Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has successfully obtained a 25-year prison sentence for Kevin Choute, the leader of a drug-trafficking organization operating in Gadsden and Leon counties. Choute was found guilty by a Leon County jury on charges of trafficking heroin and cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm.
In a statement, Attorney General Moody expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "Drug traffickers profit from the misery of others, but in Florida, we are making sure they pay dearly for their crimes. The defendant in our case found out the hard way that crime never pays, and thanks to our great law enforcement partners and my Statewide Prosecutors, he will be behind bars for a long time."
The case against Choute was initiated as part of Operation No Warning, an extensive law enforcement effort aimed at dismantling drug-dealing networks in Gadsden and Leon counties. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement led the investigation, utilizing wiretap interceptions and physical surveillance to gather evidence against Choute and his associates.
The investigation revealed Choute to be the leader of a sophisticated drug-trafficking organization. A search of his residence uncovered a significant amount of illegal drugs, including three kilograms of cocaine and approximately 714 grams of heroin. Additionally, it was discovered that Choute frequently traveled to California to procure cocaine and heroin from illicit suppliers.
As a result of the evidence presented during the trial, Judge Stephen Everett sentenced Choute to 25 years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. This ruling sends a strong message to other drug traffickers that their illegal activities will not be tolerated in Florida.
The successful outcome of this case was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff's Office, the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Tallahassee Police Department all played vital roles in the investigation and apprehension of Choute.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Guillermo Vallejo and Jae Hee Kim, under the guidance of Attorney General Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution, handled the case with diligence and professionalism.
This latest conviction serves as a testament to the commitment of Attorney General Ashley Moody and her team in their fight against drug trafficking in Florida. By holding criminals accountable and ensuring lengthy prison sentences, they are working to protect communities and make the state a safer place for all its residents.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-moodys-statewide-prosecutors-secure-25-year-prison-sentence-north