United States Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentencing of three defendants convicted in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
- Omar Josue Morales-Rodriguez, 45, of Freeport, Florida, received a 180-month prison sentence. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent 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, Florida, and Edmar Agustin Gonzalez, 34, of Crestview, Florida, were each sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. Both had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Aguilar Gonzalez also admitted to an additional count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
All three defendants will also serve terms of supervised release following their prison sentences.
A multi-agency investigation led by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office revealed that between October 2019 and June 13, 2023, the defendants conspired to ship cocaine from Puerto Rico to addresses in Okaloosa and Walton County. The United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted five packages, which included three containing one kilogram of cocaine each, one with 125 grams of cocaine, and a fifth package containing $10,000. Law enforcement also seized four firearms and ammunition from Morales-Rodriguez, who was previously convicted in Puerto Rico for possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
Morales-Rodriguez was identified as the leader and organizer of the conspiracy, responsible for shipping at least 14 kilograms of cocaine through the United States Mail.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector Juan A. Vargas emphasized the agency’s commitment to pursuing those involved in drug distribution via the mail. Walton County Sheriff’s Office Captain Dustin Cosson highlighted the extensive effort dedicated to the case, supported by the DEA and the U.S. Postal Service.
The case was a result of a joint investigation involving 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 the case.