12 indicted in Florida drug trafficking organization, officials say

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Several local and federal law enforcement agencies announced 12 indictments of members of a drug trafficking organization.

On Friday, officials gathered at the United States Attorney’s Office in Tampa for the announcement.

A grand jury in Tampa has indicted 12 people for federal charges of murder, drug trafficking, money laundering, and COVID-19 fraud, officials said.

Eight of the 12 individuals were reportedly involved in the trafficking of controlled substances.

Carlos Dones, the lead and supplier of the ring, was a “significant drug trafficker,” supplying cocaine and fentanyl.

Funds, totaling around $6.5 million from the drug trafficking, were used for house renovations, a nearly $100,000 Mercedes, cosmetic surgery, and international travel.

On Aug. 3, 2021, one of the suspects murdered one of its own members, with a single gunshot to the back of their head.

The attorney’s office said one individual defrauded a bank by transmitting $110,000 to buy a home, while several individuals falsely reported employment and income to secure a mortgage.

Within two fraudulent companies, Dones obtained more than $30,000 in loans, in which he used those funds for his personal gain.

Below are the 12 individuals indicted:

• Carlos Limery Dones, aka “Siervo,” “Chino” (46, Puerto Rico)
• Santos Cruz Rivera (44, Kissimmee)
• Nelson Franco, aka “Voltio” (48, South Carolina)
• Rebel Rivera Carbonell (46, Dundee)
• Madelyn Sanchez, aka “La Negra” (50, Kissimmee)
• Roberto Rodriguez Almodovar (59, Kissimmee)
• Luis Torres Sanchez, aka “Gordo” (39, Puerto Rico)
• Johnson Rivera Martinez (40, Orlando)
• Yesenia Laracuente (35, Kissimmee)
• Nancy Contreras, aka “La Doña” (46, Dundee)
• Carol Flores Morales (48, South Carolina)
• Wilmary Sepulveda (36, Kissimmee)

“Nothing but greed,” an official said.

Some of the agencies involved include the DEA, IRS, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations Tampa and Central Florida police and sheriff’s offices.

WFLA is live streaming the press conference at 11 a.m., which can be viewed in the video player above.

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