From Northern New Mexico Streets to Economic Development: The Changing Life of Jason Everett Grinage

Early Life and Involvement in Criminal Networks

The life of Jason Everett Grinage reflects a shift that is difficult to ignore. His early years were shaped by crime, street influence, and involvement in narcotics activity, while his later years have been defined by public service, education, and steady work in the community. This contrast has made his story a subject of interest for those who study rehabilitation and the process of returning to society after prison.

Jason Everett Grinage was born on August 10, 1980, in Tacoma, Washington. During his childhood, he lived in East Tacoma before moving with his family to Española, New Mexico, in the early 1990s. David Grinage and Michele Ann Grinage raised him. The move placed him in a region where many young people were exposed to gangs and drug activity. During his teenage years, he became involved in street gangs and narcotics-related activity, which set the course for his early adult life.

As he grew older, his involvement deepened, and he became part of criminal networks in Northern New Mexico and across the Southwestern United States. He was described as a narcotics and arms trafficker and became known in criminal circles both inside and outside prison environments. In February 2003, he was implicated as an accomplice in the murder case of Nicholas “Little Giant” Hernandez in New Mexico. Although his name was linked to the case, he was not convicted.

Federal authorities later focused on drug trafficking operations in the region. In 2008, a task force made up of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted an investigation into networks that were distributing cocaine and firearms. Officials alleged that Grinage and his associates were involved in these operations, which were connected to suppliers linked to Mexican drug cartels.

On May 5, 2008, agents executed a search at his residence. During the search, they recovered narcotics, firearms, and cash. He was charged in federal court and later sentenced to 78 months in prison for drug trafficking offenses. This moment marked a clear break between his life in criminal networks and the period that would follow.

Prison Years, Education, and Personal Transformation

During his incarceration, Grinage became associated with the Nuevo prison gang, which was described as a New Mexico-based organization made up of members from different street gangs. He held a leadership role as a unit representative and was known as a shot caller. He also gained the nickname “El Emisario,” meaning “The Emissary,” due to his role in resolving disputes between different groups inside the prison system.

Reports have linked members of Nuevo to organizations such as La Eme and other groups operating in New Mexico. While in prison, Grinage was also associated with Vito Rizzuto, the Canadian crime figure connected to the Rizzuto crime family in Montreal. According to Grinage, these experiences gave him a deeper understanding of how structured groups function and how influence is maintained.

Even within that environment, he began to focus on change. He pursued education while serving his sentence and earned associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration. He studied through Santa Fe Community College and Pueblo Community College, completing part of his coursework while incarcerated at Florence Federal Prison Complex in Colorado.

When he was released from federal custody in February 2015, Grinage faced the challenge of starting again. Many individuals leaving prison struggle to find employment and regain stability, but he chose to pursue lawful employment and community involvement. He began working in administrative roles within the New Mexico state government, where he gained experience in structured professional settings.

Career Development, Community Work, and Public Advocacy

In November 2018, he entered the real estate field and joined Santa Fe Realty Unlimited in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This move allowed him to build a career based on trust, communication, and long-term relationships. His work placed him in direct contact with clients and gave him a practical role in the local economy.

His career took another step forward in April 2024 when he was appointed Economic Development Specialist for the City of Santa Fe. In this position, he became involved in efforts focused on business support, workforce development, and local development. The role represented a major shift from his earlier life and showed how far he had progressed since his time in prison.

Alongside his professional work, Grinage has taken part in volunteer efforts across the community. He has worked with the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Wings for LIFE International, and the Entrepreneurial Institute of Northern New Mexico. These activities have allowed him to stay engaged with causes related to education, business, and public support.

He has also focused on sharing his experiences with others. In 2025, he published the book Be Legit: The Criminal’s Pathway to Success and Legitimacy. The book addresses the challenges of leaving prison and the importance of responsibility, education, and steady work. It draws on his own experiences and offers guidance for individuals who want to build a different life after incarceration.

Grinage has also contributed to prison education programs in New Mexico. Through these programs, he has taught job development skills and basic principles of entrepreneurship to individuals who are preparing for release. His goal has been to help others avoid returning to criminal activity by giving them tools for stability and growth.

The life of Jason Everett Grinage shows a steady movement from crime toward responsibility. His past includes serious criminal activity and time spent in federal prison, yet his later years have been focused on education, work, and service. His journey highlights the challenges of change but also shows that a different path is possible when effort is sustained over time.