What seemed like an ordinary family living at the Star Motel on bustling Okeechobee Road in Hialeah turned out to be the core of a drug trafficking network that operated brazenly, even in front of two children aged four and ten. A covert police operation, culminating in a SWAT raid, brought this illicit "family business" to a halt last Thursday, as described by a witness cited in local media.
The Disguise of a "Normal" Family at Star Motel
Hialeah police initiated their investigation weeks earlier when undercover officers noticed suspicious activities in room number 6 of the motel. Detectives conducted at least three covert purchases of drugs, specifically crystal meth, during which, according to official reports, the minors were present.
In the early hours of Thursday, police executed a search warrant that involved the SWAT team. Dozens of officers surrounded the motel while loudspeakers issued a clear command: "Come out with your hands up!" The arrested group, comprised of five adults, was spread across three different rooms at the Star Motel, yet they coordinated their illegal activities seamlessly.
Family Members and Their Alleged Roles
In the primary room, identified as number 6, resided Jessica Lange Nieves, 39, mother of the two girls, alongside her partner, Roy Carlos Durán (38), and the children aged 4 and 10. This was the main location for methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana transactions, as confirmed by undercover agents.
In the second room lived William Nieves, 57, Jessica's father and the girls' paternal grandfather. This room also stored drugs as part of the family's trafficking network.
The third room housed Melinda Nieves, 56, Jessica's mother and the maternal grandmother of the minors, along with her current partner José Manuel Cortés, 53, a known criminal nicknamed "King Chachi," who was also illegally in possession of a firearm.
Despite the separate physical locations, the five adults—whose national origins have not been disclosed—maintained a close family dynamic, supporting each other in caring for the girls and coordinating drug distribution at the motel. Investigators found methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, pills, and drug-related paraphernalia in the rooms. They also confiscated a firearm and ammunition from Cortés, who, due to his record, was not legally allowed to possess them.
Children at Risk in a Criminal Environment
In the room where illicit 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 sales in front of the children, who witnessed multiple exchanges.
During the raid, officers rescued the 4-year-old girl from the motel, while the older child was removed from her elementary school and taken to the Hialeah Police Department. One of the minors told authorities that Durán was responsible for their meals and taking them to school, with occasional care provided by their grandparents and Cortés.
Legal Charges and Detainment of the Accused
Jessica Nieves faces multiple charges for possession of heroin and marijuana with intent to distribute and for child neglect without causing serious bodily harm. Her partner, Roy Durán, was also charged with possession of controlled substances for distribution and child neglect. William Nieves, the paternal grandfather, faces charges for fentanyl trafficking, possession of controlled substances, and child neglect. Melinda Nieves and her partner José Manuel Cortés were also charged with child neglect. Cortés additionally faces charges for firearm possession and drug paraphernalia.
All were transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK), where they remain in custody as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
Criminal Backgrounds of Some Arrested Individuals
In addition to current charges, records indicate that Roy Durán was out on bail for prior possession of controlled substances. José Manuel Cortés, with an extensive criminal history, was last released from prison in 2022.
The case has shocked residents of the Star Motel and the Hialeah community. "At night, you see inappropriate things happening here, a lot of strange people moving around," commented a neighbor, expressing surprise at the outcome. "I was stunned when I found out," stated another neighbor.
Authorities consider the dismantling of this network a significant step in the fight against local drug trafficking but have also highlighted the vulnerable situation in which the minors lived. "We are awaiting confirmation from Hialeah Police that the two minors are safe," official sources stated, emphasizing concern for the children's safety and well-being.
The investigation remains open, and new details are expected to emerge in the coming days regarding the minors' fate and the judicial process against the five accused.
FAQs on Hialeah Motel Drug Operation
What charges are the family members facing?
Jessica Nieves faces charges for possession of heroin and marijuana with intent to sell, and child neglect. Roy Durán is charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and child neglect. William Nieves faces charges for fentanyl trafficking and child neglect. Melinda Nieves and José Manuel Cortés are charged with child neglect, with Cortés also facing charges for firearm possession.
How were the children affected by the drug operation?
The children, aged four and ten, were exposed to drug transactions conducted by their mother and her partner. The minors witnessed multiple exchanges, and their living environment was deemed unsafe. They were rescued during the police raid.