TAMPA, Fla. – A Tampa man and woman have been sentenced to federal prison following their conviction on multiple narcotics and firearms charges.
Elias Xavier Rosario Torres, 26, received a 38-year sentence, while Veronica Estefania Rodriguez Pinuela, 23, was sentenced to 35 years. Both were found guilty by a jury in March 2024 for their roles in a drug trafficking operation.
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Evidence presented at trial revealed that Torres and Pinuela were involved in the distribution of controlled substances in the Tampa Bay area. During a traffic stop in March 2022, Tampa Police Department officers discovered narcotics and a firearm in their vehicle.
Torres, known to have gang affiliations, was found to be in possession of a significant quantity of narcotics intended for distribution.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tampa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Samantha Newman prosecuted the case.
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The sentencing of Torres and Pinuela marks a significant success in the ongoing fight against drug-related crime in the Tampa Bay region. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies in their efforts to keep communities safe.
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