Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Kelvin Undray Cokley, II (31, Sarasota) guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, possessing a firearms as a convicted felon, and possessing a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking. Cokley faces a minimum penalty of 40 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 30, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in November 2024, Cokley was the subject of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation involving fentanyl trafficking in Sarasota. Cokley used an apartment in Sarasota to store and process fentanyl. Agents observed Cokley conducting drug transactions in a hotel parking lot in Sarasota. During their surveillance, Cokley called Elijah Jones, a charged co-defendant, to discuss suspected police surveillance in the area. Cokley and Jones became concerned about law enforcement activity and Cokley declared it was time to “clean house.” Agents obtained three search warrants and executed them within hours of the call. They seized 10 firearms and ammunition from Cokley’s bedroom as well as approximately 12.5 grams of a fentanyl mixture from a satchel with his wallet and a scale. Next, agents searched the stash apartment and found over 200 grams of fentanyl mixtures as well as xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer. Agents located blenders, cutting agents, baggies, ammunition, and a machinegun in a cabinet in the kitchen. The machinegun had an extended magazine with ammunition loaded inside.
Figure 1 Trial Exhibit 67C
Figure 2 trial exhibit 67DAgents also recovered a blender with fentanyl residue in a tub of male clothing in the bedroom. A Pioneer Arms Hellpup rifle, loaded with ammunition, was tested and determined to have Cokley’s DNA on the grip and trigger. The tub was recovered next to bulk currency and the vacuum sealed fentanyl.
Figure 3 trial exhibit 83QCokley has been ordered to forfeit the firearms and currency used or gained by the crimes of conviction. He is also subject to enhanced penalties for committing these crimes within 15 years of release from prison on a serious violent felony. According to records from the Florida Department of Corrections, Cokely previously served 10 years in prison for an aggravated battery.
Co-defendant Elijah Jones was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in this case. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Tampa Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and Lindsey Schmidt. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky will handle the forfeiture.