Three Indian River County residents sentenced to prison for drug trafficking

MIAMI – Three Indian River County, Florida residents were sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking crimes, following a long-term drug trafficking investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO).

Beginning in July of 2022, the IRCSO began an undercover operation to purchase cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), fentanyl, and other illegal substances from individuals in Indian River County. The investigation was initiated due to historical complaints of narcotic transactions and narcotics overdoses at an Arcade in Vero Beach. During this operation, the IRCSO and DEA joined forces and used an undercover detective to purchase the controlled substances. In addition, from July 2022 until March 2023, the DEA and IRCSO investigated a loosely organized drug trafficking organization that was distributing meth in Indian River County. During the investigation, the IRCSO and DEA utilized an undercover detective to purchase illegal narcotics from members of the drug trafficking organization. The investigation led to the seizure of approximately 859 grams of meth. 

Montravius Deon Stuckey, 23, Karen Dayana Bermudez-Torres, 42, and Lakesia Denise Blackshell, 41, all of Indian River County, pleaded guilty for their involvement in the drug trafficking organization, as set forth in their respective agreed upon factual proffers and plea agreements. U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez sentenced each of the three defendants to federal prison.

On Nov. 8, Stuckey was sentenced to 97 months in prison, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth, and three substantive counts of distribution of a of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth.

On Nov. 8, Bermudez-Torres was sentenced to 100 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth, and three substantive counts of distribution of a of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth.

On Oct. 2, Blackshell was sentenced to 70 months in prison after having pleaded guilty to two substantive counts of distribution of a of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of DEA, Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Eric Flowers of IRCSO announced the sentences imposed.

DEA Miami Field Division, Port St. Lucie Resident Office and IRCSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Acosta prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Zloch is handling asset forfeiture.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-14015. 

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