Alexis Soto Escalante, 20, of Ellenton, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced.
Soto Escalante faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
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According to the plea agreement, on May 22, 2024, Soto Escalante provided 55.9 grams of fentanyl to his co-defendant, Traveous Anderson. This fentanyl was later recovered by law enforcement agents upon Anderson’s arrest.
Later that same day, Soto Escalante traveled to Anderson’s apartment to collect payment for the drug delivery, where he was also apprehended.
A subsequent search of the vehicle Soto Escalante was driving yielded 641 grams of cocaine and 3.7 grams of fentanyl. A search warrant executed at Soto Escalante’s residence resulted in the discovery of an additional 14.03 grams of cocaine in his bedroom.
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Traveous Anderson’s case is still pending trial.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang is prosecuting the case.
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