Tampa Man Sentenced To Ten Years In Federal Prison For Conspiring To Distribute Cocaine

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Daniel Vega Cabrera (42, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense. Vega Cabrera pleaded guilty in March 2025.

According to court documents, in July 2023, an undercover deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began buying cocaine from Joseph White, a co-defendant of Vega Cabrera’s. Further investigation revealed that Vega Cabrera and Jose Pabon, another co-defendant, were White’s sources of supply. In total, Vega Cabrera provided more than 500 grams of cocaine to White for distribution between July 20, 2023, and May 14, 2024. Vega Cabrera is subject to an enhanced penalty in this case because he has a prior federal drug distribution conviction.

White and Pabon previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case and are currently pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.