Alleged fentanyl trafficker arrested in Owensboro

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — The Owensboro Police Department have arrested a man accused of trafficking fentanyl.

A release obtained by Eyewitness News says Jesse Gonzalez, also known as Jesse Santiago-Gonzalez, was arrested Wednesday after a search of his residence. Santiago-Gonzalez was previously arrested back in January on drug charges after running on foot from a traffic stop.

Wednesday morning members of OPD’s emergency response team, street crimes unit, detectives, criminal investigations division and patrol officers executed a search of in the 100 block of W. 20th Street.

Officials with OPD say officers found two AR .223 caliber pistols, a large sum of money and evidence that Santiago-Gonzalez destroyed drugs prior to being taken into custody. Officials have not yet said how much money they found during the search of Santiago-Gonzalez’s home.

Santiago-Gonzalez is now being held in the Daviess County Jail on the charges listed below:

• Trafficking in Controlled Substance (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivative)
• Tampering with Physical Evidence
• Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon (2 Counts)
• Aggravated Trafficking Controlled Substance
• Possession of Marijuana (Enhancement)
• Drug Paraphernalia