Members of Crack Cocaine Distribution Organization Indicted

FORT MYERS, FL—United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jude Sereme (27), Neheme Ductant (27), Rick Jean (25), Wilmane Jean (22), Rashid Francois (26), Fritzco Desir (23), Jophaney Hyppolite (28), and Eric Bonita (25), all residents of Miami, and Jennifer Nicole Sander (30) and Michael Dupin (29), both residents of Fort Myers, with conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of crack cocaine. If convicted on all counts, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to 40 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, since July 2010, the conspirators have been manufacturing and distributing cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, in Lee County. Several of the members of the organization also allegedly possessed cocaine and distributed crack cocaine during the course of the investigation.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This investigation was the result of a comprehensive and dedicated effort by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Coral Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Miami Police Department. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.