Florida – On a fateful day in late November 2022, a heinous crime unfolded at the Aladdin Hotel in Miami, leading to the execution-style murder of a victim involved in a drug trafficking dispute. Jimmy Sanchez, 36, from San Diego, California, and Tsvia Kol, 36, from Miami, now face severe legal consequences, including a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
The Crime and the Charges
The indictment brought against Sanchez and Kol includes charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which resulted in death. This grave incident traces back to a dispute over a missing methamphetamine package that Kol believed the victim had stolen.
According to the details of the case, Tsvia Kol allegedly lured the victim to the hotel under the pretense of resolving the issue concerning the missing drugs. She then coordinated with Sanchez, who flew in from San Diego specifically to aid her in dealing with the victim. The situation escalated dramatically, culminating in the victim being fatally shot twice in the face and head, a gruesome scene later discovered by law enforcement officers.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences
The serious nature of the charges reflects the severity of the crimes committed. Both Sanchez and Kol are facing a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment, life-long supervised release, and fines that could total up to $10 million if they are found guilty at trial. This case highlights the harsh realities and the often-deadly consequences of drug trafficking and violence.
Investigation and Prosecution Efforts
The investigation into this crime was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Miami Field Division and the Miami-Dade Police Department, with additional assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
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U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter, and Director Stephanie V. Daniels announced the charges. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yara Dodin and Monica Castro, with Mitchell Hyman managing asset forfeiture.
