What seemed like a typical family living at the Star Motel on the busy Okeechobee Road in Hialeah turned out to be the center of a drug trafficking network operating without hesitation, even in front of two minors aged four and ten.
An undercover operation by the local police, which culminated in a SWAT raid, put an end to the illicit activities of this "family business," as described by a witness quoted by the local press.
The facade of a "normal" family at the Star Motel
The investigation by the Hialeah police had begun weeks earlier, when undercover agents detected suspicious activity in room number 6 of the motel.
The detectives conducted at least three undercover drug purchases, specifically of crystal methamphetamine, during which, according to official reports, minors were present.
In the early hours of Thursday, the police executed a search warrant that involved the intervention of the SWAT team.
Dozens of agents surrounded the motel as loudspeakers issued a clear command: "Come out with your hands up!"
The detained group, consisting of five adults, was spread across three different rooms at the Star Motel, although they operated in a coordinated manner in their illicit activities.
In the first room, identified as number 6, resided Jessica Lange Nieves, 39 years old and mother of the two girls, along with her partner, Roy Carlos Durán (38), and the minors aged 4 and 10 years.
This was the main room where several transactions involving methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana took place, according to undercover agents.
In the second room of the motel lived William Nieves, 57 years old, father of Jessica and paternal grandfather of the girls. This place was also used to store drugs and was part of the family drug trafficking network.
In the third room, Melinda Nieves, 56 years old, mother of Jessica and maternal grandmother of the minors, was staying with her current partner, José Manuel Cortés, 53 years old, a known criminal nicknamed “King Chachi,” who was also in illegal possession of a firearm.
Despite the physical separation of the rooms, the five adults -whose nationalities of origin have not been disclosed- maintained a close family dynamic, supporting each other in the care of the girls and coordinating the distribution of drugs in the motel.
The researchers found methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, pills, and paraphernalia related to drug use and sales in the rooms.
They also confiscated a firearm and ammunition in the possession of Cortés, who, due to his background, was not legally allowed to own them.
Girls exposed to danger in a criminal environment
In the room where the illegal transactions took place, Jessica Nieves, her partner Roy Durán, her father William Nieves, and the two minors lived together.
The mother and her partner were directly involved in drug dealing in front of the girls, who witnessed multiple exchanges.
During the raid, officers rescued the 4-year-old girl from the motel, while her older sister was taken from her elementary school and transferred to the Hialeah Police Department headquarters.
One of the minors reported to the authorities that Durán was responsible for their meals and for taking them to school, and that they also received occasional care from their grandparents and Cortés.
Accusations and legal situation of the detainees
Jessica Nieves faces multiple charges for possession of heroin and marijuana with intent to sell, and for child neglect without causing serious bodily harm.
Her partner, Roy Durán, was also accused of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and child neglect.
William Nieves, the paternal grandfather, is facing charges of fentanyl trafficking, possession of controlled substances, and child neglect.
Melinda Nieves and her partner José Manuel Cortés were also charged with child neglect.
Cortés also faces additional charges for possession of a firearm and drug paraphernalia.
All were transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK), where they remain in custody while the case continues its judicial proceedings.
Criminal records of some of those arrested
In addition to the current accusations, records indicate that Roy Durán was out on bail for prior possession of controlled substances.
In the case of José Manuel Cortés, who has a long criminal history, he was last released from prison in 2022.
The case has caused shock among the residents of the Star Motel and the Hialeah community.
"At night, we see inappropriate activities ahead, with a lot of people moving about in a suspicious manner," commented a neighbor who, like others, was surprised by the outcome.
"I was amazed when I found out", stated another neighbor.
Authorities believe that dismantling this network represents a significant advance in the fight against local drug trafficking, but they have also highlighted the vulnerable situation in which the minors lived.
"We are waiting for a response from the Hialeah Police to confirm that the two minors are safe," official sources stated, emphasizing the concern for the safety and well-being of the girls.
The investigation remains ongoing, and it is expected that new information will be revealed in the coming days
These details, both regarding the fate of the minors and the progress of the judicial process against the five accused.
Frequently Asked Questions about the arrest of a family involved in drug trafficking in Hialeah
What happened at the Star Motel in Hialeah?
A police operation uncovered a drug trafficking network led by a family living in the Star Motel in Hialeah. The raid resulted in the arrest of five adults who were operating from three rooms in the motel, where two minors were also residing and exposed to the illegal activities.
What charges do those arrested in the Hialeah police operation face?
The detainees face multiple charges related to drug trafficking and child neglect. Jessica Nieves and Roy Durán were charged with possession of heroin and marijuana with intent to sell, as well as child neglect. Other family members face additional charges for fentanyl trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and drug paraphernalia.
How did the arrest affect the girls living at the Star Motel?
The 4 and 10-year-old girls were exposed to a dangerous environment due to their family's drug trafficking activities. During the operation, they were rescued by the authorities and taken to a safe place while efforts are being made to ensure their future well-being and safety.
What impact does the dismantling of this drug trafficking network have in Hialeah?
The dismantling of this network represents a significant advancement in the fight against local drug trafficking in Hialeah. Authorities hope this case will serve to deter future similar criminal activities and improve safety in the community, although concerns remain about the vulnerability of the minors involved.
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