Two Individuals Charged with Cocaine Offenses
TAMPA, Fla. – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Santiago Gonzalez-Rodriguez (58, Louisville, KY) and Elier Sanchez-Suasteque (37, Lehigh Acres) with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and possession with the intent to distribute, five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine. If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the individuals that the United States intends to forfeit any assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, between September 23 and October 2, 2023, Gonzalez-Rodriguez and Sanchez-Suasteque conspired to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. On October 2, 2023, they knowingly possessed over 5 kilograms of cocaine in Tampa.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tampa District Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
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