The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on April 10, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jesse Hernandez of the Bronx, New York with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The indictment alleges that on March 20, 2019, Hernandez possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.
According to court records, the one-count indictment is based on a drug seizure from a car in which Hernandez was a passenger. On March 20, 2019, Hernandez was the passenger in a rental car travelling 99 miles per hour northbound on Interstate 89 near Berlin, Vermont. After the vehicle was stopped for excessive speed, Vermont State Police obtained a state search warrant for the vehicle. As a result of the search, over 200 grams of crack cocaine were found in a sealed package held in a pillow within a plastic bag.
If Hernandez is convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of forty years with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment as well as a fine of up to $5,000,000. If convicted, Hernandez’s sentence will be advised by the federal sentencing guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proved guilty.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the efforts of the Vermont State Police and Vermont Drug Task Force in this matter.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest. Hernandez is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender David McColgin.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
