United States Drug Enforcement Administration

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Robert J. Bell, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Division, and U.S. Attorney Kirsch announced Juan M. Hernandez, age 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Hernandez was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“Mr. Hernandez will serve a long prison term for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Distribution of highly addictive and destructive drugs like methamphetamine is criminal activity that law enforcement will aggressively pursue."The DEA works with all Fort Wayne law enforcement agencies as a well-coordinated team to investigate illegal drug distribution and my office, as this case shows, will support those investigations with federal court prosecution.”

According to documents in this case, in the summer of 2019, there were multiple controlled buys of methamphetamine made from Hernandez that ultimately led to his arrest and federal charges. In an interview, Hernandez admitted to federal agents that he would regularly obtain one-fourth to one-half pound of crystal methamphetamine over several months, which methamphetamine he then distributed. He also admitted to federal agents that the most methamphetamine he possessed at one time was six to seven pounds.

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The sentencing of Mr. Hernandez to 21 years in federal prison was necessary and just for the fine citizens of Fort Wayne and the surrounding area. Mr. Hernandez peddled methamphetamine that had a purity level of 100 percent. Anytime DEA and their partners can take methamphetamine off the streets it is a big win! Especially methamphetamine that is 100 percent pure. DEA is committed to working with our state, local and federal partners and making our communities safe.”

The case was investigated by the DEA with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, Allen County Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.