A jury trial for a Cortez man charged with drug distribution began Monday in Montezuma County District Court.
Ramon Alberto DeJesus was arrested in April 2021 at a residence in Cortez for suspected distribution of meth.
He faces one count of possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance, a Class 2 drug felony; and one count of introduction of contraband into the Montezuma County Detention Center, a Class 4 felony.
During a search at the jail after his arrest, deputies found a bag of meth on DeJesus that weighed 16 grams. They also found five small bags with small amounts of meth inside.
He also has been charged as a habitual criminal, which elevates a sentence.
He pleaded not guilty in September. He has been in custody at the jail since his arrest on a $40,000 bond.
According to an arrest affidavit, DeJesus, known by the nickname “Ray Ray,” was arrested for allegedly selling meth twice during separate undercover operations in Cortez organized by the Montezuma-Cortez Narcotics Task Force.
In July 2020, DeJesus allegedly sold 14.6 grams of meth, and in August 2020 allegedly attempted to sell 28.8 grams of meth, according to case records.
The records say that during the undercover investigation, witnesses alleged that DeJesus was in possession of an assault rifle and handgun that “are used and carried to protect his drug investments.”
Undercover operations included surveillance of DeJesus’ residence at a local hotel, which is near a school.
The in-person trial in front of 22nd Judicial District Judge Christopher Munch is expected to last three days. The jury was seated Monday morning, and opening statements were heard in the afternoon.
DeJesus is represented by attorney Kellan Schmelz. The prosecutor is Jeremy Reed with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
