A Lakeland man, Nahum Rodriguez-Jaimes, aged 48, entered a guilty plea for charges related to distributing lethal fentanyl pills, as announced by U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Facing the possibility of 20 years in prison for each of the three counts against him, Rodriguez-Jaimes’ sentencing date is still pending. With a citizenship in Mexico, Rodriguez-Jaimes may also confront the reality of deportation following his sentence.

As detailed in court records and the plea agreement, Rodriguez-Jaimes was indicated to be selling fentanyl in Plant City, following tips received by law enforcement. His criminal activity was noted to have occurred on three distinct occasions at a commercial locale in Plant City. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Rodriguez-Jaimes distributed 200 fentanyl pills on September 28, 2023, went on to dispense 300 more on October 10, 2023; and concluded with 3 baggies of the drug on October 19, 2023.

This criminal case brought against Rodriguez-Jaimes was a combined investigative effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Plant City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman is in charge of prosecution.

While the sentencing for Rodriguez-Jaimes is yet to be decided, the case reflects an ongoing struggle against the fentanyl crisis that has gripped many communities across the nation. The potent synthetic opioid, often associated with a high risk of overdose, has led to a surge in fatalities, underscoring the significance of the meticulous investigation and cooperative law enforcement efforts which resulted in this plea.