Methamphetamine Distributor Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison, but Alleged Role in Luring Drug Courier to His Murder Unmentioned in Court
Background
Tsvia Kol, 36, a methamphetamine distributor linked to the Sinaloa cartel, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison on Thursday. However, her alleged role in luring a drug courier to his murder was not mentioned in open court.
Cooperation with Authorities
Kol had agreed to cooperate with authorities in 2020, on the condition that she stop engaging in illegal activity outside of her cooperation with law enforcement. She was initially caught with nearly 2 kilos of meth, but was not arrested until December 2022, a day after the murder of 46-year-old Julio Gonzalez.
Uncharged Conduct
The government failed to explain why Kol was not arrested in July 2021, 16 months before the murder, when she admitted distributing 15 pounds of meth to co-conspirators in violation of her 2020 cooperation agreement with the feds. A federal agent testified that they "completely shut off communications" with Kol when she made the unauthorized deal and "lied to us and we were out of it."
The Murder
Gonzalez, a drug courier, was found dead in a Miami Springs hotel room. Surveillance video shows Kol and Gonzalez entering the room, followed by a suspected Sinaloa cartel member who later executed Gonzalez. Authorities believe the suspected shooter was in communication with Kol and was likely led to the location by her.
Investigation and Sentencing
The government did not arrest Kol despite her alleged involvement in the murder. Instead, she was sentenced to 9 years in prison for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute the nearly 2 kilos of meth she was caught with in 2020. The government did not seek to include her alleged role in the murder to boost her potential sentence.
Defense and Government Response
Kol’s defense team and the government have remained silent on the matter, with the defense saying they respect the court’s judgment and the government not commenting on whether they feel any responsibility for the murder.
FAQs
Q: Why was Tsvia Kol not arrested in July 2021?
A: The government has not explained why Kol was not arrested 16 months before the murder, despite admitting to distributing 15 pounds of meth to co-conspirators in violation of her cooperation agreement.
Q: Why did the government not charge Tsvia Kol with the murder of Julio Gonzalez?
A: Tsvia Kol has not been charged in connection with the murder, and it is unclear why the government failed to arrest her or charge her with the crime.
Q: What does the future hold for Tsvia Kol?
A: Kol is currently serving a 9-year sentence for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Her exact release date is uncertain, but she will likely be eligible for early release after serving 85% of her sentence.
