Guilty plea nets 7 1/2 years

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 3, 2008

TAMPA - A suspected leader of the Sur 13 gang received a 71/2-year federal prison sentence for armed drug trafficking Wednesday.

Gilberto "Wito" Villanueva, 20, pleaded guilty in September to distribution of cocaine, armed drug trafficking, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and possession of an unregistered short-barrel shotgun.

His arrest in June was one of dozens during a 10-month crackdown on illegal gang activity in eastern Hillsborough. Tampa was one of six areas in 2006 to receive a $2.5-millionshare of $15-million in federal funds, part of a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling the hottest gang zones.

After arresting Villanueva, local authorities dubbed their investigation "Operation: Pura Tranza" - which translates into "pure business" - because he had that mantra tattooed over his shaved eyebrows.

In addition to his 90-month sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release. He must complete drug and mental health treatment.

"I just want to do my time and put this behind me," Villanueva told U.S. District Judge James S. Moody Jr.

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 01:51:16]