Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Michael Jatsko (34, Melbourne), Alivia Mae Assidio (23, Melbourne), and Leonard Ronald Nile, Jr. (52, Melbourne) with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Jatsko and Assidio are also charged with distribution of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Jatsko and Assidio each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Nile faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Jatsko and Assidio that the United States intends to forfeit a Mossberg pistol and Blackside Tactical rifle, which were seized from their residence.
According to court documents, Jatsko, Assidio, and Nile were involved in a drug conspiracy until June 24, 2025, when Jatsko and Nile were arrested. On June 24, 2025, law enforcement witnessed Jatsko and Nile loading into their vehicle large bags and boxes believed to contain narcotics. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle, Jatsko and Nile fled at a high rate of speed. The high-speed chase ultimately ended in Brevard County, after Florida Highway Patrol troopers immobilized the fleeing car. A search of the vehicle revealed multiple kilograms of cocaine. Subsequent searches of Jatsko and Assidio’s storage unit and residence revealed substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as firearms. At the time, Jatsko and Assidio both had prior felony drug convictions. As convicted felons, they are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office – Special Investigations Unit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Originally published at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/brevard-county-drug-traffickers-charged-conspiracy-distribute-fentanyl-and-cocaine
