Mexican National Indicted For Distribution Of Fentanyl And Possession Of A Firearm

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Nahum Rodriguez-Jaimes (46, Mexico) with three counts of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, Rodriguez-Jaimes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment per count on the fentanyl distribution charges, and up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Rodriguez-Jaimes that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm as well as any assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

According to the indictment,Rodriguez-Jaimes distributed fentanyl pills on September 28, October 10, and October 19, 2023, in the Middle District of Florida.  On November 7, 2023, Rodriguez-Jaimes, who is not in the United States legally, was found to be in possession of a firearm, which is a violation of United States federal law.

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, the Plant City Police Department, and United States Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.