Holiday man pleads guilty to ‘violently’ kidnapping rival drug trafficker

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Holiday man has pleaded guilty to the violent kidnapping of a rival drug trafficker, according to the State Attorney’s Office.

Officials said Mario Espino, 25, lured his victim to Florida, telling them he had the money to pay off a drug debt. However, he recruited two individuals— Jacob Guest and Joey Young— to help kidnap the victim in retaliation for cutting into his drug business.

Agents intercepted the attempted kidnapping at the Tampa International Airport, warning the victim of Espino’s plan. However, officials said the victim ignored them and went to Espino’s home instead.

At the home, Espino, Guest and Young used the butt of the firearm to strike the victim before tying his hands and feet with zip ties, according to the SAO.

Officials said the suspects “violently beat the victim, tortured him, and threatened to kill him” several times. They also called the victim’s drug supplier to demand 10 kilograms of fentanyl.

After driving the victim around Florida before returning to the home, agents and Pasco County deputies rescued the victim, who was zip-tied in the back of the vehicle with a pillowcase over their head.

Inside the car was 22 kilograms of meth, 154 grams of fentanyl, and a Micro Drace 7.62 x 39 mm firearm.

Espino pleaded guilty to five counts of “superseding indictment,” charging him with kidnapping, possessing meth and fentanyl with an intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in a drug trafficking crime, the SAO said.

The SAO said the suspect also had previous interceptions in Arizona and Georgia for drug trafficking 55 kilograms of meth, and 79 kilograms of meth, respectively, that were on their way to Florida.

Espino faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31.

Guest and Young are pending trial and have been charged for co-conspiracy.

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