Denver DA Accuses Jose P. Hernandez of Running Large Scale Drug Operation

Fentanyl, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Cash and Guns Seized

DENVER— Denver District Attorney Beth McCann today announced that Jose Pedro Hernandez (age 42) faces 30 felony counts for allegedly running a large-scale drug operation involving fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine and cocaine.

In January 2022, the Denver Police Department received tips from two anonymous sources about suspected drug dealing occurring out of a house located at 36^th and Osage Street in Denver.  Officers obtained a search warrant and began surveilling the home. On January 20, 2022, Denver police officers had probable cause to search the house and arrested Hernandez. In the house, officers found:

• thousands of suspected fentanyl pills (about 850 grams of fentanyl subsequently determined)
• multiple pounds of suspected methamphetamine
• large quantity of suspected black tar heroin
• more than $7,000 in cash
• assault rifles, a shotgun, semi-automatic handguns, and a revolver
• miscellaneous gun parts including several non-serialized “ghost” lower receivers to rifles
• thousands of rounds of live ammunition in various calibers
• ledgers listing amounts owed/paid for illicit narcotics
• sandwich baggies allegedly used to package narcotics for sale, and
• scales.

Prosecutors have charged Hernandez with 24 counts of Possession of a Weapon By a Previous Offender (F6), three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (DF3), one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (DF2), and with two counts of possession with intent to distribute (DF1). Hernandez’ is scheduled for Arraignment at 8:30 a.m. on March 10, 2022, in Denver District Court courtroom 5A. This is Denver District Court case number 22CR000398.

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The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed a crime(s) under Colorado laws.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  See Colo. RPC 3.6.