A Hallandale woman and a California man were sentenced on April 10 to more than 46 years combined in prison for the killing of a Miami man connected to a drug trafficking conspiracy. Tsvia Kol, 37, received a sentence of over 19 years, while Jimmy Sanchez, 38, was sentenced to over 27 years after both pleaded guilty to using a firearm resulting in death and conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.
The case highlights the deadly consequences that can result from drug trafficking activities. Authorities said Kol and Sanchez believed their victim had stolen an approximately $90,000 package containing about eleven pounds of methamphetamine. In reality, law enforcement had seized the drugs.
According to court documents, Kol and Sanchez confronted the victim in a hotel room they rented. During the encounter, Kol gave Sanchez a firearm. The victim called emergency services during the confrontation; his call captured sounds of violence and gunfire. Security footage showed both defendants fleeing after the shooting. The victim’s body was found by authorities the following day.
“Suspecting that the victim had stolen drugs from them, these defendants committed an execution-style murder,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The drug business is a dangerous game that too often results in death. The Criminal Division will continue to prosecute drugs crimes, especially those involving violence.” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said: “This started as a drug deal gone wrong and ended in an execution… The prison sentences… reflect the seriousness of that violence… In South Florida we pursue long federal sentences that keep violent criminals off the streets and protect our community.” FBI Assistant Director Heith Janke stated: “These defendants ruthlessly murdered someone whom they thought had stolen from their own illegal drug trafficking network… Today their sentence ends this cycle of violence.” DEA Special Agent Miles Aley added: “DEA Miami Agents are working tirelessly to bring justice and safety to our community.” U.S Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo commented: “In this case the defendants decided contents of a package were worth more than the victim’s life… It’s a decision they will pay for.”
Kol and Sanchez pleaded guilty in January 2026 to conspiracy charges related to distributing methamphetamine as well as causing death during such offenses.
Multiple agencies investigated this case including Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office, Hialeah Police Department, and San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S Attorney Monique Botero prosecuted alongside Trial Attorney Jessica A Massey from DOJ’s Violent Crime Section as part of ongoing efforts under Miami’s Violent Crime Initiative targeting gang-related offenses with federal resources.
