A Miami federal jury has brought the hammer down on three men for a violent conspiracy under the Hobbs Act. Palacio Valdes Farley, Joassiant Josiah Aristil, Jr., and Jamar Brandon Nattiel were convicted for their roles in a string of armed robberies aimed at drug traffickers to steal marijuana, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.
The evidence laid out in court showed that, between 2016 and 2017, Farley not only orchestrated the drug distribution network but also schemed with his co-conspirators to rob their suppliers, primarily to sell marijuana at 100 percent profit. Their violent streak included a May 2016 robbery in Van Nuys, California, where the crew shot a supplier multiple times, snatched 25 pounds of marijuana, and fled. In a Daytona Beach confrontation in April 2017, the group brandished guns at two victims, took their possessions, and, when interrupted by a restaurant owner, engaged in a shootout that left one of the robbers wounded.
The conspiracy's perpetuation reached its apex in November 2017, as Farley brought in more accomplices to rob a victim in southern California. Following a meticulous plot, the group invaded the home of a marijuana distributor, tied up the victim and his wife, and escaped with marijuana, jewelry, and cash. While certain members like Martin and Flood pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, or like Williams, who has already been sentenced to 168 months, Farley, Aristil, and Nattiel are slated for sentencing on March 18, 2024, and could face up to 20 years in prison.
The convictions were the result of collaborative efforts by the FBI, Broward Sheriff's Office, and various police departments. This case forms part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces programs, which seek to reduce violent crime by focusing on the most dangerous offenders and integrating prevention and reentry efforts. As U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe stressed the impact of these convictions, he, along with other law enforcement officials, has encouraged anyone with tips to step forward and assist in their continued efforts to keep neighborhoods safe from violent crime and drug trafficking.
