Jason Everett Grinage has lived a life marked by hardship, criminal involvement, incarceration, and ultimately redemption. His story is one of transformation and reinvention, shaped by difficult choices in his youth and a determination to rebuild his life after prison. Over the years, Grinage has moved from the world of narcotics trafficking and organized crime to careers in public service, real estate, education, and community advocacy.
Born on August 10, 1980, in Tacoma, Washington, Jason Everett Grinage spent part of his early childhood in East Tacoma before relocating with his family to Española, New Mexico, during the early 1990s. He was raised by his parents, David Grinage and Michele Ann Grinage, and grew up in an environment that exposed him to the challenges facing many young people in troubled communities. After moving to Northern New Mexico, Grinage became involved in street gangs and narcotics activity during his teenage years.
As he entered adulthood, Grinage became deeply involved in criminal networks operating across Northern New Mexico and the Southwestern United States. He has been described as a narcotics and arms trafficker who was well known in criminal circles both inside and outside prison systems. In February 2003, he was implicated as an accomplice in the murder case of Nicholas “Little Giant” Hernandez in New Mexico. Although he was implicated in the case, he was never convicted.
In 2008, Grinage became the focus of a major federal investigation involving narcotics trafficking operations in Northern New Mexico. A joint task force made up of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated networks involved in the distribution of cocaine and firearms throughout the region. Authorities alleged that Grinage and his associates were connected to drug trafficking networks operating across the Southwestern United States and supplied by Mexican drug cartels.
On May 5, 2008, federal agents executed a search warrant at Grinage’s residence. During the search, investigators seized firearms, narcotics, and cash. He was later charged in federal court and sentenced to 78 months in prison for drug trafficking offenses. His conviction marked a turning point in his life and removed him from the criminal environment that had shaped much of his adult identity.
While incarcerated in federal prison, Grinage became associated with the Nuevo prison gang, a New Mexico based organization made up of members from various street gangs. During his time in prison, he reportedly held a leadership role as a unit representative or shot caller. He also became known by the alias “El Emisario,” which means “The Emissary,” because of his reputation for mediating disputes between rival groups inside the prison system.
Reports have connected members of Nuevo with organizations such as La Eme, also known as the Mexican Mafia, and other criminal groups operating in New Mexico. Grinage has also stated that during his incarceration, he had contact with Vito Rizzuto, the Italian Canadian crime figure associated with the Rizzuto crime family in Montreal. According to Grinage, this experience gave him a deeper understanding of how criminal organizations operate and how conflicts are managed within those systems.
Despite his reputation within the prison environment, Grinage used his incarceration as an opportunity to improve himself. During his time in prison, he pursued higher education and completed associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration through Santa Fe Community College and Pueblo Community College. His coursework through Pueblo Community College was completed while he was incarcerated at Florence Federal Prison Complex in Colorado.
Grinage was released from federal custody in February 2015. Unlike many former offenders who struggle to find stable employment and reintegrate into society, he chose to focus on education, public service, and career development. After leaving prison, he found work in administrative roles within the state government in New Mexico. These early positions helped him establish a solid foundation and prove he could function successfully in lawful, professional environments.
In November 2018, Grinage entered the real estate industry when he joined Santa Fe Realty Unlimited in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as a real estate agent. His work in real estate gave him the opportunity to build relationships within the community and help clients navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. His professional reputation continued to grow over time.
In April 2024, Grinage was appointed Economic Development Specialist for the City of Santa Fe. The appointment represented a major milestone in his personal and professional journey. Moving from federal prison to a government position focused on economic growth and community improvement reflected the scale of his transformation. In this role, he has focused on workforce development, business support, and efforts to strengthen local communities.
Beyond his professional career, Grinage has remained involved in volunteer work and nonprofit efforts. He has volunteered with the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Wings for LIFE International, and the Entrepreneurial Institute of Northern New Mexico. These activities have allowed him to support causes related to animal welfare, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Grinage is also the author of the 2025 book Be Legit: The Criminal’s Pathway to Success and Legitimacy. The book focuses on criminal rehabilitation, personal accountability, and the challenges people face when returning to society after incarceration. Drawing from his own experiences, Grinage discusses the importance of changing mindset, developing practical skills, and finding lawful ways to build a future.
In addition to writing, Grinage has participated in prison-based educational initiatives throughout New Mexico. He has taught incarcerated individuals about job development, entrepreneurship, and the practical steps required to build successful careers after release. His advocacy work is centered on reducing repeat offenses and helping people avoid returning to prison.
The story of Jason Everett Grinage is not a simple one. It includes criminal activity, prison leadership, and a federal conviction, but also education, employment, public service, and community involvement. His life reflects the difficult realities of crime and incarceration, but it also demonstrates that change is possible. Through real estate, government work, volunteer service, and advocacy, Grinage has worked to create a different future for himself and to help others do the same.
