Windermere woman could get 60 years in prison

Camila Correa, 25, of Windermere, has pleaded guilty to several charges related to drug trafficking and could face up to 60 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III said.

The charges include conspiracy to import a controlled substance, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, distribution of a controlled substance and witness tampering. She is the fifth Central Florida defendant believed to be involved in a distribution ring of Chinese methylone and ethylone, within a Department of Justice Special Operations Division investigation titled Project Synergy.

According to Project Synergy reports, Eduardo Da Silva, Mirielson Macedo Pereira, Travis Simmons and Thiago Correa, 22 and also from Windermere, are the four other defendants involved in the conspiracy to import and distribute at least 25 kilograms of the substances in Orange and Brevard counties.

Authorities accuse Thiago Correa of organizing the conspiracy by ordering the drugs, directing payments and overseeing shipment, recruitment and distribution. He and Camila Correa each recruited another member to the operation, according to reports.

Officials said Camila Correa had provided the group directions and communications. Federal authorities said she also threatened and intimidated a witness believed to be providing information on group activities.

Simmons received a seven-year federal prison sentence for his involvement: transport, communication and recruitment. He was eligible for a maximum sentence of 40 years, as are Da Silva and Pereira, who face sentencing Dec. 3. Thiago Correa could receive a sentence as long as life at his trial Dec. 14. Camila Correa has a potential maximum sentence of 60 years and a tentative sentencing date of Jan. 11, 2016.

Other controlled substances in this case are a-PVP and PVP. Arrests in this case occurred March 18, according to reports.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].