Over 12 Pounds Of Methamphetamine Seized In Multiple Law Enforcement Agency Operation

Tampa, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the charging by Complaint of Jose Duarte, a.k.a "Margarito Garcia-Camacho" (45), a Mexican national residing in Highlands County; Ivan (a.k.a: "Costancio") Cabrerra-Pineda (41), a Mexican national residing in Charlotte County, and Brittnay Farabee (23), of Charlotte County, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the Complaint, on August 19, 2013, Duarte was approached by law enforcement at his residence in Lake Placid, Florida and admitted to being illegally in the United States after having been deported. He also admitted that he had been involved in the purchasing and selling of methamphetamine. Later, on that same date, investigators observed the delivery of approximately 5.4 pounds of methamphetamine from Cabrera-Pineda and Farabee to Duarte. The individuals were then taken into custody. A subsequent search was conducted at Farabee's residence, in Punta Gorda, where an additional seven pounds of methamphetamine was seized by law enforcement.

A Complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Border Patrol, the Hardee County Sheriff's Office, the Desoto County Sheriff's Office, and the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathy J.M. Peluso.