A Cortez man has pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal drug charges, according to the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Ramon Alberto DeJesus, 47, has entered not guilty pleas for charges alleging two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, Class 2 drug felonies; possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance, a Class 2 drug felony; and introduction of contraband in the first degree, a Class 4 felony.

According to case records, DeJesus, who is known by the nickname “Ray Ray,” was arrested for allegedly selling methamphetamine twice during separate undercover operations in Cortez organized by the Montezuma-Cortez Narcotics Task Force.

In July 2020, DeJesus allegedly sold 14.6 grams of meth, and in August 2020, he allegedly attempted to sell 28.8 grams of meth, according to case records.

The records state that during the undercover investigation, witnesses alleged that DeJesus was in possession of an assault rifle and handgun that “are used and carried to protect his drug investments.”

Undercover operations included surveillance of DeJesus’ residence at a local hotel, which is near a school.

An arrest warrant was obtained for DeJesus for the suspected drug crimes. In April, he was arrested by a Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office deputy at a trailer park residence on U.S. Highway 160 in Cortez, and is being held at the Montezuma County Detention Center.

During a search at the jail, deputies found a bag of meth that weighed 16 grams on DeJesus, in addition to five small bags with small amounts of meth inside.

The case is set for trial Nov. 1. DeJesus’ total bond was set at $40,000.