FLORIDA — A Florida man who traded vehicles and cash for 10 kilos of cocaine has pleaded guilty to drug charges, said the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Christian Noel Medina Torres, 35, of Lakeland, has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, said United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Mr. Medina Torres faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for May 7, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arranged to sell Mr. Medina Torres 10 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for two Can-Am off-road vehicles and any cash Mr. Medina Torres could provide.
On April 17, 2023, Mr. Medina Torres arrived in Volusia County with two off-road vehicles and approximately $6,000 in cash.
In exchange, the undercover agent provided Mr. Medina Torres with a bag containing 10 kilograms of cocaine. After Mr. Medina Torres took the bag and began walking away, he was taken into custody.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney D. Richardson-Jones and Megan Testerman is prosecuting it.
