LAKELAND, Fla. – Nahum Rodriguez-Jaimes, a 48-year-old resident of Lakeland, pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. The charges were filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
According to court documents and the plea agreement, Rodriguez-Jaimes was involved in three separate fentanyl distribution transactions at a commercial business in Plant City.
On September 28, 2023, he distributed 200 fentanyl pills; on October 10, 2023, he distributed 300 fentanyl pills; and on October 19, 2023, he distributed an additional three baggies of fentanyl pills.
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The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Plant City Police Department. The successful collaboration between these agencies highlights the ongoing commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis in Florida and nationwide.
Rodriguez-Jaimes, a Mexican citizen, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Additionally, he is subject to deportation following the completion of his sentence.
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U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg expressed his satisfaction with the guilty plea, stating, “Fentanyl is a dangerous and deadly drug that is devastating our communities. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those who distribute this poison accountable.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the region and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat it.
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