The 11 were part of a drug trafficking organization that conspired to distribute heroin and other substances in Manatee and Pasco and had ties to other criminal organizations in Georgia and elsewhere, according to the U.S. Attorney.

TAMPA – Eleven men have pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs in Pasco and Manatee counties, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

The charges all stemmed from a conspiracy to distribute, to possess with the intent to distribute, to manufacture, and to possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, carfentanil, furanyl fentanyl, cyclopropylfentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, the distribution of which resulted in one death from carfentanil intoxication.

Rafael Sanchez, a/k/a “Chico Jay” 30, of Palmetto, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

James McClinton, 40,  of Dade City, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

Jose Venegas, a/k/a “Tiny” 24, of Dade City, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

Bryan Reshaun Wright, 36, of Dade City, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

Robert Lee Nealey, 38, of Dade City, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison

Eduardo Sanchez-Lara, a/k/a “Lalo” 42, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

Demetrius Cherilus Morancy, a/k/a “Pearl” 26, of Bradenton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and other controlled substances. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

Homar Guerrero-Hernandez, 25, of Bradenton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and carfentanil resulting in death. He also pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of carfentanil resulting in death. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, and up to life in federal prison.

Wilson Peter Revange, a/k/a “Jackboi” 26, of Bradenton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and other controlled substances. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Aljan Blanchard, 27, of Bradenton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Jerome Miller, a/k/a “Madball” 30, of Bradenton, who is deceased. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin. He faced a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

According to the plea agreements and other filings in this case, these 11 men were part of a drug trafficking organization that conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other substances. The DTO operated in and around Manatee and Pasco counties, with ties to other criminal organizations in Georgia and elsewhere. In July 2018, the DTO conspired to receive heroin from a Mexican transnational criminal organization and then convert it into at least a kilogram of heroin for street distribution.

Law enforcement seized the heroin from the DTO while it was being prepared for distribution and also seized fentanyl, carfentanil, and other fentanyl analogues, after recording purchases of opioids from various members of the DTO. In all, the investigation resulted in the seizure of more than a kilogram of heroin; various amounts of fentanyl, carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues; firearms; and cash proceeds from the drug trafficking.

In addition, law enforcement officers identified an overdose that occurred in spring 2017 that was linked to the DTO. Homar Guerrero-Hernandez had distributed carfentanil to a person in Manatee County, who later died from ingesting the drug.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation.

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