Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Joshua Wade McGinnis (27, Fort Myers) to 10 years in federal prison for multiple counts of distributing cocaine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. McGinnis had pleaded guilty on December 27, 2021.
According to court documents, between February and August 2021, McGinnis distributed cocaine to an undercover DEA agent and confidential source on multiple occasions in Fort Myers. During the last transaction before his arrest, McGinnis agreed to sell the source more than a pound of cocaine for $20,000. Fearing that he might be robbed during the transaction, McGinnis enlisted the assistance of his co-defendant, John Olvera-Salinas (20, Fort Myers). McGinnis asked Olvera-Salinas to accompany him to the transaction location and provided Olvera-Salinas with a loaded AK-47. When the two arrived at the location, they were promptly arrested by the DEA. At the time of the arrests, McGinnis possessed the cocaine and Olvera-Salinas possessed the loaded gun.
A subsequent search of McGinnis’s residence revealed a heavily fortified apartment, with security bars covering the windows and an extensive video surveillance system. The DEA agents recovered more than 14 firearms, nearly a pound of additional cocaine, 8 pounds of marijuana, approximately 3 ounces of oxycodone, and approximately one ounce of MDMA from the apartment.
Olvera-Salinas previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 9, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.