3 FL Drug Traffickers Sentenced In ‘Violent Kidnapping Of Rival’: DOJ

FLORIDA — Three Florida drug traffickers have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the “violent kidnapping of (their) rival,” according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Mario Espino (25, Holiday), Jacob James Guest (24, Holiday) and Joey Lawrence Eugene Young (25, Pensacola) were sentenced to 22 years and six months, 20 years, and 25 years in federal prison, respectively, for drug trafficking, kidnapping, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes.

Each previously pleaded guilty to the offenses.

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Espino plotted with Guest and Young to kidnap a drug trafficker with whom he formerly worked, according to court documents.

He lured the victim to Florida by promising to pay an outstanding drug debt. When the victim arrived at Espino’s residence, the three bound, beat, and tortured him over 18 hours, the DOJ said.

During that time, Espino, Guest and Young demanded 10 kilograms of fentanyl as ransom from the trafficker’s cartel drug sources.

On October 11, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office rescued the victim from a vehicle that Espino, Guest and Young abandoned when law enforcement approached.

Agents found the victim in the back seat with a pillowcase over his head and zip ties and electrical cords around his wrists, the DOJ said.

In addition to the victim, they left behind 22 kilograms of methamphetamine, 100 grams of fentanyl, a firearm and more than $10,000 in cash.

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