cocaine, as well as the use of communication services to commit drug trafficking crimes.
Esequiel Maldonado and Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., both 46, have been sentenced to a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison due to prior convictions for major drug offenses. The indictment outlines each conspirator’s roles, pointing to Esequiel Maldonado as the Texan ringleader, with Ron Ramirez, Jr., aged 23, managing the DTO’s day-to-day communications and the recruitment of couriers, such as Virginia’s 31-year-old Schuyler Jordan Thompson, all while ensuring that the cocaine distribution circuits were buzzing with Floridian energy supplied by Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr.
The cocaine trafficking itinerary, as detailed in the indictment, involved Thompson being sent to Florida to collect cocaine, which, according to Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., originated from a Sinaloa Cartel faction known as Los Chapitos, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Following procurement, Thompson was responsible for transferring the material to Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr., for further distribution throughout Florida’s central region.
The investigation into this conspiracy extends beyond state lines, involving authorities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray is facing the prosecution’s charge, using tools provided by the broad Operation Take Back America campaign.
