Emilio Hernandez Yesca, a 31-year-old resident of Madera, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison for his involvement in trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
The charges against Hernandez stemmed from a prolonged investigation into a drug trafficking organization, with Hernandez and co-defendant Jorge Perez at its center. Between October 2020 and March 2021, the pair conspired to distribute large quantities of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. In October and November 2020, they sold 1,400 fentanyl pills in two separate transactions. In February 2021, they further distributed a pound of methamphetamine. On March 2, law enforcement intercepted them en route to deliver an additional 5,000 fentanyl pills and three pounds of methamphetamine; authorities found a loaded firearm under the driver’s seat.
Jorge Perez received an earlier sentence of 11 years and ten months on January 27, 2025.
The case resulted from collaborative efforts involving Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Chowchilla Police Department, the Madera Police Department, and the Madera Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted.
This operation fell under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which aims to identify and dismantle high-level criminal organizations through a coordinated multi-agency approach led by prosecutors.
Additionally involved was Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an initiative aimed at reducing synthetic opioid supplies in key areas while identifying major distribution networks domestically and internationally. Launched by the Justice Department in July 2018, S.O.S is operational within ten federal districts including California’s Eastern District.
