A man who allegedly sold street drugs that led to the overdose death of a 20-year-old San Diego resident has been charged by federal prosecutors.
James Jason Hendershaw, 36, is accused of distributing the methamphetamine and fentanyl that led to the Jan. 10, 2019, death of a victim identified only as R.J. in court records.
R.J. was found unresponsive on the sidewalk at the corner of Farel Street and Via Sonora in Oceanside at around 6 a.m. He died a few hours later.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges Hendershaw sold R.J. the drugs on the night before the victim’s death.
“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 San Diego 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.”
City News Service contributed to this report.