MIAMI, Fla.— Two Fort Pierce men were sentenced to federal prison after being convicted of cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession in a case involving a failed marijuana business and a high-stakes traffic stop, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida has announced.
Joseph Acevedo, 40, received a sentence of 101 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release, while Stanley Rumowski, 49, was sentenced to 96 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $20,000 fine.
According to evidence presented during their trial in July, the men were business partners in a struggling marijuana cultivation operation. On July 18, Martin County Sheriff’s deputies pulled over their vehicle during a drive back to Fort Pierce from Miami.
A canine search reportedly led to the discovery of a loaded firearm and approximately half a kilogram of cocaine.
During the trial, prosecutors used text messages exchanged between the men to demonstrate their intent to possess and distribute the cocaine. Mr Rumowski also faced additional charges for firearm possession during the drug trafficking offense.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe credited Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Fort Pierce and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office for their roles in the investigation.
“This case highlights the critical partnerships between federal and local law enforcement to disrupt dangerous criminal activity,” said Mr Lapointe.
Senior U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham handed down the sentences on December 4. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.
