Orlando couple charged with gun and fentanyl trafficking

Federal authorities have charged a Florida couple with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and use of a firearm in drug trafficking.

Giovany Joel Crespo Hernandez, 27, of Orlando, and Monicasabel Romero Soto, 28, of Orlando, were indicted Thursday by a grand jury.

Crespo Hernández faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts. If convicted on all counts, Romero Soto faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison.

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The indictment also orders Crespo Hernández and Romero Soto that the United States intends to confiscate firearms and ammunition that allegedly facilitated the offenses.

According to the indictment, on April 17, 2024, Crespo Hernández and Romero Soto possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed a firearm in furtherance of this drug offense. On April 17, 2024, Romero Soto was in possession of at least 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Apopka Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Cloud and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie McNeff and Dana Hill will file charges.

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