U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
Middle District of Florida
Middle District of Florida
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2011
Robert E. O’Neill, United States Attorney
Contact: William Daniels
(813) 274-6388
william.daniels@usdoj.gov
Valentine Bloods Leader Sentenced
Tampa, Florida — U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew yesterday sentenced David Martin Santiago (30, Pasco County) to 14 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, distribution of cocaine base, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The court ordered that this sentence is to be served consecutively to a ten-year sentence Santiago recently received in Pasco County for several felonies. Santiago pled guilty on May 5, 2011.
According to court documents, Santiago sold guns and drugs to a confidential informant during a lengthy investigation into the Pasco County sect of the Valentine Bloods street gang by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pasco County Sheriffs Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Walter E. Furr, III.
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