Seven Florida residents charged in drug trafficking conspiracy near schools

MIAMI, Fla.—Seven Florida residents have been charged in a 23-count indictment for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycodone.

An eighth individual has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida (USAO).

The defendants include Michael Donaldson, 37, of Clearview; Leo Gilbert, 35, of Miami Gardens; Jamare Andre Gardner, a/k/a “Maury,” 25, of Miami Gardens; Deshun Richard James, 36; Jose Albert Ruiz, 34, of Miami; Kim Whitehurst, a/k/a “A-Boy,” 31, of Miami; and Hasani Nesbitt, a/k/a “Get Right,” 45, of Miami Gardens.

They are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution within 1,000 feet of South Florida schools. Additionally, Donte Ike Gosha, 37, of Miami Gardens, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Donaldson, Gosha, Whitehurst, Gardner, and Gilbert were arrested in Miami-Dade County on July 29. Their initial court appearances took place on July 30.

This case was announced by U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, Chief Delma Noel-Pratt of the Miami Gardens Police Department, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division.

The FBI, Miami Gardens Police Department, and ATF conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force (SSVGTF), which includes participants from the U.S. Secret Service, City of Miami Police Department, and Miami-Dade Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Chattah is prosecuting the case.

The indictment contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.