May 20, 2024 – SAN DIEGO – James Jason Hendershaw of San Diego was charged in an indictment unsealed last Friday with distributing the fentanyl and methamphetamine that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old San Diego resident.

The Oceanside Police Department and Oceanside Fire Department responded to a 911 call a few minutes after 6:00 a.m. on January 10, 2019. When they arrived, they found the victim, identified in court records as R.J., unresponsive and lying on a sidewalk at the corner of Farel Street and Via Sonora in Oceanside. He was pronounced dead a few hours later.

Hendershaw allegedly distributed the fatal mix of fentanyl and methamphetamine the night before.

“Prosecuting drug dealers who supply deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine is not just about accountability; it’s about preventing death by interrupting the supply chain,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “By identifying and charging the distributors, we send a clear message to the dealers of these toxins: You will be held accountable for the lives your product destroys.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Sausedo and Adam Gordon.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23-CR-2645-RBM                                        

James Jason Hendershaw                           Age: 36                          Vista, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Distribution of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Resulting in Death – Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C)

Maximum penalty: Life in prison

Mandatory minimum: Twenty years in prison

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Oceanside Police Department

State of California Department of Health Care Services

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: DOJ Release

Photo credit: DEA file photo