Sentencing has been set for September 10, 2024, for Ruben Hernandez, after being found guilty as charged in a drug trafficking case in Hendry County, following a two-day trial.
The defendant was convicted of:
• Trafficking in Synthetic Cannabinoids 500-1,000 grams
• Possession of a Place with Knowledge of Trafficking, Sale, or Manufacture of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Paraphernalia
• Failure of Defendant on Bail to Appear
Synthetic cannabinoids are a class of lab-made substances similar to cannabis. Assistant State Attorneys Haylie Gutierrez and Kyle Bermingham prosecuted the case.
In April 2019, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and their Crime Interdiction Unit received consent to search a home in Clewiston, after an investigation revealed drug activity at the home.
The search revealed trafficking amounts of synthetic cannabinoids, multiple pounds, in the residence. In the living room, large gallon sized bags of the drugs were found stashed in the cushions of the couch.
In the kitchen, there was a small scale on a table with more bags of drugs. A search of the bedroom led to synthetic cannabinoids being located on top of dressers and hidden in drawers. Deputies also found plastic vials of a synthetic cannabinoid reagent, which is used to make the drugs.
The investigation led to the arrest of the defendant.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office, Communications Director