Local

Tampa Man Gets Over 21 Years in Prison for Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy

Tampa man Jose Pabon sentenced to 21 years for cocaine distribution. He supplied over a kilo to a dealer.

byEditorial Staff

August 27, 2025, 12:48 PM

A person is handcuffed behind their back, with a large package of drugs and evidence on a table in front of them

A person in handcuffs with drug evidence laid out on a table, symbolizing a drug trafficking arrest. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Jose Pabon, 45, of Tampa, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.

Pabon was identified as a primary supplier, delivering over one kilogram of cocaine to a co-defendant, Joseph White, who sold to an undercover officer.

His sentence included an enhanced penalty due to two prior drug trafficking convictions, contributing to the lengthy prison term.

Laws and Precedent

The defendant was sentenced in federal court for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense, falling under federal drug trafficking laws. His sentence included an enhanced penalty due to two prior drug trafficking convictions, aligning with federal sentencing guidelines that mandate stricter penalties for repeat offenders.

A Tampa man, Jose Pabon, 45, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday imposed the sentence after Pabon pleaded guilty in February 2025 to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense.

Details of the Investigation

According to court documents, the investigation began in July 2023 when an undercover officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office started purchasing cocaine from Joseph White, a co-defendant. Law enforcement efforts soon identified Pabon and Daniel Vega Cabrera, another co-defendant, as White’s primary sources of supply.

During the course of the operation, officers arranged cocaine purchases from White and observed Pabon directly delivering the narcotics to him. In total, Pabon was responsible for delivering more than one kilogram of cocaine to White, facilitating the distribution network.

Pabon’s sentence included an enhanced penalty due to his criminal history, specifically two prior convictions for drug trafficking offenses. This factor significantly contributed to the lengthy prison term handed down by the court.

Agencies Involved

The case was a collaborative effort, investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman led the prosecution, bringing the case to its conclusion.

This sentencing underscores the Department of Justice’s ongoing commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations and holding individuals accountable for their roles in distributing illegal narcotics within the community. The substantial prison term reflects the severity of Pabon’s offenses and his repeat involvement in drug-related crimes.