Sarasota man found guilty of armed trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine.
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
12TH Judicial Circuit
State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced on 4/17/2025 that Michael Luis Villanueva was convicted after jury trial of Armed Trafficking in Fentanyl, Armed Trafficking of Cocaine, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Possession of Controlled Substance and Reckless Driving. The crimes were committed on September 29, 2021, and investigated by the Sarasota Police Department. The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse on April 14-16, 2025.
The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of Life in Prison.
The minimum mandatory sentences are 25 Years in Prison for Armed Trafficking in Fentanyl and 10 Years in Prison for Armed Trafficking in Cocaine.
Sentencing is yet to be scheduled.
On September 29, 2021, Sarasota Police Officers were dispatched to a report of an aggravated assault in the Applegate Apartments, shortly after the report was made officers observed the defendant driving recklessly away from the scene and initiated a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle was conducted yielding the following: a loaded Glock 27 handgun, 146.495 grams of powder cocaine, 315.897 grams of marijuana, 259 pressed Fentanyl pills, scales and baggies. According to law enforcement the pills located in the defendant’s possession were disguised as Oxycodone. The defendant admitted to law enforcement that he had been conducting sales of both the marijuana and cocaine for at least one month prior to this incident.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Alexandra Church commented, “This verdict sends a clear message that narcotics trafficking will not be tolerated in our community. We are committed to holding offenders accountable and ensuring that justice is served. This case reflects the tireless work of the Sarasota Police Department in ensuring that dangerous narcotics stay off our streets. The jury rendered a verdict that the evidence in this case demanded, and justice required. It is always a good day when someone choosing to profit from poison is held accountable.”
If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney Alexandra Church in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.