News and Investigations

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force detectives, working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, successfully concluded two drug trafficking investigations involving central Florida-based drug trafficking organizations. Both investigations resulted in the arrest of 10 men and 1 woman who were involved in trafficking multiple kilos of fentanyl and cocaine. A total of 14 kilos of cocaine and 3 ½ kilos of bulk fentanyl and fentanyl pills were seized, along with four firearms, a vehicle, and $12,985 US currency.

The investigations were conducted with the assistance of the State Financial Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E) Florida Program managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In 2023, the Florida Legislature established state funding for the S.A.F.E program to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking.  The grant provides financial support and assistance for approved fentanyl-related investigative costs, such as overtime, travel, investigative supplies and equipment, and training.

The following agencies were involved with the investigations: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, Winter Haven Police Department, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Brian Haas, State Attorney), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Attorney General’s Office (Attorney General Ashley Moody), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.

“I’m proud of our detectives and partner agencies who worked hard to remove 17 ½ kilos of destructive drugs off the streets. We are all working together to fight fentanyl, which is killing people by the thousands in the US because of drug overdoses. These drug traffickers are destroying lives, families and communities. These drugs go hand-in-hand with violence and misery in our communities.”  --Grady Judd, Sheriff

 

Espinosa & Romero Central Florida Drug Trafficking Organization; 5 arrests

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force detectives, working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, successfully concluded a drug trafficking investigation involving a central Florida-based drug trafficking organization. Undercover detectives identified 56-year-old Pedro Luis “Bemba” Romero of Kissimmee. Romero was believed to be involved in the sale of multiple kilos of cocaine. Romero has a criminal history that included robbery, trafficking in cocaine, other narcotics violations related to MDMA and cocaine, and federal narcotic violations that resulted in Romero being incarcerated in federal prison for 80 months.

Detectives arranged to buy a kilo of cocaine from Romero in Haines City in November of 2023.  Romero brought his drug supplier, 44-year-old Maximo Espinosa of Kissimmee, with him to the drug transaction.

Further investigation revealed that Espinosa was operating a Drug Trafficking Organization operating between the northeast United States, South Florida, Puerto Rico and Mexico trafficking kilo amounts of cocaine and fentanyl. Espinosa had previously been arrested federally for armed trafficking in Heroin.

Two other meetings were arranged in December where the undercover detective received a sample of fentanyl and then purchased a kilo of fentanyl from Espinosa. Another transaction for larger amounts of both cocaine and fentanyl was arranged with Espinosa and Romero to take place on January 2, 2024 at a location in Haines City.

On that date, detectives learned that Espinosa’s contacts would travel to Polk County to provide the fentanyl. During the evening hours of January 2, 2024, an undercover detective met with Espinosa; he showed the detective ten kilos of cocaine and two kilos of fentanyl in the trunk of his car.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies, working with other agencies, took Espinosa into custody. A separate vehicle involved in the drug transaction contained 35-year-old Pedro Mejia of West Palm Beach, and 22-year-old Pedro Olivares of Wimauma (the fentanyl suppliers). During the arrests, a white BMW fled the area, physically striking one of the undercover deputy’s leg (the deputy was later transported to the hospital, was treated and cleared with no serious injury). The fleeing BMW was tracked visually through the use of aerial surveillance, which directed law enforcement vehicles and members to unincorporated Winter Haven, where law enforcement strategically moved vehicles into position. The fleeing BMW was immobilized with minimal damage. The driver, 34-year-old Omar Veloz of West Palm Beach, was taken into custody without further incident. Detectives later determined that Veloz and Mejia are on federal probation for trafficking narcotics. 

Detectives believe Romero was in the area of the drug transaction and fled the area undetected. Romero was later arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and booked into the Polk County Jail.  

Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation are: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, Winter Haven Police Department, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Brian Haas, State Attorney), Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Attorney General’s Office (Attorney General Ashley Moody), Federal Bureau of Investigations, US Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.

Maximo Espinosa was taken into Federal custody where he faces drug trafficking charges. Veloz, Mejia, and Olivares were charged and booked into the Polk County Jail. Romero was later arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.

As a result of the investigation, detectives seized: 12 kilograms of cocaine, 3 ½ kilograms fentanyl powder and fentanyl pills, 2 firearms, a vehicle, and $4,450 in US currency.

Those arrested are:

*Maximo Espinosa, 1727 King Phillip Dr.,Kissimmee, FL, 44

Federal drug trafficking charges expected; please direct questions to the office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.

Criminal History: Assault with intent to commit physical injury to officer (Felony), disorderly conduct (Misdemeanor), menacing- (Felony) (1996, New York); criminal possession of a narcotic (Felony), criminal sale of a narcotic (Felony); intent to sell narcotic (Felony) (1997, New York); - criminal use of facility (Felony), drug conspiracy (Felony), possession of a firearm (Felony), dealing/receiving stolen property (Felony) (2001/2007, Pennsylvania); possession with intent to distribute heroin (Felony), possession of firearm/trafficking in heroin (FELONY), convicted felon in possession of a firearm (Felony), narcotic violation x11 (Misdemeanors) (2009- Pennsylvania) *Charged Federally and On Federal Probation* A total of 14 Felonies 12 Misdemeanors.

 

Omar Veloz, Jr., 5345 Bonky Ct., West Palm Beach, FL 33415, 34

Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Aggravated battery on LEO

Resisting officer with violence

Resisting officer without violence

Fleeing to elude

Criminal History: Battery (Misdemeanor), Carrying Concealed weapon x3 (Felony), Possession of drug paraphernalia x6 (Misdemeanor), Possession of cannabis x8 (Misdemeanor), Possession of cocaine x3 (Felony), Possession of Short barrelled shotgun/rifle (Felony), Possession of cannabis over 20 grams (Felony), Possession of cocaine with intent to sell (Felony), Possession of cannabis with intent to sell (Felony), Resist officer with violence (Felony), DUI (Misdemeanor), Driving .15 or higher with person under age of 18 (Misdemeanor), Driving while license suspended x2 (Misdemeanor), Opium Delivery 4 grams to under 30 kilograms (Felony), Sale of oxycodone (Felony), Sale of hallucinogen (Felony), Conspiracy to traffic Heroin. Total of 18 Felonies 19 Misdemeanors. *On Federal Probation*

 

Pedro Mejia, 4868 Carefree Trail, West Palm Beach, FL, 35

Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Criminal History: Grand Theft over 100K+ (Felony), Burglary Unarmed (Felony) (Probation 2 years), Vehicle Theft (Felony), Unoccupied Burglary (Felony), Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor), Burglary of Dwelling/Conveyance armed (Felony), Burglary of structure (Felony), Grand Theft over 300 (Felony) (State Prison 1.2 years), Possession of weapon (Felony), Possess ammunition by convicted felon (Felony), Utter False Instrument (Felony), Grand Theft X3 (Felony) (State Prison 5 Years), Utter false bad check (Felony), Possess Forged Bills 10 or more (Felony), Carrying Concealed weapon (Felony), Possession of Cannabis (Misdemeanor), Driving While License Suspended (Misdemeanor), Trespassing with posted notice (Misdemeanor) (2005/2015-Broward/Palm Beach/Martin County), *Arrested for Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine (Crack)*; *On Federal Probation* Total of 17 Felonies and 5 Misdemeanors.

Ruben Olivares, 3307 River Road, Wimauma, FL, 22

Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Criminal History: possession of marijuana (M)

 

Pedro Luis Romero, 1797 Lisa Ln, Kissimmee, 56

Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)

Trafficking in cocaine (over 400 grams)

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Criminal History: Obstruct Without Violence (Misdemeanor)- Multiple Charges, Resist officer without violation (Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor), Robbery with Firearm (Felony) (Felony Probation 5 years), Grand Theft 100K+ (Felony)- Multiple Charges, Battery Domestic (Misdemeanor)- Multiple Charges, Fraud-Insufficient Check (Felony), Obtain goods for $150+ (Felony), Bank deposit with intent to defraud (Felony), Domestic Battery with strangulation (Felony) (Probation 1.5 years), Harrassing a witness or victim (Misdemeanor), Petit Theft (Misdemeanor)- Multiple charges, Violation of Injunction (Misdemeanor), Employee not getting workmans comp (Felony), Engage in contracting without License 1st offense (Misdemeanor) and repeat offense (Felony), Larceny Grand Theft (Felony), Falsely Indentifiying as a contractor (Felony), Fraud/Impersonating Contractor (Felony), Fraud/Contractor during state of emergency (Felony),  (1991/2015- West Palm Beach/Port St. Lucie/Hillsborough County/Pasco County), *Previously Arrested Federally for Trafficking in cocaine in Panama- Went to Federal Prison* Total of 16 felonies and 18 misdemeanors.

 

Colon-Colon Drug Trafficking Organization

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working as a part of the Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, arrested six suspects on December 17, 2023 who were a part of a drug trafficking organization known to sell trafficking amounts of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Investigators learned in August of 2023 that a man named Luis Salcedo-Rodriguez aka “Flaco” was linked with drug trafficking in Polk County. Detectives met with Salcedo-Rodriguez who offered to sell kilos of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to undercover detectives.

During the investigation, detectives learned the source of supply of the cocaine offered by Salcedo-Rodriguez was Roosevelt Colon-Colon of Poinciana.

Detectives first arranged for the purchase of 1 kilo of cocaine. In December, detectives arranged a second purchase for additional cocaine. An undercover detective initially met Luis Salcedo and 29-year-old Miguel Berdecia who arrived in a BMW sedan. While they were talking, a pickup truck arrived containing Roosevelt Colon-Colon and Julio Arroyo Rodriguez—they were in possession of 1 kilo of cocaine. During the conversation, another vehicle arrived. That vehicle contained 44-year-old Jazmine Colon, 47-year-old Omar Medina and a 7-year-old girl who was in Jazmine Colon’s custody.

Sheriff’s deputies stopped all of the vehicles and arrested all involved (except for the 7-year-old). Julio Arroyo Rodriguez had a loaded 9mm handgun on him as he was taken into custody and Colon-Colon threw a 9mm handgun from his waistband on the floorboard of the truck just prior to being taken into custody.

A total of 2+ kilos of cocaine were obtained during the investigation (2,198.91 grams). $8,535 in US currency and two firearms were seized during the arrest in December.

Those arrested are:

Luis “Flaco” Salcedo-Rodriguez, 45, Auburndale

Charges: trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (F1), possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)

Criminal history: battery, dealing in stolen property, engage in pawnbroker business without a license, false info and pawn items less than $300, fraud, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, burglary unoccupied structure no assault or battery, burglary occupied of dwelling unarmed, grand theft, nuisance structure for drug activity, maintain a structure for drug use, possession of heroin with intent to sell, possession of a hallucinogen, possession of heroin, possession of oxycodone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of alprazolam, knowingly driving with suspended license, 0perate vehicle without valid license, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in heroin over 4 grams, maintain a residence for drug trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of synthetic cannabinoid 28 grams. (20 felonies, 10 misdemeanors, sentenced to a total of 12 years in Florida state prison serving 3 separate sentences.) His most recent release from state prison was on 12/18/2021.

Roosevelt Colon Colon, 29, Poinciana

Charges: armed trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (FL), possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)

Criminal history: driving with a suspended license (2014), driving with a suspended license (2015), criminal mischief, aggravated assault w intent to kill, shooting into a building or vehicle (Resulted in 5 years state prison), unlawful racing on highway, and driving while license suspended habitual (Felony).

Julio Arroyo Rodriguez, 38, Poinciana

Charges: Armed trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (FL) and possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)

Criminal history: Possession of cocaine and operating a motorcycle without a license.

Omar Medina, 47, Tampa

Charges: Conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (F1), negligent child abuse (F3)

Criminal history: Carry concealed weapons; attack to commit murder, attempt to kill police, resistance to public officer, criminal act, mayhem (Puerto Rico charges); dangerous drugs money laundering, conspiracy to traffic at least 1 kilogram of heroin (2007 federal arrest; DEA Puerto Rico)—convicted 11 years federal bureau of prisons; conspiracy to traffic cocaine- (2010 federal arrest, DEA Puerto Rico)—convicted in plea bargain to 15 years to the federal bureau of prisons; dangerous drugs money laundering. Placed on Federal probation in 2022; federal probation was set to end in 2030.

Miguel Berdecia, 29, Bartow

Charges: Trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams- (F1)

Jazmine Colon, 44, Tampa

Charges: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 400 grams of cocaine (F1), child neglect without bodily harm (F3).

Criminal history: petit theft

*Information provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is directly related to information and public arrest documents filed in the 10^th Judicial Circuit related to the two above described investigations. This information and all photos provided are distinct and apart from any federal prosecution.