Drug Trafficking and Stolen Vehicles: The Case of Sergio Velasco-Cortes in Butler County
A bar owner in Butler County, originally from Mexico, has pleaded guilty to charges related to cocaine trafficking and stolen vehicles. Sergio Velasco-Cortes, also known as Piojo, Gordo, and Brun, owned Ibiza Restaurante and Lounge and Bar Bunny. He purchased Ibiza for $250,000 in cash from another drug trafficker in 2024. Velasco-Cortes confessed to drug trafficking at both bars and was involved in distributing cocaine in Cincinnati and southwest Ohio.
In late 2024 and early 2025, Velasco-Cortes traveled to Indianapolis to buy large quantities of cocaine, which he brought back to the Tri-State area. Additionally, a co-conspirator received cocaine shipments from Puerto Rico and delivered them to Velasco-Cortes at Bar Bunny in February 2025. During a search in 2025, authorities discovered seven stolen vehicles at Velasco-Cortes' residence, some of which had altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs). There were discussions among Velasco-Cortes and others about purchasing, altering, and selling stolen vehicles.
Velasco-Cortes and five others were federally charged on April 1, 2025. He pleaded guilty to three counts on August 4 and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison when sentenced at a later date. Ibiza Restaurante and Lounge is now permanently closed, as per online listings. The case highlights the serious consequences of involvement in drug trafficking and illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and ensuring public safety.