Head of Fentanyl Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 50-year sentence for Hector Mojica Phipps, the main culprit of a sibling fentanyl trafficking operation. Mojica Phipps, along with sister Dilcia, sold and distributed heroin and fentanyl throughout Central Florida. Earlier this month, OSP secured a 25-year sentence for Dilcia Mojica Phipps.

Fentanyl is a highly lethal opioid. According to the Medical Examiner’s Interim Statewide Report for 2020, for the first time since 2013, drugs—specifically fentanyl—were found in more bodies of deceased persons than alcohol, with the data pointing to the majority of fentanyl occurrences being illicitly obtained. This sign of an increase in the illicit drug supply throughout Florida shows how fentanyl exacerbates the opioid crisis. The report also states that fentanyl caused the most drug-related deaths. Currently, nearly 21 people in Florida die each day from opioid abuse.

Attorney General Ashley Moody, “We are in the middle of a national opioid crisis claiming 21 lives a day in our state. It is imperative that we bring opioid traffickers to justice and stop them from peddling deadly poison in our state. This brother-sister trafficking team will now spend years behind bars for their role in fueling the opioid crisis. I want to thank my Statewide Prosecutors and law enforcement for working hard every day to remove fentanyl from our streets and bring to justice those profiting off the sale of these deadly substances.” Read More

Attorney General Moody Joins Multistate Amicus Brief to Stop Biden Administration’s Dangerous Immigration Policies

Attorney General Ashley Moody is joining a coalition of 17 other states to stop the Biden administration’s so-called interim guidance, which drastically and intentionally curtails immigration enforcement. The policy dramatically limits nearly all deportations and immigration-related arrests, including for those convicted of serious and even violent crimes, whom Congress has specifically directed the federal government to arrest and detain, but a federal judge recently ruled that the policy is unlawful. The coalition is asking the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to deny the Biden administration’s request for a stay of that ruling pending appeal so that President Biden’s illegal refusal to enforce the immigration laws will be halted while the administration’s appeal is ongoing.

The legal theory in this case is substantially similar to one advanced by Florida in its own lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s reckless policies, which Attorney General Moody filed in March.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Instead of following the direction of the court to enforce federal law, President Biden is seeking an emergency order to keep his illegal policies in place. Every day he ignores federal law, we become less safe. I am joining my colleagues from 17 other states in calling on the court to deny the Biden administration’s motion to stay as soon as possible so we can end the chaos at our Southern Border and protect the American people.” Read More

BACK THE BLUE ALERT: Attorney General Moody Recognizes First Responder Couple for Pausing Nuptials to Rescue Car Crash Victim

Attorney General Ashley Moody presented Back the Blue Awards to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy and correctional officer for the couple’s heroic response to a car crash that occurred during the duo’s wedding festivities.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “I am blown away by the quick thinking and dedication shown by Deputies Christopher and Taylor Rafferty. As Florida law enforcement officers, it was second nature for them to drop what they were doing to help a citizen in need—in the middle of their wedding festivities. I could not be more grateful for the efforts of this bride and groom. Because of their selfless service, on their wedding day, a citizen in desperate need of help was rescued.” Read More