Wilmer Sanchez Aquino, 36, of Loxahatchee, has been found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and attempt to distribute, cocaine. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sanchez Aquino faces up to 40 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2025.
Co-defendants in the case also pleaded guilty to related charges. Luis Garcia-Serrano, 36, admitted to drug trafficking and money laundering, with a possible life sentence. Antonio Gonzalez Prado, 49, pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking, which carries a sentence of 5 to 40 years.
Evidence presented at trial included a September 2021 delivery of cocaine accepted by Sanchez Aquino on behalf of Garcia-Serrano. In November 2021, investigators intercepted a kilogram of cocaine and replaced it with a block of wood. Intercepted communications between Garcia-Serrano and Sanchez Aquino confirmed Sanchez Aquino’s involvement and intent to distribute the drug. Financial records also showed cash deposits linked to the conspiracy.
Sanchez Aquino testified that the intercepted phone calls referred to someone else, but evidence included his phone number and identification by name.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Baeza led the prosecution, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Nebesky handled asset forfeiture. The case was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative, which focuses on dismantling major criminal networks.
