By Ciara Perez, Investigative Journalist | iSkyCreations – News & Media (ISC)
Published Jan 24th, 2024
TAMPA, FL – In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced 34-year-old Orlando resident Eric Joen Brenes-Colon to nine years in federal prison. The charges, to which Brenes-Colon had pled guilty on October 26, 2023, include conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and MDMA (Ecstasy).
Court documents reveal Brenes-Colon’s central role as a supplier in a drug-trafficking network that was active in Central Florida and Tampa during 2020 and 2021. He was responsible for coordinating the shipment of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Florida, distributing significant quantities to Georgi Milenov Solakov (31, Tampa). Solakov, who was convicted on federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses on September 17, 2021, is currently serving a sentence in federal prison.
The operation involved sophisticated methods of distribution, with cocaine being shipped to Solakov’s residence in parcels containing Styrofoam coolers. In addition to cocaine, Brenes-Colon was involved in the distribution of MDMA tablets and marijuana. The investigation, which led to his arrest, also resulted in the seizure of several firearms, including a shotgun, a semi-automatic pistol, and an assault rifle.