The leader of a methamphetamine ring has been sentenced to 27 years in prison.
Aaron Luke Hernandez, 38, of Elbert County, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty in July to felony possession of a controlled substance and a COCCA (organized crime) charge, according to an 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office media release.
The meth ring headed by Hernandez was a “major source” of the drug for local users and large quantities were also distributed in South Dakota, prosecutors said.
As part of the conviction Hernandez forfeited $9,000 in cash, two vehicles, several thousand dollars in gift cards and $25,000 in miscellaneous electronics and property.
Codefendants in the case also received prison terms, the release said, including Josh Minshall, 13 years; Calvin Gale, four years; and Casey Watkins, six years.
Hernandez “operated a methamphetamine distribution ring that wreaked havoc in Elbert County,” prosecutor Brian Sugioka said in the release. “At least three of his regular customers have lost custody of their children due to methamphetamine addiction, in addition to unknown numbers of other addicts who have had their lives destroyed.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or
