Michael Hernandez, a/k/a “Jimmy,” 31, and Santo Rondo, 45, both of the Dominican Republic, with local residences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are charged in a five count indictment with distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin in Philadelphia, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Hernandez and Rondo are charged in a single count of the indictment with distribution of approximately more than 100 grams of heroin. And, Hernandez is also charged, in four separate counts, with distribution of approximately more than 100 grams of heroin, possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to the indictment, on July 30, 2015, Michael Hernandez distributed approximately 157 grams of heroin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is further charged that on August 12, 2015, Hernandez and Santo Rondo distributed approximately 200 grams of heroin in Philadelphia. The indictment further charges that on August 13, 2015, Michael Hernandez possessed with intent to distribute approximately 600 grams of heroin in Philadelphia, and that he also possessed a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense for which he could be charged federally, as well as for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

If convicted, Michael Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, an effective mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, lifetime supervised release, at least four years’ supervised release, a fine of $15,500,000, and a $500 special assessment, while Santo Rondo faces a maximum penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment, a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, lifetime supervised release, at least four years’ supervised release, a fine of $5,000,000 and a $100 special assessment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph T. Labrum, III.