Introduction to the Investigation
The Monroe County Sheriff’s office was "intentionally and systematically excluded" from key parts of a three-year FBI investigation into cocaine distribution in the Florida Keys amid concerns at least one official with the local agency was leaking to the alleged head of the operation, according to a federal prosecutor’s court filing and an FBI agent’s testimony at a subsequent hearing.
Background of the Case
In the filing, which the government unsuccessfully sought to have sealed from public view to protect ongoing investigations, the prosecution claims the suspected leader of the conspiracy was "tipped off in advance" to a search of his $2 million waterfront home and that someone connected to the sheriff’s office "relayed information" about the search warrant.
The investigation led in September to the indictment and arrests of 27 people, many of them commercial or charter fishermen, men positioned to find kilos of cocaine floating in the waters or snarled in the mangroves of the Florida Keys, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release on the indictment and subsequent court pleadings.
And, the government alleges, it was well-known to local law enforcement and civilians to whom finders of cocaine could turn for distribution: John Robert Strama Jr., a 43-year-old speedboat racer and boat mechanic who is the lead defendant in the case. He faces up to life in prison if convicted, as charged, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.
FEDS: TARGET ‘TIPPED OFF’
The feds’ frustration with the sheriff’s office boiled over in April when they claimed in a motion to revoke Strama’s bond to have "probable cause" Strama was "tipped off" a second time, on April 17.
Late that afternoon, the agent testified, he called a Monroe County Sheriff’s “official” to say he was heading to a Metro PCS store in Marathon as part of "the Strama case." FBI Special Agent Matthew Ward was investigating whether Strama tampered with or intimidated a co-defendant at the store while free on bond the day before and, Ward testified, he wanted local law enforcement advice as he sought surveillance video.
But soon after Ward arrived – about 30 minutes after hanging up with the sheriff’s official – Strama showed up and surveilled the FBI agent, then questioned the store clerk about Ward’s intentions after Ward left, the government’s motion states.
John Robert Strama Jr.
Ward was there because the co-defendant, who had just agreed to cooperate in the case, reported an "angry, mad and aggressive" Strama confronted him outside the store on April 16, according to the court filing.
Suspected Leaks and Investigation
"What the f***?" Strama is quoted as asking the co-defendant in the U.S. Attorney’s ultimately unsuccessful motion to revoke Strama’s bond. “My attorney says you’re cooperating … We aren’t supposed to take plea deals," Strama said, according to Ward’s recounting of his interview with the co-defendant, Nyran Ross.
In seeking Strama’s incarceration before trial, the government argued Ross “became, and remains, a direct threat to Strama and Strama knows it" because Ross pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the feds the previous week.
Sheriff’s Office Response
As for the allegations of law enforcement leaks, the Monroe Sheriff’s Office said it had not been informed of the allegations by federal authorities, learning of them only after being questioned by NBC6 Investigates.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay said he then “spoke to FBI management (which) stated they have no issues with MCSO or any MCSO personnel regarding any FBI investigation."
FEDS: ‘PROBABLE CAUSE’ OF ‘TIP-OFF’
At the May 5 hearing seeking revocation of Strama’s bond, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean McLaughlin argued "our interaction with Monroe County (was) the triggering event" leading Strama to the Metro PCS store while Ward was still inside.
Investigation Details
He wrote in the partially redacted memorandum supporting the motion that “probable cause” Strama was “tipped off” by a Monroe County Sheriff’s employee was “further corroborated” by a contact in Strama’s phone that he previously texted with, though the content of the texts and identifying information are not revealed.
NO COMMENT FROM STRAMA
Rabin has not responded to phone calls and emails seeking his comment.
As for his client, NBC6 Investigates asked him several questions as he walked in the federal courthouse for a May 19 hearing:
- Who at the Monroe County sheriff’s office did he have as a contact in his phone?
- Did anyone at the sheriff’s office tip him off to either the search warrant or to Ward heading to the Metro PCS store?
- Why did he go to the store right after the FBI agent called an official from the county sheriff’s office?
He did not respond to any of them.
TAKING CHILD TO HUNT ‘SQUARE GROUPERS’?
In addition to being charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine, Strama is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (he was convicted in Monroe County more than 15 years ago of grand theft and dealing in stolen property – a boat engine).
Conclusion
The investigation into cocaine distribution in the Florida Keys has led to the indictment and arrests of 27 people, with the suspected leader of the conspiracy facing up to life in prison. The case has also raised concerns about potential leaks within the Monroe County Sheriff’s office, with the FBI excluding the office from key parts of the investigation.
FAQs
- Q: Who is the lead defendant in the case?
A: John Robert Strama Jr., a 43-year-old speedboat racer and boat mechanic. - Q: What is Strama charged with?
A: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine, among other charges. - Q: Why was the Monroe County Sheriff’s office excluded from the investigation?
A: Due to concerns about potential leaks within the office, with the FBI suspecting that at least one official was leaking information to Strama. - Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: Strama and the other defendants have pled not guilty, with some defendants having already pled guilty and been sentenced. The case is ongoing.
