Ramon Hernandez IV, a 35-year-old man from Fort Lupton, has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. The guilty plea was entered yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge John L. Kane.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, Hernandez obtained controlled substances, including oxycodone, from a family physician for the past several years. Since April 2017, Hernandez has been prescribed and has obtained 60 oxymorphone, 150 oxycodone 20-milligram pills, and 300 oxycodone 30-milligram pills per month.
However, it was determined during the course of the investigation that Hernandez did not consume all of the pills he obtained by prescription. Instead, he traded pills with another individual and also gave that individual pills to sell on his behalf. Hernandez sold as many as 150 pills per month for $2,000, and he received all of the money from the sale of the drugs.
Hernandez was first charged by complaint on January 24, 2019, and was later indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on February 5, 2019. He appeared at the court hearing free on bond and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kane on September 4, 2019.
Hernandez faces not more than 20 years in federal prison, although the actual sentence will be determined by Judge Kane. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
The guilty plea is a significant development in the case, and it highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit sale of controlled substances. U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn, FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Steven Hanson announced the guilty plea.
The investigation and prosecution of Hernandez demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to holding individuals accountable for their role in the distribution of controlled substances. The case also serves as a reminder of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the importance of ensuring that these medications are used only as directed by a medical professional.
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Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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