A Tampa man has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for his involvement in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday handed down the 10-year sentence to Daniel Vega Cabrera, age 42, following his guilty plea in March 2025.
Court records show that an undercover deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began purchasing cocaine from Joseph White, who was later identified as a co-defendant of Vega Cabrera, in July 2023. Investigators determined that both Vega Cabrera and another co-defendant, Jose Pabon, supplied White with cocaine. Between July 20, 2023, and May 14, 2024, Vega Cabrera provided more than 500 grams of cocaine for distribution.
Vega Cabrera faced an enhanced penalty due to a prior federal conviction related to drug distribution.
White and Pabon have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman prosecuted the case.
