A former drug informant, credited with assisting law enforcement in developing some of its most significant cases, has been detained and charged with attempting to extort prominent drug traffickers facing extradition from Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

Jorge Hernández, age 57, is named in a criminal complaint publicly filed this week, with allegations of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is currently in custody following his arrest and initial court appearance in Fort Lauderdale.

According to allegations, Hernández ran a scheme starting in 2020 where he claimed to be a paralegal capable of securing lighter sentences for drug kingpins in exchange for payments. The FBI’s detailed affidavit states Hernández demanded $1 million from six suspected traffickers, who later surrendered or were extradited.

The scheme involved exchanges of cash, jewelry, property, and vehicles in Colombia, with Hernández promising minimal prison time, comparable to house arrest. However, Hernández failed to deliver on these promises and lacked any legitimate authority to alter sentencing outcomes.

Known in law enforcement circles as “Boliche,” Hernández was a Colombian with a substantial history as a confidential informant. Over two decades, he provided critical intelligence leading to major drug busts at sea. Despite this, he also operated in criminal circles, including helping move millions of dollars and attempting to manipulate drug trafficking negotiations.

He had connections with high-level figures and was involved in helping authorities gather intelligence on drug operations across the Western Hemisphere. However, his cooperation ended in 2008 after threatening informants to pay him hush money. Nevertheless, he maintained close ties with former DEA contacts and returned to Miami.

Hernández also testified in a 2023 trial involving corruption and drug trafficking, further highlighting his complex double life. Currently serving probation for a conspiracy to launder money, his term is set to conclude in May 2027.

His case underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing corruption and deception within law enforcement and drug trafficking networks.