Second man arrested in Iowa City drug investigation

IOWA CITY - A second man has been arrested in an Iowa City drug investigation.

According to criminal complaints, members of the Johnson County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force on Oct. 12 executed a search warrant at 1232 Sandusky St. Police said while searching the bedroom of one of the residents, 31-year-old Luis J. Ramirez-Hernandez, officers found a bag of methamphetamine and 14 small plastic bags of cocaine.

The drugs were found stashed inside clothing that belonged to Ramirez-Hernandez, police said.

Ramirez-Hernandez has been arrested and now faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, a Class B felony; possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, a Class C felony; and two counts of Iowa drug tax stamp violation, a Class D felony. If convicted of all charges, Ramirez-Hernandez faces up to 45 years in prison.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also placed a detainer on Ramirez-Hernandez, according to Johnson County Jail records.

Ramirez-Hernandez' roommate, 21-year-old Aron Gaytan, was previously arrested in connection with the investigation after police found marijuana and cocaine in the home. Police said Gaytan had been identified as a supplier of illegal drugs.

Gaytan faces possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, a Class C felony; possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a Class D felony; and Iowa drug tax stamp violation, a Class D felony.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com