Willy Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Born | Augusto Guillermo Falcón (1955-09-01) September 1, 1955 |
| Other names | Doctor Wilfredo Vargas |
| Occupation | Drug lord |
| Known for | Drug lord, Offshore powerboat racer |
| Criminal status | Released and deported from the United States |
| Convictions | Illegal possession of a firearm (1997) Money laundering (2003) |
| Criminal penalty | 14 years imprisonment |
| Accomplice | Sal Magluta |
Augusto Guillermo "Willy" Falcon (born September 1, 1955) is a former drug kingpin who, along with his partner Sal Magluta, operated one of the most significant cocaine trafficking organizations in South Florida history.
Biography
Speedboat racing
Falcon was a speedboat racing champion in the 1980s.[1]
1996 trial
Magluta, along with his partner, Falcon was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 1991 for a plethora of drug trafficking crimes, including operating a continuing criminal enterprise accused of importing and distributing over 75 tons of cocaine.[2][3] Falcon was represented by Albert Krieger, Susan Van Dusen, and D. Robert "Bobby" Wells.[4] His partner Magluta was represented by Roy Black, Martin Weinberg, and Richard Martinez (Magluta's brother in law).[2] Both Magluta and Falcon were found not guilty after a lengthy trial before Judge Federico Moreno.
Gun conviction
In 1997 he was convicted for illegal possession of a firearm.[5]
Juror bribery
Following the 1996 trial, the United States Attorney's Office directed an investigation into Magluta and Falcon's finances that ultimately revealed that members of their jury - including the jury foreman - had been bribed. Magluta, Falcon, several of the jurors, their associates and even some of their lawyers were ultimately charged with various criminal offenses arising from the conduct.[6][7]
Guilty plea and deportation
In 2003 he pled guilty to a single count of money laundering in a plea deal with the government for a reduced 20-year sentence.[8] After his 2017 release he was transferred to ICE custody.[9] He was deported to the Dominican Republic, where he stayed for a short period of time, as the Dominican Republic authorities did not want his residence in the country.[10] He was forced to flee the country and his whereabouts are currently unknown.[11]
In popular culture
Falcon and his partner Magluta are the subjects of the 2021 documentary Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami.[12]
Rick Ross' single, "Little Havana", released December 2, 2021, opens with Ross and Falcon talking; Falcon claims to have helped build Miami into the city it is today and expresses appreciation to Rick Ross for "keeping my name alive in your music".[13] Falcon participated in the filming of the song's music video, appearing in the opening and closing, while archival footage of him racing his speedboat appears near the midpoint.[14]
References
- ^ "Willy & Sal, Episode 1: The Rise of Cocaine Cowboys Willy Falcon and Sal Magluta".
- ^ a b Dante Parra Herrera, Jose (August 21, 1999). "U.S. INDICTS 12 IN DRUG CASE". Sun Sentinel.
- ^ Strouse, Charles (February 14, 1996). "PROSECUTORS SAY MEN WERE KINGPINS; DEFENSE CLAIMS FRAME-UP". Sun Sentinel.
- ^ DeFede, Jim (December 14, 1995). "The Best Defense Money Can Buy". Miami New Times. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
- ^ Glover, Scott (March 27, 1997). "GUN CONVICTION NAILS COKE CASE FIGURE". Sun Sentinel.
- ^ Holland, John (March 4, 2000). "BRIBED FOREMAN GETS 17 YEARS". Sun Sentinel.
- ^ W. O'Neill, Ann (January 15, 2004). "BRIBED JURORS GET 5 YEARS IN PRISON". Sun Sentinel.
- ^ O'Neill, Ann W. (September 27, 2021) [June 17, 2003]. "Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 28, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
- ^ Guirola, Jamie (June 19, 2017). "'Cocaine Cowboy' Augusto Falcon in ICE Custody After Release From Prison" (text / video). News. WTVJ. Archived from the original on March 19, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
- ^ Weaver, Jay (November 19, 2018) [November 19, 2018]. "Cocaine Cowboy Willie Falcon deported to Dominican Republic". Crime. Miami Herald. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
- ^ "Adios, Muchachos". Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami. Episode 6. Rakontur Production. August 4, 2021. Event occurs at 41:00. Netflix.
- ^ Desta, Yohana (August 6, 2021). "Cocaine Cowboys: Inside the Wild Netflix Docuseries about Miami's Drug Trade". Hollywood. Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on September 19, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
- ^ Marie, Erika (December 3, 2021). "Rick Ross Delivers "Little Havana" Ft. Willie Falcon & The-Dream". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
- ^ Ross, Rick; Falcon, Willie; The-Dream (January 28, 2022). Rick Ross - Little Havana (Official Music Video) ft. Willie Falcon, The-Dream. Epic Records. Retrieved October 28, 2025 – via YouTube.
