Brownsville, TX — A 27-year-old Brownsville man has been sentenced to 125 months in federal prison in a case involving a multi-kilogram cocaine trafficking operation and money laundering conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Eduardo Rodriguez Jr., who pleaded guilty on November 5, 2024, to possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, was sentenced August 26 by U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera. His prison term will be followed by five years of supervised release.
Federal authorities said the investigation began in January 2024 after Rodriguez was identified as a large-scale cocaine trafficker accused of coordinating the smuggling, transportation and distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the United States.
On March 1, 2024, investigators conducting surveillance at a Brownsville residence observed Daniel Roldan enter the home and later leave carrying a large box, which he placed inside a vehicle.
Authorities seized the box and discovered approximately 24 kilograms of cocaine. According to federal prosecutors, evidence showed Rodriguez coordinated the shipment and that the cocaine was destined for New York.
Roldan, 39, of Brownsville, and Andres Malave III, 45, of the Bronx, New York, also pleaded guilty in connection with the case and have been sentenced.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and FBI, with assistance from the Brownsville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce.
Federal officials said the investigation was conducted as part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative.
Rodriguez remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.