Seminole County Couple Charged With Firearm And Drug Offenses

Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Giovany Joel Crespo Hernandez (27, Orlando) and Monicasabel Romero Soto (28, Orlando) with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted on all counts, Crespo Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted on all counts, Romero Soto faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Crespo Hernandez and Romero Soto that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition which are alleged to have facilitated the offenses.

According to the indictment, on April 17, 2024, Crespo Hernandez and Romero Soto possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug offense. On April 17, 2024, Romero Soto possessed with intent of distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Video statement from U.S. Attorney Handberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEz8M45kGqE