NORTHWEST FLORIDA — Three local men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Northwest Florida, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
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Omar Josue Morales-Rodriguez, 45, of Freeport, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Marcos Aguilar Gonzalez, 50, of Santa Rosa Beach, and Edmar Agustin Gonzalez, 34, of Crestview, were each sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Mr Aguilar Gonzalez also pleaded guilty to an additional count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The investigation, which the Walton County Sheriff’s Office led, uncovered that between October 2019 and June 2023, the defendants conspired to ship cocaine from Puerto Rico to addresses in Okaloosa and Walton counties using the U.S. Mail.
Law enforcement reportedly intercepted multiple packages, reportedly containing a total of at least 14 kilograms of cocaine.
Mr Morales-Rodriguez was identified as the leader of the conspiracy and was held accountable for organizing the shipment of 20 packages containing cocaine. Along with the narcotics, authorities reportedly seized four firearms and ammunition belonging to Morales-Rodriguez, who has a previous conviction for firearm possession.
“This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness and collaborative efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners to intercept shipments of illegal substances,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody.
“The imposed sentences illustrate the significant consequences of harming our citizens through their illicit drug trafficking activities.”
The case resulted from a joint effort by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love prosecuted it.
