DEA And Pasco Sheriff’s Office Seize Over A Kilogram Of Suspected Fentanyl, $400,000 In Cash, And Multiple Firearms From Suspected Fentanyl Traffickers

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces an the return of an indictment charging Edwin Tyron Hill, a/k/a “Z,” (47, Holiday), and William Gaston (31, Port Richey) with conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Hill is also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. A third individual, Nelson White, a/k/a “Slug” (27, Holiday), was also arrested in this case and has been charged with conspiracy. If convicted, Hill faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Gaston and White each face a minimum mandatory of 10 years, and up to life, imprisonment. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit over $400,000 in cash and three firearms, which are alleged to be proceeds of, or used in furtherance of, the offenses. Further, the United States has notified Hill that it intends to forfeit his house in Pasco County.

According to court document, in late September 2018, the DEA executed search warrants in two locations linked to Hill, which resulted in substantial drug, cash, and firearm seizures. That same day, agents also conducted a traffic stop of Hill’s associate, Nelson White, resulting in an additional substantial seizure of drugs, cash, firearms, and ammunition.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.        

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.