Man Pleads Guilty to Role in $90M Eli Lilly Drug Heist

A Florida man plead guilty Monday to federal charges stemming from his involvement in the theft of nearly $90 million in prescription drugs from Enfield warehouse Eli Lilly, and $8 million in cigarettes from a warehouse in Illinois.

Amed Villa, 48, a citizen of Cuba last residing in Miami, FL, plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft from an interstate shipment and two counts of theft from an interstate shipment, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. When sentenced, he faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. Villa has been detained since his arrest on May 3, 2012.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz said Villa's guilty plea was the result of a "most exhaustive and far-reaching investigation" by authorities.

“Complex investigations involving multiple agencies and jurisdictions are often difficult because they require an especially organized and coordinated effort in order to bring those responsible for crimes to justice. The tremendous investigative and prosecutive effort in this matter is evident by Villa’s guilty plea,” Mertz said in a prepared statement.

Acting U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly said the Eli Lilly theft was "reportedly the largest in Connecticut history" and she gave thanks to the FBI in New Haven, the Enfield Police Department, and their counterparts in the Central District of Illinois, "for their cooperative investigative efforts in dismantling a prolific cargo theft ring."

In related news, Villa admitted that on Jan. 24, 2010, he helped steal more than 3,500 cases of cigarettes and a cargo trailer from a warehouse in East Peoria, Ill, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

This case is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Tate Chambers of the Central District of Illinois.