California Department of Health Care Services one of the investigation agencies

“It’s important that law enforcement identifies those who are selling illegal drugs that are destroying and taking lives.  Illegal drug activity does nothing to benefit families and communities and contributes to unsafe streets and neighborhoods.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN DIEGO – On May 17, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that James Jason Hendershaw, 36, of Vista was charged in an indictment 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 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.

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

California Department of Health Care Services