District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury has indicted three individuals for their alleged roles in a large-scale marijuana cultivation and distribution operation. The indictment charges Dineh Benally, 48, his father, Donald Benally, 74, and Irving Rea Yui Lin, 73, a California resident, with multiple offenses related to the illegal marijuana operation.

The charges include conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, manufacture of 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, maintaining drug-involved premises, and two counts of knowingly discharging pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit.

According to the indictment, the operation involved:

• 25 farms covering approximately 400 acres in the Shiprock area
• Construction of approximately 1,107 cannabis greenhouses
• Solicitation of Chinese investors to fund the operation
• Recruitment of Chinese workers to cultivate the marijuana

The defendants are also accused of violating the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants into the San Juan River, filling in a channel along the San Juan River dam, and installing a sandbag dam along the San Juan River. These actions potentially caused significant environmental damage to the area.

In November 2020, law enforcement seized approximately 60,000 pounds of marijuana and approximately 260,000 marijuana plants from the twenty-five marijuana farms allegedly operated and controlled by the defendants.

On January 23, 2025, during a raid on two additional marijuana farms operated by Dineh Benally in Estancia, New Mexico (as well as his residence), law enforcement identified 10 Chinese workers and seized approximately 8,500 pounds of marijuana, $35,000 cash, illegal pesticides, 43 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, and a bullet proof vest, among many other things.

“The Department of Justice will protect the sanctity of the ancestral lands and waters of our Tribal partners from those who would exploit them for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez.

"The FBI remains committed to continue to dismantle criminal organizations operating in New Mexico." said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. "Effective law enforcement requires strong partnerships at every level. This operation is a testament to the power of collaboration between state, local, tribal, and federal agencies to ensure justice is served and our communities are protected.

If convicted, the defendants each face no less than 10 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and Kim Bahney, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Area Office of the EPA Criminal Investigation Division, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency investigated this case with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and the Navajo Nation Police Department. In addition, the following law enforcement agencies participated in the law enforcement operation: Torrance County Sheriff’s Office, Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, New Mexico Department of Justice, New Mexico State Police, and the FBI El Paso Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGinley is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Federal law enforcement arrested two Albuquerque men on Tuesday after executing search warrants that uncovered a significant cache of weapons, drugs, and evidence of an ongoing drug trafficking operation linked to the Cibola County Correctional Center.

According to court records, Michael “Gomer” Ernest Garcia, 46, was arrested on outstanding federal and state warrants. A second man, Eric Edwards, 36, was taken into custody on a state warrant.

Garcia was the final defendant sought in connection with an investigation into a conspiracy involving both incarcerated and non-incarcerated individuals who formed a drug trafficking network that was introducing contraband into the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, NM.

During the operation, authorities seized weapons and illegal substances from Garcia’s residence, including:

• Sixteen firearms, among them one pistol with a machine gun conversion device, five AR-15 rifles, two AR-15 pistols, and one AK-47 rifle
• More than two dozen high-capacity magazines
• Hundreds of rounds of ammunition in various calibers
• Controlled substances including methamphetamine and heroin

Garcia had been evading law enforcement for over two years and was featured on the "METRO 15" wanted poster.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Division Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) and United States Marshals Service jointly investigated this case with assistance from the CoreCivic Intelligence Unit and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and David Hirsch are prosecuting the case.

The VGTF is an FBI led task force comprising of agents and officers from the New Mexico State Police, Rio Rancho Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Albuquerque Police Department.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington woman faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and child abuse stemming from an incident on the Navajo Nation.

According to court records, on or about September 2, 2024, Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly assaulted the victim with a motor vehicle, intending to cause bodily harm, while simultaneously endangering a minor who was improperly restrained in the front passenger seat.

Peshlakai will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for January 31, 2025. If convicted, Peshlakai faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury in New Mexico has found Robert Haack guilty of wire fraud, mail fraud, and violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act for selling counterfeit Charles Loloma jewelry on eBay, following a 4-day trial that concluded after approximately 4 hours of deliberation.

Charles Loloma is one of the most well-known Native American jewelry-makers of the 20th century.  Today, his work is featured in many galleries and museums across the southwest.  His authentic pieces can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that Haack engaged in a sophisticated scheme to defraud buyers by creating counterfeit Loloma jewelry pieces in his California home and selling them for several thousands of dollars per piece on eBay.  As part of the investigation into Haack, undercover federal agents purchased two pieces, pictured below, from him off of eBay in order to have them analyzed for authenticity.

Loloma's niece, Verma Nequatewa, a jeweler who studied under her famous uncle, examined the two pieces purchased from Haack by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agents and testified at trial that they were fakes.

The jury was also presented with evidence seized from Haack's home, including raw materials for jewelry-making, unfinished Loloma-style jewelry, engraving tools hidden in a boot, practice Loloma signatures on metal shards, and design sketches.

It is estimated that Haack sold more than four-hundred thousand dollars’ worth of fake Loloma jewelry before he was charged. The scheme spanned several years, causing significant harm not only to the victims who were defrauded but also to Loloma's legacy and the broader Native American art community.

“We will protect the sacred cultural heritage and unique history of authentic Native American artistry as well as consumers from scammers,” said U.S Attorney Uballez.

“Robert Haack’s counterfeit operation significantly impacted the Native American art and craft marketplace,” said Doug Ault, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Native American art fraud is a serious crime that exploits consumers and severely undermines the economic and cultural livelihood of Native American artists and Tribes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is equipped with a dedicated team of special agents focused on enforcing the Indian Art and Crafts Act on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. Through these investigations, the Service endeavors to protect and preserve the authenticity of art produced by our Nation’s Native American artisans. We thank our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board for their assistance with this investigation.”

“Native American art fraud is a serious crime that exploits consumers and severely undermines the economic and cultural livelihood of Native American artists and tribes,” said Doug Ault, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “We thank our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board for their assistance with this investigation.”

“Counterfeit Indian art – like Robert Haack’s jewelry that he misrepresented and sold as made by Charles Loloma -- the father of contemporary Indian jewelry -- tears at the very fabric of Indian culture, livelihoods, and communities,” said Meridith Stanton, Director of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB).  “The IACB by statute is responsible for administering the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA), an anti-counterfeiting law that protects Indian artists and consumers.  Mr. Haack’s actions demean and rob authentic Indian artists who rely on the creation and sale of their artwork to put food on the table, make ends meet, and pass along these important cultural traditions and skills from one generation to the next.  His actions undermine consumers’ confidence in the Indian art market in the Southwest and nationwide.  Due to the outstanding work of the Office of the U.S. Attorney-District of New Mexico and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service IACA Investigative Unit, Mr. Haack is being held accountable and the message is clear. For those selling counterfeit Indian art and craftwork it is important to know that wherever you are we will diligently work to find you and prosecute you under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.”

Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Haack remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Haack faces up to 20 years in prison.

There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Amy Lueders, Southwest Region Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, made the announcement today.

The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Law Enforcement investigated this case with assistance from the Indians Arts and Crafts Board. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Colorado man was sentenced to 228 months in prison for drug trafficking after being caught during a traffic stop on Interstate 25 within the Kewa Pueblo reservation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2023, a BIA K9 Officer observed Juan Hugo Lugo, 29, speeding and following too closely to other vehicles on Interstate 25 near mile marker 250.

During the subsequent traffic stop, the officer observed two large black and yellow storage bins partially covered with T-shirts in the rear cargo area, and another bin on the rear passenger seat containing multiple large plastic-wrapped bundles suspected to be methamphetamine. The officer also observed a white powdery substance inside Lugo's nostrils.

When questioned in the police vehicle, Lugo admitted to possessing personal use cocaine and having just taken a "bump."

A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed multiple plastic-wrapped bundles containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine and five brick-shaped packages suspected to contain cocaine. Additionally, a loaded 9mm Glock 19 firearm was found in the passenger compartment.

The total seizure was 96.1kilograms of methamphetamine and 4.9 kilograms of cocaine.

Upon his release from prison, Lugo will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with the assistance of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Raquel Ruiz Velez is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Two Santa Fe men were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking operation that utilized social media to advertise and distribute drugs.

According to court documents, the Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) and the FBI began investigating a fentanyl-based drug-trafficking organization in the fall of 2020. During the investigation, officers uncovered the defendants, Mario Guizar-Anchondo and Werni Lopez-Perez, social media activity advertising the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

In December 2021, SFPD officers encountered Guizar-Anchondo and Lopez-Perez twice.

• December 4, 2021: SFPD responded to a report of suspected drug activity involving Lopez-Perez in a white Ford F-150 truck. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a loaded firearm, over $18,000 in cash, 635 grams of methamphetamine, 40 grams of fentanyl pills, and drug paraphernalia.
• December 30, 2021: SFPD officers stopped the same Ford F-150 truck, this time driven by Guizar-Anchondo with Lopez-Perez as the passenger. A search of the vehicle, authorized by federal and state warrants, revealed approximately 1,730 grams of methamphetamine, 32,000 fentanyl pills, five loaded firearms, and additional drug paraphernalia.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Guizar-Anchondo and Lopez-Perez continued to advertise fentanyl pills for sale on social media platforms. These posts depicted baggies of fentanyl pills similar to those recovered from the vehicle.

Lopez-Perez and Guizar-Anchondo both pled guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lopez-Perez was sentenced to 80 months in prison, while Guizar-Anchondo was sentenced to 108 months.

Upon their release from prison, Lopez-Perez and Guizar-Anchondo will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Fe Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for carjacking and firearms offenses stemming from a violent incident in February 2023.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on February 19, 2023, officers from the Las Cruces Police Department attempted to stop a black Cadillac sedan with no visible license plate. The vehicle refused to pull over and was later located parked in front of the Rack Room Shoes store on E. Lohman Ave.

Officers observed Sergio Ivan Enriquez, 41, walking towards the Cadillac. Upon seeing the officers, Enriquez fled on foot. Shortly after, officers heard on the radio that an individual matching Enriquez's description had stolen a vehicle at gunpoint in the same parking lot.

During the carjacking, Enriquez entered the victim's vehicle through the front passenger door, demanding that the victim "get out or drive." When the victim refused, Enriquez pulled out a gray handgun, forcing the victim to exit the vehicle. Enriquez then drove off in the car with the victim's dog still inside.

Later that day, authorities located the stolen Volkswagen, the dog, and Enriquez at a residence in Las Cruces. A search of the residence uncovered a gray handgun in the kitchen oven. Additionally, a shotgun was found in the Cadillac from which Enriquez had initially fled.

At the time of the incident, Enriquez, previously convicted of child abuse in 2014, was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Upon his release from prison, Enriquez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man has been charged with multiple felony counts of domestic assault, including strangulation and causing serious bodily injury.

According to court records, Isiah James Gutierrez-Arquero, 29, an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, is accused of three counts of assaulting Jane Doe on September 21, 2023. Specifically, Gutierrez-Arquero is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner and assaulting a dating partner by strangulation.

Gutierrez-Arquero will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Gutierrez-Arquero faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Taos Pueblo man pleaded guilty in federal court today to three counts of sexual abuse of children.

According to court documents, Ben John Martinez, 76, an enrolled member of Taos Pueblo, admitted to exploiting his traditional roles in Taos Pueblo to sexually assault minors during traditional ceremonies and at his home on Taos Pueblo between 2001 and 2010. Martinez used his position to gain unsupervised access to children including John Doe, Jane Doe 1, and Jane Doe 2 as well as other currently known victims as described in the plea agreement.

Martinez was taken into custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Martinez faces 15-40 years imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany J. DuChaussee is prosecuting the caseas part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

The FBI continues to investigate Martinez’s involvement in crimes against other victims.  If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at (575) 741-0764.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a teen 20 years his junior.

According to court documents, Thomas Lee Chaffins, 35, an enrolled member of Mescalero Apache Tribe, admitted to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on September 27, 2024, in Otero County, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.

Chaffins will remain detained pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Chaffins faces up to 15 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Alyson Hehr are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury has indicted a Mountainair man for domestic violence offenses committed in Indian Country.

According to court records, on or about September 18, 2023, Aiden Richesin, 20, allegedly assaulted the victim, resulting in substantial bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that on the same date and location, Richesin strangled and attempted to strangle the victim.

Richesin will remain in the third-party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Richesin faces up to ten years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Pueblo of Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury has indicted an Española man on multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances following an incident at the Sandia Resort and Casino in Bernalillo County.

According to court documents, on September 16, 2024, Pueblo of Sandia Police responded to a 911 hang-up call from a hotel room at the Sandia Resort and Casino. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Zacary Cipriano Lucero, 63, and two women in the hotel room. At that time, Lucero claimed the women had stolen money from him.

During the investigation, one of the women suggested searching Lucero's bags, alleging he was trading fentanyl for sex. Lucero denied consent to search his bags and stated he wanted to drop the charges against the women.

After being read his Miranda rights, Lucero told officers he had invited the women to his room around 4 a.m. after meeting them in the casino. He claimed he discovered his cell phone and money were missing after dozing off.

Officers sealed the room and obtained a search warrant. On September 17, 2024, during the execution of the warrant, police discovered:

• Approximately 238 grams of suspected fentanyl
• 16 grams of suspected cocaine
• 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine
• Approximately $3,190 in cash

These items were found in bags that Lucero had previously claimed ownership of.

Lucero will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Lucero faces up to 40 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with the assistance of the Pueblo of Sandia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Standing Rock man was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for the fatal shooting of a 39-year-old mother of three.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on December 30, 2023, Jane Doe and her three minor children returned to the home of Sonny Hannah, 75, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, to collect their personal belongings. An argument between Hannah and Jane Doe ensued, leading to Hannah emerging from his home with a rifle. Hannah shot twice, striking Jane Doe in the head from 20 to 35 feet away, killing her instantly.

Upon his release from prison, Hannah will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Two men from Zuni, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon after admitting to committing an armed assault involving four victims.

According to court documents, on April 8, 2023, Kamron Kallestewa, 24, and Kaden Panteah, 20, both enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, armed themselves with pistols and went to a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Zuni Pueblo, where they assaulted four individuals.

There, Kallestewa struck John Doe 1 in the face and head with a pistol, causing bruising, and then pointed the weapon at John Doe 2, placing the muzzle on the back of his head. He further escalated the violence by pointing the pistol at Jane Doe 1's head and striking Jane Doe 2 in the face, resulting in a cut under her eye.

Panteah participated in the assault by putting the muzzle of his pistol to the back of John Doe 2's head. Additionally, Panteah discharged a weapon in the direction of all four victims with the intent to cause bodily harm.

Kallestewa and Panteah will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, they each face up to 10 years in prison. Upon their release from prison, Kallestewa and Panteah will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mia Ulibarri-Rubin and Jesse Pecoraro are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – The third and final defendant in a complex tax evasion scheme that operated for over a decade was sentenced this week, concluding a case involving millions of dollars in unpaid taxes.

Stacy Underwood, 53, of Albuquerque, was sentenced to time served, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $5.5 million in restitution for her involvement in the scheme.

David Wellington, 66, of Albuquerque, was previously sentenced to 40 months in prison and ordered to pay over $5.5 million in restitution for his role in devising and operating the tax evasion scheme and is permanently prohibited from running any business advising clients or dealing with the IRS.

Jerry Shrock, 49, of Meadowview, Virginia, was sentenced to five years' probation and ordered to pay $1.5 million in taxes, interest, and penalties.

According to court documents, between 2005 and 2015, Wellington and Underwood operated National Business Services, LLC, which specialized in creating Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) for clients seeking to evade federal taxes. The pair organized at least 192 LLCs in New Mexico and opened at least 114 bank accounts for these clients.

Underwood served as the sole signer for 99 of these accounts, allowing clients to conduct financial transactions anonymously. From January 1, 2011, to July 31, 2018, over $40 million was deposited into clients' accounts nominally controlled by Underwood.

Shrock had three LLCs formed by National Business Services while undergoing an IRS audit. Between 2011 and 2015, Shrock deposited nearly $4.9 million into a bank account opened for one of his LLCs, concealing over $4.3 million in income without ever filing tax returns.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick, IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office, made the announcement today.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Peña is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A U.S. Army soldier has been charged with multiple federal sex crimes involving a minor, including interstate travel for sexual conduct and production of child sexual abuse material, following an investigation by federal authorities.

The indictment alleges that between November 2022, and May 2024, Victor Barnett Lane allegedly coerced a minor into sexual activity, traveled from South Korea to New Mexico for purposes of sexual activity, and produced child sexual abuse imagery.

Lane has been ordered to remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, Lane faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division and Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Carlsbad man was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between December 30, 2023, and March 25, 2024, Sammy Clouthier, 45, knowingly possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. At the time, Clouthier was a sergeant with the New Mexico State Police.

Clouthier was also ordered to pay over $52,000 in restitution to the victims. Upon his release from prison, Clouthier will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force of the Federal Bureau Investigation and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A repeat offender from Espanola was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for drug trafficking charges after being found in possession of multiple controlled substances.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on April 19, 2023, Jeremy Isaac Lopez, 29, was apprehended at the Cities of Gold Casino by the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department on a bench warrant that had been issued, after Lopez removed his GPS ankle monitor in violation of the pretrial release conditions put in place for his State of New Mexico charges related to an armed robbery.

As officers approached, Lopez attempted to flee, crashing into a parked vehicle. A search of the vehicle he was driving revealed Lopez was in possession of pure methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, suspected suboxone, , and dozens of small clear baggies.

Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Chief Freddie Trujillo of the Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, and the Espanola Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man pleaded guilty today in federal court to shooting and seriously injuring another man during a confrontation on the Navajo reservation last year.

According to court documents, on January 22, 2024, Arthur Chee Pat, 69, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, heard a commotion near his residence in Gallup and drove to investigate. Upon arriving at John Doe's residence, where his son and three other men were gathered, Pat retrieved a firearm from his vehicle. He then fired three gunshots in the direction of one man and two more towards John Doe, striking Doe once in the knee.

After the shooting, Pat fled the scene with his son. John Doe was initially transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center and later transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for treatment. Law enforcement apprehended Pat at his residence shortly after the incident and recovered the handgun from his vehicle.

Pat will remain on condition of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Pat faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Jaremy Smith pleaded guilty today to multiple federal charges in a plea agreement that will result in a federal sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

According to court documents, it is alleged that on March 13, 2024, Smith forcibly abducted a woman from her home in South Carolina, transported her in a stolen vehicle, and fatally shot her with a handgun that he had stolen from her roommate prior to the crime. After committing the murder, Smith fled across state lines to evade prosecution, traveling through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas before entering New Mexico.

On March 15, 2024, in Quay County, New Mexico, Smith fatally shot New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare after Officer Hare stopped to assist him with a flat tire. Smith then stole Officer Hare’s police cruiser with the wounded officer inside, driving for several minutes before abandoning the vehicle and the critically injured Officer Hare on a remote road. Officer Hare succumbed to his injuries at a hospital later that morning.

Law enforcement immediately launched a coordinated effort across multiple jurisdictions to locate Smith, and his name and photograph were widely disseminated by media news outlets. Smith was apprehended in Albuquerque on March 17, 2024, by deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office after a gas station employee recognized Smith and contacted law enforcement.

“A life sentence for a life taken does not make our community whole. But the best way to honor Justin Hare’s life is to take care of each other,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “Today, I commit myself to the people of New Mexico. In the memory of a brave State Police officer whose final act was to help another. In honor of the hundreds of law enforcement officers who worked around the clock to protect this community and do justice for their fallen brother. And in the footsteps of the gas station clerks, everyday citizens, who bravely did the right thing in the face of clear and present danger. It is time for us all to join these strangers who did the right thing for people they never met.”

“All too often, first responders are called upon to sacrifice their lives to protect their communities. Smith’s actions have had a devastating, life-long impact on the victim’s families,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our partner agencies to use all available resources to make sure that violent and dangerous criminals are pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”

"Officer Hare’s sacrifice exemplifies the unwavering courage of law enforcement.,” said NM DPS Secretary Jason R. Bowie. “This plea underscores our commitment to justice through relentless collaboration across state lines."

"Officer Justin Hare and Ms. Machado-Fore were tragically killed by Jaremy Smith. While nothing can undo this heartbreaking loss, today offers a measure of justice for their friends and family," said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. "Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the support of the community, Jaremy Smith will never again take a breath as a free man, and that is as it should be."

Smith pled guilty to five counts, including carjacking resulting in death, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm.

Smith will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Smith faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.   As part of the plea agreement, Smith agreed that the appropriate sentence was lifetime incarceration without the possibility of parole.

The Department of Justice has previously determined that it will not seek the death penalty for Smith for the incidents that occurred in New Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and New Mexico State Police investigated this case with assistance from the Tenth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and Jack Burkhead are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a violent crime spree that began with a double murder, after being convicted at trial of two counts of attempted carjacking, one count of carjacking, and the possession and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

At trial, the court heard evidence that on September 7, 2020, Dakota Briscoe, 38, used a tan handgun to commit a series of violent acts, including the double homicide of two victims whose bodies were discovered in a burning vehicle in the South Valley. Although the firearm was never recovered by law enforcement, witness testimonies confirmed that Briscoe was seen with the firearm, and multiple .45 caliber casings were recovered from the crime scenes.

Briscoe’s violent spree began with the double homicide, which led to his desperate attempts to evade capture through armed carjackings. Briscoe targeted vulnerable individuals, including women, brandishing his firearm during these incidents.

Briscoe successfully evaded arrest that day and was not apprehended until September 16, 2020. He was stopped at a United States Border Patrol checkpoint while driving a white commercial-style van that lacked a license plate or registration tag. During the encounter with USBP, Briscoe exhibited nervous behavior, avoided eye contact, and claimed he did not have identification.Briscoe provided agents with his brother's name, who had an active warrant issued in New Mexico for failing to appear. As a result, Briscoe was arrested and booked under his brother’s identity.

Upon his release from prison, Briscoe will be subject to four years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police and U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Jon Stanford prosecuted the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury has convicted an Albuquerque man of assaulting a federal officer at the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, New Mexico, following a three-day trial that concluded after just over two hours of deliberation.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on November 15, 2022, Anthony Hernandez, who was in custody at the Cibola County Correctional Center awaiting trial for a federal firearms offense, attacked a security consultant contracted by CoreCivic, the company that manages and operates the Cibola County Correctional Center. The assault occurred during a routine inspection of Hernandez's cell.

Surveillance video captured Hernandez pushing open his unlocked cell door and launching an unprovoked attack on the victim. The security consultant, who was assisting with the cell inspection, suffered cuts, bruises, a concussion, and a broken nose that required surgery.

Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Hernandez remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Hernandez faces up to 20 years in prison.

There is no parole in the federal system.

Hernandez was also convicted by a federal jury after trial in October of 2024 for being a felon in possession of a firearm in an unrelated offense.

Hernandez is currently under indictment for a second assault on a federal officer in March 2023, while being held at the Otero County Prison Facility.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and United States Marshal David Barnett made the announcement today.

The U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Kimberly Bell are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2021 murder of one woman and the serious injury of another on the Navajo Nation.

According to court documents, on September 5, 2021, Hanson Tsosie, 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, used a 12-gauge shotgun to fire multiple rounds into a group of individuals gathered around a tree in the yard of a residence near Nenahnezad, New Mexico, killing one woman and seriously injuring another.

Neither woman posed any threat to Tsosie; they were simply innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of his violent actions. After the shooting, Tsosie fled approximately 46.1 miles to dispose of the vehicle he had been driving.

Upon his release from prison, Tsosie will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – The United States of America, the City of Española and the Pueblo of Santa Clara have entered into a comprehensive Settlement Agreement to resolve longstanding disputes regarding Española water and sewer lines, streets, and other utility facilities in trespass on Pueblo lands. The City of Española has agreed to pay $3.9 million to resolve claims related to water and sewer lines, streets, and other utility facilities maintained on Pueblo lands without proper easements.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by the United States in 2016, alleging that Española’s water and sewer lines were trespassing on Santa Clara's lands following the expiration of previously granted rights-of-way. Santa Clara intervened in the lawsuit, asserting additional claims for trespassing streets and utility facilities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Española will pay $2.5 million to Santa Clara as compensation for new 25-year easements, subject to certain credits. Additionally, Española will pay $1.4 million over 20 years as compensation for past use of Santa Clara lands through July 1, 2022.

“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the sovereignty of tribal communities as well as building the partnerships between neighbors that are necessary to navigate our complex and interconnected world,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. “This settlement not only rights historic intrusions, but commits the parties to future accord, beginning with a public apology. This is a meaningful first step towards reconciliation between the City of Española and the Pueblo of Santa Clara, allowing us to unite for a future built on mutual respect and cooperation.”

The agreement requires Española to obtain the new easements for its facilities on Santa Clara lands, subject to approval by the Secretary of the Interior. The Bureau of Indian Affairs will provide technical assistance in developing the right-of-way applications.

As part of the settlement, Española agreed to publish a public apology for the delay in resolving the dispute. That apology appeared in the Legal Notices section of the Rio Grande SUN in its Thursday, January 9, 2025, edition. Española will also work cooperatively with the Pueblo and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to complete the necessary right-of-way applications and environmental reviews.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Santa Clara Pueblo Governor James Naranjo made the announcement today.

The government’s investigations were led by DOJ ENRD Trial Attorney Samuel D. Gollis, Assistant United States Attorney Cassandra C. Currie, and DOI Senior Indian Law Attorney Stephanie P. Kiger.

The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland woman was sentenced to 33 months in prison for a violent incident that left her victim with serious head injuries in February 2023. On October 17, 2024, she pled guilty to both counts in the indictment, which charged her with two felonies—assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, on February 21, 2023, Richelle Rose Upshaw, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and three other women embarked on a nearly 23-mile trek from the Journey Inn in Farmington to Upshaw’s trailer on the Navajo Nation. The group engaged in multiple physical fights with each other during their journey, reportedly fueled by alcohol consumption. Upon arrival at the trailer, tensions escalated when Upshaw demanded the other women leave. Upshaw then engaged in a fistfight with Jane Doe, which culminated in Upshaw stabbing Doe in the head with her pocketknife.

Photo of Upshaw’s knife with three-inch blade

Following the stabbing, Jane Doe was transported to the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, where she was treated for serious injuries.

Upshaw fled the scene and was arrested later that day by officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department at a nearby residence, where officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on her.

Upon her release from prison, Upshaw will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary C. Jones and Meg Tomlinson are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Church Rock man was sentenced to 264 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexual abuse involving three young victims, two of whom were under the age of 12 at the time of the offenses and one was under the age of 16.

According to court documents, between January 2014 and December 2021, Nathaniel Luz, 32, and enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in sexual contact with two victims, both children who had not yet attained the age of 12 years.

In August 2022, Luz also engaged in a sexual act with a third victim, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not yet attained the age of 16 years.

Upon his release from prison, Luz will be subject to fifteen years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A former employee of Los Alamos National Laboratory has agreed to pay the United States a total of $67,500 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment for time allegedly worked and expenses allegedly incurred during business trips.

The settlement resolves allegations that William Monford Wood submitted 23 false claims between July 12, 2016, and December 20, 2017, for trips to various locations in California, including Oakland, Livermore, and Santa Barbara. The United States contends that these claims were for time not actually worked and expenses not actually incurred or without a legitimate business purpose during the period from June 19, 2016, to December 9, 2017.

As part of the settlement, Wood has agreed to pay $67,500, of which $38,549.83 is restitution.  In addition to the monetary settlement, Wood has agreed to never seek employment with, or work for, the federal government, its contractors or subcontractors in any capacity funded by or through the federal government, and to never seek a federal government security clearance.

The government’s investigation was led by Assistant United States Attorney Cassandra C. Currie and Auditor Phillip Stella.

The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Belen couple were sentenced for stealing $10,420.63 from a general store on the Isleta Pueblo, after pleading guilty to federal theft charges involving a coordinated burglary captured on surveillance footage.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on February 3, 2023, Frank Hernandez, 44, entered the business office of Chical Haystack, a general store located within the Isleta Pueblo, and stole $7,285.75 in cash and a check for $3,134.88 from the store’s safe.

Frank in the store’s safe

His wife, Eva Hernandez, 46, acted as a lookout during the incident.

Eva (highlighted) acting as lookout

Surveillance footage showed Frank’s distinctive neck tattoo, which aided in his identification.

Frank’s neck tattoo, visible in another mugshot.

Following an anonymous tip on February 7, 2023, an Isleta Pueblo Criminal Investigator identified the suspects through social media and vehicle-registration searches. Frank and Eva Hernandez were arrested on February 13, 2024.

During police interviews, Frank Hernandez admitted to the theft, stating he used the money to purchase drugs. Eva Hernandez denied knowledge of the theft but admitted opiate use.

Frank Hernandez was sentenced to 257 days incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. Mandatory conditions of Frank’s supervised release include substance-abuse treatment, mental-health treatment, community service, and full restitution to Chical Haystack. He cannot return to the Isleta Pueblo.

Eva Hernandez was sentenced to six months of home confinement with GPS monitoring. She will thereafter be under supervision for 2.5 years, with mandatory conditions to include substance-abuse treatment, community service, and full restitution to Chical Haystack. She cannot return to the Isleta Pueblo.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Isleta Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Belen Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting these cases.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition following an incident at Adam Food Market in Albuquerque.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on the night of January 24, 2024, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department responded to reports of a man brandishing a handgun during an argument at Adam Food Market on Central Avenue. Surveillance footage from APD's Real Time Crime Center captured most of the incident.

During the altercation, the other individual involved produced a knife. Despite opportunities to disengage, Arthur Steven Stewart retrieved a small pistol and reapproached the other individual, pointing the firearm at him. APD officers arrived on scene and apprehended Stewart, recovering a loaded pistol from his pocket.

Stewart, who was on probation for a previous robbery with a firearm enhancement conviction, initially claimed he had found the gun in the street and was attempting to return it to its owner.

Upon his release from prison, Stewart will be subject to two years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman made the announcement today.

The Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes is prosecuting this case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.

The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – Two Albuquerque drug dealers pleaded guilty to federal charges after attempting to sell 30,000 fentanyl pills, containing approximately 3,200 grams of the drug, to an undercover law enforcement agent.

According to court documents, on December 6, 2023, Miguel Antonio Ramirez, 23, and Isaiah Anthony Aragon, 24, conspired to sell approximately 30,000 fentanyl pills for $30,000 to an undercover law enforcement agent.

That day, Ramirez drove to Aragon's residence in Albuquerque, where Aragon delivered a tan plastic bag containing the fentanyl pills to Ramirez's vehicle. When DEA agents approached the vehicle, Aragon attempted to flee, but was apprehended shortly after. A subsequent search of Aragon's residence yielded $61,024 in cash, an electronic money counter, and a digital scale.

Laboratory analysis confirmed that the seized pills contained fentanyl with a net weight of 3,217 grams.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A New Mexico business owner has agreed to pay $3.2 million to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by misusing funds received through the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was expanded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The United States contends that Leonard Vandenberg, who owns and operates several restaurants in New Mexico and Texas, applied for and received three EIDL loans totaling $2,795,700.00 for his businesses. These loans were intended to be used for working capital and expenditures necessary to alleviate economic injury resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after receiving the funds, Vandenberg allegedly moved the majority of the money into his personal investment accounts.

As part of the settlement, Vandenberg will pay $3,281,825.62, of which $2,731,750.26 is restitution. This amount will be applied to the balances of the EIDL loans and associated advances. Additionally, Vandenberg has agreed not to seek any assistance or support from or participate in any Small Business Administration program for a period of five years.

The government’s investigation was led by Assistant United States Attorney Cassandra C. Currie and Auditor Phillip Stella.

The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced in federal court to 20 years in prison for a series of armed robberies committed in February and March 2022 after he absconded from a federal halfway house.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, Xavior Akina, 28, committed the following crimes:

• On February 23, 2022, Akina robbed a Chevron gas station in Los Lunas at gunpoint, stealing money, cigarettes, and an energy drink.
• On February 25, 2022, Akina robbed a Circle K in Los Lunas, again using a silver handgun to demand money from the clerk.
• On March 12, 2022, Akina robbed another Circle K in Albuquerque, shooting and injuring the clerk during the incident.
• On March 13, 2022, Akina committed two more armed robberies in Albuquerque, targeting a DK convenience store and a Sally's Beauty Store.

Prior to his crime spree, Akina had absconded from a federal halfway house. Akina's criminal history includes a prior conviction for armed robbery of a pizza delivery person in 2018, for which he was sentenced to 84 months in prison.

Upon his release from prison, Akina will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado prosecuted the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo man has been charged with second degree murder in Indian Country.

According to court documents, on July 26, 2022, officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near Ojo Encino. Upon arrival, officers discovered John Doe deceased at the scene with a gunshot wound to his chest and right arm. Witnesses identified Jason Lee Martinez, 51, a member of the Navajo Nation, as the shooter, who fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Investigators recovered seven .40 caliber bullet casings from the scene, and the autopsy confirmed fatal gunshot wounds consistent with a single bullet that traveled through John Doe’s chest, heart, lung, and liver.

On August 26, 2022, FBI agents interviewed Martinez, who admitted to being involved in the altercation with John Doe.

Martinez will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Martinez faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – Two defendants have each been sentenced to 19 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $5,355.60 for their roles in the brutal 2020 murder of Jane Doe.

There is no parole in the federal system.

On January 23, 2020, Stacey Yellowhorse, 53, and her then-boyfriend Timothy Chischilly, 51, both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, invited Jane Doe to Chischilly’s home in Mexican Springs. That night, they restrained Doe by nailing her hands and head to the floor and then bludgeoned her to death before burning her remains and scattering them across various locations in the Navajo Nation.

Following the murder, Yellowhorse and Chischilly misled Doe's family about her whereabouts, falsely claiming that Yellowhorse had dropped Doe off at a local restaurant. They visited Doe’s family a few days after the murder, and Yellowhorse assured them that they would find her safe, including telling Doe’s seven-year-old daughter that Yellowhorse was going to look for the girl’s mother and would bring her back safe.

On January 27, 2020, after Jane Doe was reported missing, Chischilly confessed to his family, detailing how he and Yellowhorse had killed Doe. This confession led to their arrest on February 1, 2020.

Chischilly pled guilty to second-degree murder in February 2024. Shortly before trial was set to begin in March 2024, Yellowhorse also pled guilty to second-degree murder.

Upon their release from prison, Yellowhorse and Chischilly will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department, Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the Gallup Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Brawley and Tavo Hall are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man is facing federal charges for assault by strangulation after the victim was hospitalized with serious injuries.

According to court documents, on February 19, 2024, officers responded to a fight on Veneno Street in Dulce. There they encounter Chalmers Dedios, 32, and the victim. Officers determined that the victim was in distress, showing signs of fear and wearing heavy clothing despite warm weather. After Dedios was arrested on unrelated charges, the victim told officers they had been assaulted multiple times, including strangulation incidents on February 10 and 14.

The victim was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for serious injuries, including an active brain bleed. During a subsequent interview, Dedios admitted to strangling the victim. Dedios and the victim are enrolled members of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Indian Tribe.

Dedios is in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Dedios faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged with second degree murder in Indian Country.

The indictment alleges that on or about December 1, 2024, Glendon Laate, a member of the Zuni Pueblo, allegedly killed John Doe with malice aforethought by shooting him with a homemade firearm.

Laate will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Laate faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – Three individuals face federal charges for allegedly kidnapping a woman, with one defendant facing multiple assault charges, including the use of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that Michael Clubfoot, 45, Carlyn Calavaza, 41, both of Zuni, and Alexis Mahooty, 40, of Pine Hill, all enrolled members of the Zuni Pueblo, unlawfully kidnapped Jane Doe in 2024, and held her for ransom, reward, and otherwise. Clubfoot faces additional charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Clubfoot will remain in custody pending trial. Calavaza and Mahooty, will remain in the third-party custody pending trial, which is currently set for February 10, 2025.

If convicted, Clubfoot, Calavaza and Mahooty face any term of years up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man pleaded guilty to federal charges of sexual contact with two minors.

According to court documents, Roderick Bitsilly, 61, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to engaging in sexual contact with Jane Doe 1, a child under 12, between February and August 2014. Additionally, Bitsilly pleaded guilty to similar charges involving Jane Doe 2, also under 12, between September 2019 and September 2020.

Bitsilly will remain in third-party custody at a halfway house pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Bitsilly faces up 75 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Bitsilly will be subject to no less than five years up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – Following a four-day trial and less than three hours of deliberation, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against two Nigerian nationals who participated in an international romance scheme.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the scheme, which began in January 2016, involved the creation of a fictitious persona named "Glenn Brown" on the dating website eHarmony.com. Olutayo Sunday Ogunlaja, 39, and Abel Adeyi Daramola, 37, both Nigerian nationals, worked with another individual who used this fake profile to initiate a romantic relationship with a victim in Albuquerque, New Mexico and subsequently request money from them. Throughout the course of the fraud, the victim was led to believe that their financial assistance was necessary for “Glenn Brown” to complete a purported construction project in Malaysia and return safely to the United States.

The victim sent approximately $560,000 to various accounts in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia between January 2016 and April 2017. On September 27, 2016, the victim wired approximately $28,000 to a Woodforest Bank account in the name of Daramola Cars, as instructed by the fraudulent "Glenn Brown" persona. Daramola subsequently wired $18,000 to a seafood importer in Denmark and issued a check for $14,000.

Daramola denied any knowledge of the romance scheme, however the FBI's investigation uncovered extensive evidence, including text and WhatsApp correspondence on Daramola's phone, revealing his role as a provider of bank accounts for various fraud schemes including romance fraud schemes.

Ogunlaja's involvement included using his Bank of America account for receiving fraudulent funds. Specifically, on March 9 and March 15, 2016, “Glenn Brown” instructed the victim to deposit $20,000 cash into Ogunlaja's account. Following these deposits, Ogunlaja made multiple cash withdrawals and transfers to Daramola’s account.

Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Ogunlaja and Daramola remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Ogunlaja and Daramola each face up to 20 years in prison.

There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Peña is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Phoenix man has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old.

The indictment alleges that between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, Jeremy Blueeyes, 25, a member of the Navajo Nation, unlawfully and knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with a child who had not yet attained the age of 12 years.

Blueeyes will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Blueeyes faces a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mexican national was sentenced to 117 months in prison and ordered to pay a $600 special assessment for attempting to destroy an unmanned aerial system and federal drug trafficking offenses in New Mexico.

According to court documents, on July 3, 2023, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department tracked Rogelio Rodriguez-Salas, 29, a Mexican national who had previously been deported and was illegally present in the United States, by using a drone while he was in possession of a stolen vehicle. In an attempt to evade surveillance, Rodriguez-Salas fired a handgun at the drone to damage and disable it. Following this incident, he was arrested but subsequently released into the community.

Weeks later, on July 21, 2023, deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department encountered Rodriguez-Salas again. He was found in possession of a revolver while engaged in drug trafficking activities and driving another stolen vehicle. At that time, he had more than four grams of fentanyl intended for distribution when stopped by deputies. His illegal presence in the U.S. prohibited him from possessing both firearms and ammunition.

On July 15, 2024, Rodriguez-Salas pleaded guilty to multiple charges: attempting to damage, destroy, disable, and wreck an aircraft; being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition; re-entering the United States as a removed alien; possessing with intent to distribute four grams or more of fentanyl; and possessing a firearm to further a drug trafficking scheme.

Upon his release from prison, Rodriguez-Salas will be subject to three years of supervised release and subject to deportation proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General conducted this investigation with the Albuquerque Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.

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ALBUQUERQUE – The FBI is investigating allegations of child sexual abuse involving a minor against a man in Vanderwagen, New Mexico.

Nolin Leupp, 26, appeared before a federal judge and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled, on charges of receiving child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents, on December 8, 2024, a witness reported a suspected sexual assault involving Leupp and a minor victim. The witness further disclosed concerning communications between Leupp and the victim, including Snapchat messages of a sexual nature and plans to meet late at night.

During a subsequent interview on December 19, 2024, Leupp admitted to a romantic relationship with the minor. A search of Leupp’s phone revealed four videos of suspected child sexual abuse material, downloaded from Discord and Snapchat.

If convicted of the current charges, Leupp faces a mandatory minimum of 5 and up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case as part of as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Federal prosecutors have filed six additional charges against Labar Tsethlikai for kidnapping and assault with a dangerous weapon.  The additional charges are part of a larger series of violent crimes committed by Tsethlikai against Native American men across New Mexico between 2022 and 2024.  The added charges correspond to 5 additional victims.

Labar Tsethlikai, 51, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, now faces a 17-count second superseding indictment charging him with five additional counts of kidnapping and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon as follows:

• Count 5: Kidnapping of John Doe 3 on or about May 19, 2023, in Indian Country, McKinley County, New Mexico
• Count 11: Kidnapping of John Doe 6 on or about August 24, 2023, in Indian Country, McKinley County, New Mexico
• Count 12: Assault with a dangerous weapon (baseball bat) against John Doe 6 on or about August 24, 2023, in Indian Country, McKinley County, New Mexico
• Count 13: Kidnapping of John Doe 7 on or about September 7, 2023, in Indian Country, McKinley County, New Mexico
• Count 14: Kidnapping of John Doe 8 on or about September 15, 2023, in Indian Country, McKinley County, New Mexico
• Count 16: Kidnapping of John Doe 10 on or about April 5, 2024, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico

In total, the second superseding indictment identifies 11 victims of Tsethlikai.  The investigation is ongoing.

Tsethlikai was initially charged with second degree murder on April 25, 2024. On July 31, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Tsethlikai in an 11-count superseding indictment with two counts of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree felony murder, four counts of kidnapping, one count assault with intent to commit murder, one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of aggravated sexual abuse:

• Count 1: On October 22, 2022, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped and murdered John Doe 1.
• Count 2: On January 18, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly murdered John Doe 2 willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation.
• Count 3: On January 18, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly killed John Doe 2 during the commission of a kidnapping and sexual abuse.
• Count 4: On January 18, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 2 and death resulted.
• Count 6: On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 4.
• Count 7: On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 4 with the specific intent to commit murder.
• Count 8: On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 4, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
• Count 9: On July 13, 2023, Tsethlikai kidnapped John Doe 5.
• Count 10:  On July 13, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly sexually abused John Doe 5 by force and threats, and the sexual act consisted of contact between the penis of Tsethlikai and the mouth of John Doe 5.
• Count 15: On February 16, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 9 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities.
• Count 17: On April 11, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 11 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities.

If convicted, Tsethlikai faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the kidnapping resulting in death and first-degree murder charges, up to twenty years imprisonment on the assault with intent to murder charge, up to ten years imprisonment on the assault resulting in serious bodily injury charge, and any number of years up to life for the kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse charges.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, led by Special Agent Mark Stephenson, is investigating this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley and Mark A. Probasco are prosecuting the case, with victim support provided by the FBI’s Victim Services Division, the United States Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit, and Utah Navajo Health Systems, Inc., Victim Services. 

The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, or have information about Tsethlikai, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

Labar Tsethlikai is approximately 5’7” and weighs 180 pounds. He is heavyset, has short brown hair, brown eyes, and wears glasses. He sometimes wears a gold bracelet. He is from Zuni, but travels extensively around New Mexico, including Gallup, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. He is believed to work in the Native American jewelry industry and may be a Zuni jewely artist.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components.  Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Whiteriver man has been charged with two counts of sexual abuse.

The indictment alleges that between August 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021, Fernando Yatsatie, Jr., 47, a member of the Zuni Pueblo, unlawfully engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts using threats and intimidation.

Yatsatie will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Yatsatie faces any term of years up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty to federal charges of production of child sexual abuse materials, admitting to creating illicit content and using social media to lure minors for sexual exploitation.

According to court documents, Kevin Vallo, 40, used the social media messaging app Telegram to communicate with a 13-year-old victim. Vallo created multiple profiles on Telegram under different names and personas, misrepresenting his age as 16 when he was actually 39 years old.

Vallo admitted to engaging in sexually explicit chats with the victim and repeatedly inviting her to his residence. On or about February 19, 2024, Vallo persuaded the victim and two other minors to come to his home in Albuquerque for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

Vallo further admitted to recording four separate videos of himself engaging in sexual activity with the victim using his cellular phone, which he then sent to the victim. These videos constitute child pornography under federal law.

Vallo will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Vallo faces 15 to 25 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Vallo will be subject to a minimum of 5 years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

If you have reason to believe you or your child may be a victim of Vallo, or if you have information about this ongoing investigation, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit their tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 21 months in federal court for a violent assault that left a fellow tribal member with severe injuries.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on January 25, 2023, Zuni Police Department (ZPD) officers responded to a report of an assault near a road within the Zuni Pueblo. They found the victim, John Doe, lying in the road, bleeding heavily from the head and facial area. Witnesses reported that the assailants had fled the scene in a pick-up truck.

John Doe suffered severe injuries that required hospitalization for several days.

The investigation revealed that the incident began when Christopher Hannaweeke Sr., 49, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, hit the victim's dog with his vehicle. When John Doe confronted Hannaweeke, an altercation ensued. Hannaweeke admitted to striking and kicking John Doe, stating he was "overcome with emotion" due to an ongoing neighborhood feud.

During a subsequent interview, Hannaweeke acknowledged to FBI agents on February 3, 2023, that his conduct "went too far." 

Upon his release from prison, Hannaweeke will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Two Chimayo women pleaded guilty in federal court to a theft in Indian Country and a bank fraud scheme targeting multiple financial institutions across Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Rio Arriba Counties.

According to court documents, on May 22, 2022, shortly after 4:00 AM, Billie Jo Gussler and Angelica Dominguez entered the Valero gas station located on Tesuque Pueblo and stole property valued at over $1,000, including lottery tickets and cigarettes. Neither Gussler nor Dominguez is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Furthermore, between January 6, 2020, and August 19, 2022, Gussler and Dominguez engaged in an extensive bank fraud scheme across Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Rio Arriba Counties. The pair targeted multiple federally insured financial institutions, including Del Norte Credit Union, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Century Bank, Enterprise Bank and Trust, Washington Federal Bank, and SoFi Bank.

The fraudulent activities involved altering and forging checks to withdraw funds unlawfully from account holders and financial institutions.

Gussler and Dominguez will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Gussler and Dominguez each face up to 30 years imprisonment. Upon their release from prison, Gussler and Dominguez will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the theft case with assistance from the Tesuque Tribal Police and Quay County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the fraud case with the assistance of the Santa Fe Police Department, Espanola Police Department, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Maria Stiteler are prosecuting the cases.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man has been charged with sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.

Patrick Wayne Platero, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in the third-party custody of La Pasada halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, between on or about January 1, 2024, and on or about April 30, 2024, Platero allegedly sexually abused and engaged in abusive sexual contact with Jane Doe.

If convicted, Platero faces up to life in prison followed by not less than five years and up to life on supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup woman has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in the armed robbery of a local business in 2021, while her brother has pleaded guilty to robbery and federal firearms charges, joining two other co-conspirators involved in the crime.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on the afternoon of December 4, 2021, Gallup Police responded to a robbery at C & R Insurance on US Highway 491. A woman and two men entered the business, demanding money while brandishing firearms. The female suspect fired a shot into the ceiling, causing panic among employees and customers. Witnesses reported hearing a loud pop and seeing the suspects dressed in dark clothing.

Surveillance footage showed Amber Yazzie, 29, and her brother Gregory Yazzie, 28, both armed. Amber Yazzie fired a gun into the ceiling and demanded cash while Gregory Yazzie stood guard by the door as an accomplice collected over $4,000 from the registers. Following the incident, the suspects fled to Albuquerque, where they used stolen funds for shopping. Law enforcement obtained receipts and video evidence of their purchases.

The robbery forced C & R Insurance to close for a week, significantly impacting its operations. The business serves around 60,000 customers across New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.

The Yazzie’s co-defendants Randy Joe and Chadyne Tohe pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing.

At sentencing, Gregory Yazzie faces up to life in prison followed by up to five years of supervised release.

Upon her release from prison, Amber Yazzie will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Police Department, the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Los Lunas man has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon following a domestic incident.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on July 21, 2023, Gabriel Roger Benavidez, 34, was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend in an apartment complex parking lot in Albuquerque. During the incident, Benavidez fired multiple rounds from a 9mm pistol at the engine block of his girlfriend’s car.

Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to the scene after a ShotSpotter notification. Benavidez fled on foot, discarding his outer clothing and a loaded 9mm pistol in a bush. Officers recovered the firearm, which was loaded with 11 rounds, along with an additional 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition in Benavidez’s discarded clothing.

Law enforcement deployed a drone to locate Benavidez, who had entered a stranger’s apartment. Law enforcement also recovered another firearm belonging to Benavidez, a .45 caliber pistol, that had been discarded in a trash bin.

During the investigation, it was determined that Benavidez was a convicted felon at the time of the incident and was aware that he was not legally permitted to possess firearms or ammunition.

Upon his release from prison, Benavidez will be subject to two years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes prosecuted the case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.

The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.

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