A Tampa man has been sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for his role in a cocaine distribution scheme. U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday handed down the sentence of 21 years and 10 months to Jose Pabon, age 45, after he pleaded guilty in February 2025 to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy charges.
Court documents state that an undercover operation began in July 2023 when a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office officer started purchasing cocaine from Joseph White, a co-defendant. The investigation determined that Pabon and another co-defendant, Daniel Vega Cabrera, supplied White with cocaine. Law enforcement observed Pabon delivering more than a kilogram of cocaine to White during the course of the operation.
Pabon faced an enhanced penalty due to two prior convictions for drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
