District of New Mexico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing for Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years in federal prison for trying to hire an undercover ATF agent to murder his girlfriend's mother for $200.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, between April 10, 2022, and continuing through May 11, 2022, Leif Hayman repeatedly solicited a hitman to murder his girlfriend's mother through the website "rentahitman.com".
Hayman submitted three service requests on the website, providing his own identifying information as well as details about the intended victim, including her physical address and photographs. In his first request on April 10, Hayman stated he wanted to "hurt" the victim, writing "I want her gone now, too much that I don't like about her she's controlling my wife." He submitted additional requests on April 17 and April 20 under different aliases, expressing his desire to have the victim killed. As part of those requests, Hayman wrote “Kill that bitch” and “I fucking hate her so much I want her gone now.”
Between April 20 and May 2, Hayman sent numerous follow-up emails to the website expressing impatience with the process. On April 28, he wrote: "You people are fake if u were real someone who have contact me already I can't wait anymore I'm doing it my fucking self thank you for nothing fake people."
The website's owner initially forwarded Hayman's solicitations to local police but did not receive a timely response, resulting in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ involvement. On May 5, an undercover ATF agent contacted Hayman. During a 16-minute recorded conversation, Hayman stated he wanted the victim "gone off the Earth" and “that fucking bitch deserves to die.” When Hayman was informed that the fastest and cleanest way to carry out the murder would be with a gun, Hayman stated “yes, let’s go for it!” However, after learning that he would have to pay for the gun, Hayman explored other options stating “I have knives . . . I have a rock you can smash her head with multiple times.”
On May 9, Hayman had another call with the agent, indicating his caretaker would also need to be harmed for him to leave home. Hayman agreed to pay approximately $200 for the murder.
On May 11, the undercover agent went to Hayman's residence, ostensibly to carry out the plan. Hayman emerged with his caretaker, stating "this is part of the deal” in reference to having his caretaker killed. A scuffle ensued between Hayman and the caretaker, causing the agent to abort the operation.
Upon his release from prison, Hayman will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentence for Dulce Man Convicted of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man was sentenced to two years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on July 2, 2022, Amadius Archuleta, then 21-years-old, had sex with 14-year-old Jane Doe in an abandoned house on the Taos Pueblo. The investigation determined that Archuleta communicated with Jane Doe on Instagram, arranged to meet with her, provided her with alcohol and marijuana, and then had sex with her. Law enforcement determined that Archuleta knew about the age gap between himself and Jane Doe when he was communicating with her and before engaging in sexual acts with her.
After lengthy plea negotiations, Archuleta pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor.
Upon his release from prison, Archuleta 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 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 Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Zachary Jones prosecuted this 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.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing in Tohatchi Assault CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 14 days in prison and three years of supervised release for a violent family dispute that escalated into a near-fatal stabbing.
According to court records, on the morning of December 9, 2022, Eric Watson, 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, confronted a family member outside of a residence in Tohatchi, New Mexico. The confrontation escalated to a physical altercation and Watson’s uncle, John Doe, stepped in to stop the fight. Watson and John Doe began to fight instead, and John Doe’s parents stepped in to stop that fight. John Doe then went inside of the residence to Watson’s bedroom with the intent of destroying Watson’s video game console. Watson then came up behind John Doe and repeatedly stabbed him in the back.
John Doe suffered various injuries from the stabbing including a collapsed lung, other stab wounds to the upper back and neck area, and one stab wound inches away from his spinal cord.
Watson will be subject to 3 years of supervised release with special conditions requiring his residence at a residential reentry facility for up to 180 days, treatment for substance abuse and mental health, and 40 hours of community service.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco prosecuted the case.
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Former New Mexico Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting Arrestee and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A former New Mexico sheriff’s deputy was sentenced today to nine years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and required to register as a sex offender under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act for violating the civil rights of a female arrestee and for obstruction of justice.
On April 23, Michael A. Martinez, 34, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a female arrestee inside his patrol car and for obstructing justice by attempting to destroy his patrol car’s WatchGuard DVR system, which had recorded footage from his patrol car’s internal cameras of the sexual assault.
“Sexual assaults perpetrated by police officers are heinous crimes and a disgraceful breach of the public’s trust in law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant’s misconduct — exploiting the power of his badge, weaponizing his authority as a police officer and sexually assaulting a handcuffed victim in the back of his patrol vehicle — violated the victim’s core civil rights and basic standards of decency. We encourage survivors to come forward and report these crimes to the FBI. The sentence imposed today should send a strong message that the Justice Department will do all it can to hold accountable those who abuse their authority by sexually assaulting people in their custody.”
“Those that wear the uniform are expected to treat members of the public they serve with dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M. M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “This includes protecting the rights of those who are in their custody. When an officer abuses their position, they erode the trust of the community we serve. We will scrupulously investigate, and vigorously prosecute, those who abuse the public trust and then try to cover up their misdeeds. The badge will not shield you from justice.”
“The violation of civil rights is a serious issue, especially when committed by those entrusted with enforcing the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “An officer who betrays their duty to protect and serve undermines the integrity of the entire profession. The FBI will not hesitate to investigate any officer or agent who breaks the laws they are meant to enforce or who infringes on the civil rights of others.”
According to court documents, at the time of the offense, Martinez worked as sheriff’s deputy for the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. On April 30, 2023, Martinez responded to a car accident and placed the victim under arrest for driving while intoxicated and careless driving. Martinez transported the victim to a medical center and, after the victim received medical clearance, he handcuffed her hands behind her back and put her back inside his patrol car, where he proceeded to sexually assault her. Afterwards, he transported her to the Doña Ana Detention Center.
Several hours later, Martinez attempted to physically destroy his patrol car’s WatchGuard DVR system, which is the patrol car’s internal video camera system that, among other things, records and stores footage from the patrol car’s backseat camera. Martinez, correctly, believed that that the DVR system contained a video recording of him sexually assaulting the victim in the backseat of his patrol car and attempted to destroy and conceal that recording from any future investigation.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda Villalobos for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing of Albuquerque Man for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 248 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses after being found in possession of over 500 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms in a stolen vehicle.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on February 22, 2022, Octavio Jimenez-Marquez, 38, was driving a stolen black Dodge Ram pickup truck when he was approached by Albuquerque Police Department officers in the parking lot of an apartment complex. When Jimenez attempted to evade detection by moving from the driver's seat to the truck bed, he was detained.
A search of the vehicle revealed:
- Two large bundles of methamphetamine, weighing a total of 529 net grams
- An unloaded revolver stored with the larger methamphetamine bundle
- A loaded assault rifle in the front passenger seat
Photo of rifle
Photo of bullets
During a subsequent interview, Jimenez admitted to using methamphetamine on the day of his arrest and to handling the firearms found in the vehicle. Photographic evidence from Jimenez’s cell phone further implicated him in the possession of the firearms.
Jimenez selfie with revolver
On April 17, 2024, following a three-day trial, a jury returned a verdict convicting Jimenez of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and escape.
Upon his release from prison, Jimenez will be subject to five years of supervised release.
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 Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, Albuquerque Police Department, Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis Mattei and Elaine Y. Ramirez prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentence in Drunk Driving Case Involving Serious InjuriesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to three years supervised probation for a drunk driving crash on Santa Ana Pueblo in 2021. At sentencing, Lionel Medina, 29, an enrolled member of the Zia Pueblo, faced up to 10 years in prison.
According to court documents, on December 1, 2021, Santa Ana Police officers received a report of hit and run involving a white pickup truck on US 550. According to reports, the truck rear-ended an SUV in the eastbound lane before fleeing the scene. Minutes later, officers received a report of a head-on collision involving the same white pickup truck in the westbound lane near mile post 11.
At the scene of the head-on crash, law enforcement found a gray sedan and the white pickup truck, both with severe front-end damage. Medina was found barely conscious in the driver's seat of the truck, smelling of alcohol. Officers discovered multiple alcohol containers in the vehicle. A blood test taken several hours after the crash revealed Medina's blood alcohol content was 0.22, almost three times the legal limit.
Jane Doe suffered extensive injuries, including multiple fractures to her spine, sternum, shoulder blade, upper arm, thigh bone, and heel.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Ana Police Department and Sandoval County Sheriff’s department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Indicts Laguna Man in Domestic Violence CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man was indicted by federal prosecutors for allegedly beating and strangling his intimate partner.
The indictment alleges that on August 18, 2024, Kenzie Alonzo, 25, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, assaulted Jane Doe, his intimate partner, by beating and strangling her. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe was hospitalized with severe bruising and bite marks on her body as well as a concussion.
Alonzo will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
If convicted, Alonzo 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 with assistance from the Zia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.
View the IndictmentAn 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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U.S. Attorney Secures Sentence for Man Who Assaulted Tribal OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man was sentenced to three years of supervised probation for assaulting a Navajo Nation Police Department officer following a community meeting during which he threatened tribal officials and later engaged in a confrontation with law enforcement. The Navajo Nation Police Department officer is considered a “federal officer” by virtue of her holding a special law-enforcement cross-commission certification.
According to court documents, on the morning on June 4, 2023, the Newcomb Community Chapter held a fiscal-planning meeting. About 12 people attended, including tribal officials and community members. During the meeting, Kenneth Lee Begay, 60, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, spoke publicly, expressing frustration over homesite leases and grazing rights.
As he spoke, Begay grew increasingly agitated, berating officials and making threats, prompting an official to call the police, at which time Begay left. According to officials, this was the first meeting Begay had attended.
Still image from the Zoom recording of Begay, right.
Still image from the Zoom recording, first depicting Begay yelling at officials.
Officers from the Navajo Police Department arrived at Begay’s residence shortly thereafter to investigate Begay’s threats. Begay accused the officers of trespassing and ordered them off his property. The officers complied and spoke to Begay from beyond his fence line. Begay admitted attending the meeting and threatening officials, so the officers attempted to arrest him. Begay resisted, leading to a confrontation during which officers used pepper spray.
One officer suffered a shoulder separation, multiple abrasions, and was on medical leave for a month. The other officer sustained a shoulder sprain and was on leave for five days. Both received treatment at Northern Navajo Medical Center and have since returned to duty.
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 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. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Collaborates with FBI to Secure Guilty Plea in Shiprock Murder CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Pinehill man pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing during a family gathering in Shiprock.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Kirtie Cohoe, 48, an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, attended a gathering at a relative's home in Shiprock, New Mexico. During the event, Cohoe and John Doe were alone in the kitchen when a dispute erupted. Cohoe lost self-control and, instead of walking away, stabbed John Doe multiple times in the torso with a knife.
After the incident, Cohoe fled the scene on foot, taking the weapon with him. Navajo Police Department officers responding to the call found John Doe deceased at the home. Cohoe was later apprehended in a nearby wooded area, with blood visible on his clothing. The weapon was recovered near Cohoe's wallet.
At sentencing, Cohoe faces 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Cohoe will be subject to up 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.
This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Mark Probasco are prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement# # #
U.S. Attorney Secures Guilty Plea from Santo Domingo Man in Child Sexual Abuse CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Santo Domingo man pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl on the Navajo Nation after meeting her online and lying about his age.
According to court documents, Jordian Pacheco, 33, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, met Jane Doe on the internet and they began to communicate via phone, email, and social media platforms.
On January 9, 2021, Pacheco drove to Jane Doe's residence, located within the Navajo Nation, when her mother was not home. He then engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with Jane Doe, knowing she was only 14 years old at the time. Pacheco, who was 29 years old, did not disclose his true age to Jane Doe.
On January 10, 2021, Navajo Police Department (NPD) officers responded to a call from Jane Doe’s mother about a man hiding in Jane Doe's closet. Upon arrival, they found Pacheco, who initially provided false identification and denied any wrongdoing. He was detained and transported to Window Rock Adult Detention Center.
NPD officers located an unknown vehicle outside Jane Doe’s residence and towed it. When they ran the plates, it came back as belonging to Pacheco. Officers spoke to Pacheco again who confirmed that he had given them false identification. He later confessed to engaging in sexual acts with Jane Doe and lying to her about his age during an interview with the FBI.
At sentencing, Pacheco faces 63 to 78 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pacheco will be subject to not less than five 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 Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea in Shiprock Assault CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has pleaded guilty in federal court to a single assault charge related to a brutal attack that left his victim with life-threatening injuries.
According to court documents, on January 1, 2024, Tyrell Jordan Benally, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico, by repeatedly striking her with a closed fist and strangling her until she lost consciousness. The assault caused Jane Doe to suffer serious bodily injury, including life-threatening injuries from the strangulation.
At sentencing, Benally faces up to 10 years in prison followed by up 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 the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures 52-Month Sentence for Las Cruces Man Following 2023 Pipe Bomb IncidentRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 52 months in prison following his conviction for possessing a pipe bomb and ammunition near a church playground.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2023, Nathan Wallace, 41, was observed in the children’s playground of East Mesa Baptist Church. Wallace was arrested by the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department after being found in possession of a destructive device and ammunition. Upon questioning, he admitted to possessing a metal pipe containing gunpowder, which was later confirmed to be an operational pipe bomb.
The device was seized by law enforcement and analyzed by a bomb technician, who discovered a fuse inside. Additionally, a search of Wallace's belongings revealed a 20-gauge Winchester AA High Strength shotgun shell, a motion sensor, two cell phones, and various modified batteries and wires, indicating potential explosive device components.
Wallace is prohibited by federal law from handling or possessing firearms or ammunition due to his previous felony convictions, which include multiple counts of forgery and possession of explosive devices.
In his plea agreement, Wallace admitted to knowingly possessing ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
Upon his release from prison, Wallace 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 Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Christopher McNair prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Conviction of Church Rock Man for Shooting at Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Church Rock man has pleaded guilty in federal court in federal court to charges related to attack on law enforcement officers on the Navajo Nation.
According to court documents, in the early morning of July 22, 2023, the Navajo Police Department (NPD) received reports of a man identified as Elijah Touchine, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, walking near his residence, shooting a gun, and threatening to hurt someone. Officers from the NPD and New Mexico State Police responded to the area and came under fire from an unknown direction, prompting them to take tactical action to protect themselves. Law enforcement could hear the bullets whizzing past and striking the ground nearby. They pursued the shooter into a canyon but had to discontinue the search after twelve hours due to dark conditions.
Later that day, the FBI, with assistance from the Gallup Police Department, located Touchine at a local gun store in Gallup, NM. He was taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, it was determined that Touchine had forced his grandmother to purchase ammunition and an AR-15 firearm for him through threats of violence. When asked why he was buying a gun, Touchine replied, “I don’t know, shoot up any cop I see.”
Law enforcement recovered a .40 caliber Taurus handgun and ammunition in a black bag from the trunk of his grandmother’s vehicle.
At sentencing, Touchine faces 12 to 17 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Touchine will be subject to up 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 Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigation, New Mexico State Police and Gallup Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentence for Convicted Child PredatorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following a trial where evidence revealed that between January 2016 and January 2020, Joel Ruiz, 65, used candy to lure two children under the age of 12 into his trailer on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, where he sexually assaulted them.
There is no parole in the federal system.
During the trial, Jane Doe 1 testified that Ruiz abused her when she was six or seven years old. The jury also heard from Jane Doe 2, who testified that Ruiz abused her once when she was three or four years old. Both victims described similar methods used by Ruiz to lure them and the abuse they suffered.
Upon his release from prison, Ruiz will be subject to l0 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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Matthew J. McGinley prosecuted the case.
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Restitution Hearing Set for Former Roswell Escrow Company Owner Convicted of Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A restitution hearing has been scheduled for former Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. owner Christopher Adam Jensen-Tanner, 45.
The hearing will take place on September 18, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the U. S. Courthouse located at 100 N. Church Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001.
Jensen-Tanner was previously sentenced to 46-months in prison for wire fraud on July 25, 2024.
This hearing will provide an opportunity for all parties involved to discuss and determine the restitution amounts owed in connection with the recent case.
Jensen-Tanner admitted in his plea agreement that from January 2017 through October 2019, while owning and operating Roswell Escrow Services, Inc., he engaged in a scheme to defraud clients by making false representations. The business involved holding clients' funds for 1031 exchanges and servicing real estate contracts. Jensen-Tanner misrepresented how these funds would be held or spent and used them for personal purposes on numerous occasions.
If you are a victim or potential victim and would like to attend the hearing, please contact Victim Specialist Jacquie Gutierrez at (575) 522-2304 before the date of the hearing for more information.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico are seeking individuals who may have been victims of a wire fraud scheme involving Jensen-Tanner and Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. (RES) between January 2017 and October 2019. If you were a client of Jensen-Tanner and/or RES and believe you are a victim, please contact the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
The Roswell Division of the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Securities and Financial Institutions Divisions of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Richard Williams are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and ATF Announce Criminal Charges Against California Man for Unlicensed Firearms Dealing and Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A California man was charged by superseding indictment for allegedly engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, interstate travel in furtherance of that offense, and conducting unlawful financial transactions to promote the scheme.
Brian Joseph, 52, appeared before a federal judge and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, between October 15, 2021, and November 29, 2022, Joseph allegedly engaged in the business of dealing firearms in Bernalillo County and elsewhere without being a licensed firearms dealer. To achieve this, Joseph traveled from California to New Mexico on multiple occasions to acquire firearms and resell them at a profit in California.
In addition to the firearms charges, Joseph is accused of conducting financial transactions involving proceeds from the unlawful firearms dealings. Specifically, Joseph allegedly executed electronic fund transfers from Wescom Credit Union to PNC Bank on various dates in 2022 totaling $6,684.80.
If convicted, Joseph faces up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
View the Superseding IndictmentAn 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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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Conviction of Bloomfield Man for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to a July 4th domestic abuse incident.
According to publicly available court documents, on July 4, 2024, Deshaun Begay, 20, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe by biting, punching and kicking her, and using dog leash, a dumbbell and a chain with a lock on it. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered serious bodily injuries, including scalp lacerations and fractures to her nasal bone and eye socket.
The Court ordered that Begay remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
At sentencing, Begay faces up to 10 years in prison followed by 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 the Navajo Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement# # #
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Conviction in Unemployment Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty in federal court to mail and wire fraud charges stemming from a scheme exploiting CARES Act provisions.
According to publicly available court documents, between April 2020 and October 2020, Pholopater Faltas, 26, submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance applications to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions in the names of at least eight individuals. To that end, Faltas solicited personally identifying information from these individuals, falsely promising to access benefits on their behalf. The fraudulent applications contained materially false statements to ensure approval and allowed Faltas to control the disbursed funds.
As a result of this scheme, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions disbursed at least $66,867 in unemployment benefits, which Faltas controlled through debit cards and bank accounts. Faltas misled the purported applicants about their eligibility and retained the majority of the funds for himself.
In his plea agreement, Faltas acknowledged that the offenses were related to the federal CARES Act, enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and involved the use of interstate mailings and wire communications.
The Court ordered that Faltas remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
At sentencing, Faltas faces up to 30 years in prison followed by to five years of supervised release and a fine not to exceed $1 million.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The United States Secret Service - Albuquerque Resident Office and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance from the Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
View the Plea Agreement# # #
U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF Announce Federal Charges in Santa Fe Shooting and Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – The United States Attorney's Office has filed federal charges against Zachary Babitz in connection with a fatal shooting and carjacking that occurred on August 6, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The charges include carjacking and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Babitz, 38, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for August 20, 2024.
According to the criminal complaint, on the morning of August 6, Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) officers responded to a call reporting a shooting in the parking lot of Best Buy, located at 3533 Zafarano Dr. Upon arrival, officers found a male victim with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite life-saving efforts by medics, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses provided cellphone videos and photographs of the incident, while surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including Famous Footwear and Panera Bread, captured the suspect, later identified as Babitz, approaching the victim and engaging in a physical altercation before the shooting. Babitz was seen leaving the scene in the victim's Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was later reported stolen.
Further investigation revealed that Babitz had absconded from probation and was identified by the Adult Probation and Parole Office as the individual in the photos disseminated to the public. According to APPO, on August 1, 2024, Babitz cut his electronic monitoring device off and left a note for law enforcement on the door of his residence in Edgewood, New Mexico. The note stated, “To Law Enforcement this needs to be very clear. My wife had absolutely no clue as to what I planned or am about to do. These were my decisions, and I hid them from her signed this day 8-1-24 10:55am Zachary Babitz.”
On August 10, 2024, Babitz was apprehended in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where a 9mm firearm was recovered. Testing is underway to determine if this weapon was used in the Santa Fe incident.
Babitz has a history of felony convictions, including armed robbery and carjacking, and was released from prison in March 2024.
The investigation is ongoing.
If convicted of the current charges, Babitz faces any term of years and up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Fe Police Department, Albuquerque Police Department and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Letitia Carroll Simms is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal ComplaintA 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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U.S. Attorney ’s Office and FBI Charge Bloomfield Woman with Child AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield woman has been indicted on multiple counts for allegedly placing a child in a dangerous situation earlier this year.
Avondale Johnson, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, between March 1 and March 14, 2024, Johnson allowed a child under the age of 18 to be placed in a dangerous situation that could seriously harm the child's health and safety.
If convicted, Johnson faces five 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
View the IndictmentAn 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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U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures 20-Year Sentence in Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Las Cruces man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring with his cousin to distribute child pornography, following an extensive investigation that uncovered thousands of explicit images and videos of minors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court document, between April 18, 2022, and April 24, 2023, Ryan Gallardo, 24, conspired with his cousin, Yamil Pillado, to send and receive videos depicting child pornography using various online platforms and cloud storage services. The two men exchanged thousands of files containing sexually explicit images and videos of minors, including content involving bestiality and sadomasochism.
In addition to trading child pornography, Gallardo and Pillado discussed prior sexual abuse of children and plans to sexually abuse and record minors that Gallardo had access to through relationships with others.
Pillado pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography and was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pillado will be subject to 20 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
Upon his release from prison, Gallardo will be subject to 25 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the El Paso Police Department, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, New Mexico State Police and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and A’Kiesha Soliman prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Announce Second-Degree Murder Charges in Taos County Stabbing CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Penasco man has been charged by federal prosecutors with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing in Taos County in 2022, with the case being prosecuted under a Department of Justice initiative focused on Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP).
Byron Sanchez, 47, an enrolled member of the Picuris Pueblo, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
The indictment alleges that on or about December 25, 2022, Sanchez killed John Doe with malice aforethought by stabbing Doe with a sharp object.
Sanchez will remain in custody pending a detention hearing and trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
If convicted, Sanchez faces any term of years up to life in prison for the murder 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 Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as 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.
View the IndictmentAn 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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U.S. Attorney's Office and ATF Charge Convicted Felon for Illegal Firearms and Explosives PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Chaparral man was charged by criminal complaint for illegally stockpiling firearms and explosives in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Frederick Urban, 76, appeared before a federal judge on August 12, 2024, and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on August 8, 2024, the ATF received a tip from a concerned citizen who provided evidence indicating that Urban, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of firearms. Following an investigation, which included reviewing photographs and videos provided by the concerned citizen, ATF agents confirmed the presence of numerous firearms at Urban's residence.
On August 10, 2024, ATF agents, supported by the New Mexico State Police and El Paso Police Department, executed a federal search warrant at Urban's residence. The search resulted in the recovery of numerous firearms, approximately 100,000 rounds of ammunition, large capacity magazines, and gunpowder. Additionally, triacetone triperoxide, an extremely volatile explosive, homemade detonators, blasting caps and gun powder, and other components of homemade bombs were found.
If convicted of the current charges, Urban faces 15 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police, El Paso Police Department and FBI’s El Paso Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Mark Saltman are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or explosives can submit an anonymous tip to the ATF by texting the code ATFPHO to 63975 and then following the link to create a report or by calling (602) 776-5400.
View the Criminal ComplaintA 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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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Bloomfield Man with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man was charged by indictment with multiple counts of alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor that occurred in the Navajo Nation.
Donovan Pete, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, between February 26, 2016, and February 27, 2016, and again between April 7, 2012, and April 6, 2014, Pete engaged in unlawful sexual acts and contact with Jane Doe, a minor, minor who was unable to consent and causing inappropriate contact with intent to gratify sexual desire.
If convicted, Pete faces any term of 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
View the IndictmentAn 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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U.S. Attorney Announces Sentencing of Man for Armed Robberies Targeting Local BusinessesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A French national was sentenced to 111 months in federal prison for a series of armed robberies in Albuquerque on Halloween 2019.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on the morning of October 31, 2019, Mathis Laau, 26, entered the lobby of Motel 6 located at 13141 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque. He pointed a firearm at a clerk and demanded money. The clerk gave Laau $300, and he left.
Later that same day, Laau entered the Circle K store at 5301 Wyoming Boulevard NE in Albuquerque carrying a purple and silver pistol. He pointed the gun at an employee and demanded cash from the register. After taking approximately $175 and several packs of cigarettes, Laau fled the scene in a waiting vehicle driven by his girlfriend.
Albuquerque Police Department detectives who had been surveilling Laau as a suspect in multiple prior robberies observed the robbery at Circle K and followed the vehicle. Laau and his girlfriend were arrested shortly after at the intersection of Louisiana Boulevard and Constitution Avenue. The stolen cash, cigarettes, and pistol were recovered from the vehicle.
Upon his release from prison, Laau will be subject to three years of supervised release, which will convert to unsupervised release if he is deported to France.
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 Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Secures Guilty Plea in Family Shooting CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Pinehill man was pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of assault, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, admitting to a violent outburst that left two family members dead and another seriously injured.
According to court documents, on the morning of December 22, 2023, Ellery Brent Yazzie, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, woke up at his family home located within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation in Pinehill, New Mexico. He went downstairs to the kitchen with a holstered firearm in his waistband.
In the kitchen, Yazzie pointed the firearm at his sister, Jane Doe 1, and threatened to shoot her and the rest of his family. This was not the first time he had made such threats. Yazzie then shot and killed his father, John Doe 1, and his brother, John Doe 2, using the firearm. He admitted to being angry and aware of the risk of causing death and to intending to do serious bodily injury.
After killing his father and brother, Yazzie turned the firearm on his sister, Jane Doe 1, shooting her in her lower extremities approximately six times, causing life-threatening injuries. He then fired shots at his mother, Jane Doe 2, who was crawling on the kitchen floor trying to escape.
Following the shootings, Yazzie went upstairs to retrieve another firearm and more ammunition before returning downstairs and shooting himself.
At sentencing, Yazzie faces up to thirty (30) years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to up 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 Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Jena Ritchey are prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement# # #
U.S. Attorney Secures 23-Year Sentence in Child Exploitation Case Involving Army SoldierRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A former U.S. Army soldier was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation and abuse of 13-year-old victim.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, from November 2020 to January 2021, while stationed at Fort Riley, Adrian Dale Tsinnijinnie, 37, used Facebook Messenger to groom and coerce 13-year-old Jane Doe, who resided in Shiprock, New Mexico, into producing sexually explicit images. In return, Tsinnijinnie sent the victim explicit photos and videos of himself.
In June 2021, while on leave, Tsinnijinnie traveled to Shiprock where he sexually abused Jane Doe on multiple occasions. The abuse was disclosed by Jane Doe to her father on July 5, 2021, leading to a medical examination and police report.
Upon his release from prison, Tsinnijinnie will be subject to 10 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.
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 Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought 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.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Sentencing of Convicted Felon for Illegal-Firearm Possession Following Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni Pueblo man was sentenced to 27 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm following a deadly confrontation that left one man dead.
According to court documents, on November 7, 2021, Daryl Jay Dickson, 38, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, shot and killed 32-year-old T.B. when T.B. and three others arrived unannounced at Dickson’s location and threatened him as he repaired his bicycle.
After the incident, Dickson fled the scene with the firearm. He was apprehended three days later by Zuni Police at a friend’s home.
During a subsequent police interview, Dickson admitted to possessing the handgun used in T.B.’s death. He explained that he had obtained that handgun in July 2021 after he wrestled it from an attacker in an unrelated incident. Despite knowing he was not legally permitted to possess a firearm due to his criminal history, Dickson still kept the handgun for self-defense purposes.
The handgun used in the shooting was later recovered by Zuni Police after it was subsequently used by another individual in a separate domestic-violence incident on November 15, 2021. The firearm remains in Zuni Police evidence.
The rusted nine-millimeter handgun recovered, with its obliterated serial number highlighted in orange
Dickson has a 2010 felony conviction in the State of New Mexico for breaking and entering in which he was sentenced to an 18-month deferred sentence with supervised probation. That sentence was revoked multiple times due to probation violations.
Following release from prison, Dickson will be subject to three years of supervised release. While on supervised release, Dickson must undergo alcohol and substance-abuse testing, treatment, and counseling.
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 Zuni Police Department investigated the case with the assistance of Zuni Fish and Wildlife and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Sentencing of Albuquerque Man for Series of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for committing a series of brazen armed robberies across Albuquerque in the span of just five days while on supervised release for a previous federal conviction.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, in 2020, Brandon Sanchez, 30, was charged federally for being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 27 months’ incarceration. During his subsequent term of supervised release, Sanchez committed the following robberies in Albuquerque over a five-day period in 2023:
- January 4, 2023: Shortly before 11:00 am, Sanchez entered the Little Caesar's restaurant at Montgomery and San Pedro in northeast Albuquerque. Handing an employee a note indicating he was armed, Sanchez demanded everything within five minutes, making off with approximately $60.
- January 4, 2023: Minutes later, Sanchez struck again at a nearby Subway at San Mateo and McLeod, threatening the cashier with an apparent firearm and leaving with $91 in cash.
- January 8, 2023: Just after 1:00 pm, Sanchez targeted the Little Caesar's at Montano and Fourth in northwest Albuquerque, drawing an apparent firearm and escaping with $100.
- January 9, 2023: Sanchez entered the Starbucks at San Mateo and Pan American around 9:00 am. He handed an employee a note, lifted his shirt to reveal an apparent firearm, and left with $100. A quick-thinking employee captured a photo of the getaway vehicle's temporary plate.
- January 9, 2023: At approximately 3:45 pm, Sanchez robbed the Big 5 Sporting Goods at Wyoming and Paseo del Norte, flashing an apparent firearm and taking $200.
- January 9, 2023: Just 15 minutes later, Sanchez robbed the Domino's restaurant at Holly and San Pedro, brandishing an apparent firearm and fleeing with $75.
Law enforcement connected Sanchez to the string of robberies after reviewing surveillance footage from Big 5 Sporting Goods that provided a clear view of his face. On January 10, 2023, the Albuquerque Police Department tracked Sanchez to a Motel 6 on Pan American and executed a search warrant. Inside his room, authorities discovered a black Glock magazine, 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a demand note, a black wig, a toy BB gun, and two flannel shirts matching descriptions from the robberies.
Upon his release from prison, Sanchez 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the United States Marshals Service and Albuquerque Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
January 4, 2023: Brandon Sanchez robs the Subway at San Mateo and McLeod
January 4, 2023: Brandon Sanchez robs the Subway at San Mateo and McLeod
January 4, 2023: Brandon Sanchez robs the Subway at San Mateo and McLeod
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Albuquerque Woman Admits Guilt in Multi-Year Cyberstalking and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a series of crimes involving cyberstalking, computer intrusion and false reporting to law enforcement that spanned several years.
According to court documents, from March 2016 to December 2019, Kalani S. Uehara, 26, engaged in a campaign of harassment and intimidation against multiple victims. Uehara assumed the identities of various individuals to send numerous threatening and harassing electronic communications to individuals, schools, and law firms. Uehara threatened to kill, harm, or extort her victims, and took steps to assume others' identities, open false email accounts in their names, make false accusations, and persistently send vulgar, harassing, and terrifying messages.
Specifically, Uehara admitted to engaging in a cyberstalking campaign against N.C., a former Albuquerque Public Schools student. Uehara admitted to:
- Gaining unauthorized access to N.C.'s Google and Twitter accounts;
- Creating fake accounts in N.C.'s name;
- Sending hundreds of threatening and harassing messages impersonating N.C.;
- Obtaining a restraining order against N.C. using fabricated evidence; and
- Falsely reporting N.C. to law enforcement, resulting in N.C.'s arrest.
Uehara also admitted to making false statements to the FBI on July 28, 2016, and July 27, 2018, regarding the cyberstalking activities and use of the TextNow app.
At sentencing, Uehara faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of conviction. Upon her release from prison, Uehara will be subject to up 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Public Schools Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Brawley, Jaymie L. Roybal and Eva F. Fontanez are prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement# # #
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Additional Sentence Against Defendant for Escape from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A defendant previously convicted for assaulting an intimate partner was sentenced to an additional 14 months in prison after escaping from federal custody while transitioning to a residential reentry program.
According to court documents, William Valencia, 33, an enrolled member of Laguna Pueblo, was initially sentenced on January 23, 2020, to 75 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for assault of an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating.
On July 27, 2023, while at Diersen Residential Reentry Center in Albuquerque, Valencia tested positive for alcohol and left the facility without permission. He remained at large until October 5, 2023, when he was arrested by Albuquerque Police for possession of fentanyl.
Upon his release from prison, Valencia will be subject to an additional three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro prosecuted the case.
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Protecting Native Families: Readout from the 2024 Tribal ConsultationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Last month, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, federal prosecutors, and other staff from the United States Attorney’s Office met with delegations from 17 Tribes, the All Pueblo Council of Governors, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address critical issues facing Native communities, including the devastating impact of fentanyl and the need for enhanced law enforcement training and retention. The consultation was held on July 18 and 19, 2024 at the University of New Mexico’s School of Law.
Tribal leaders from the Pueblo of Zuni, Pueblo of Sandia, Pueblo of Santa Clara, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Pueblo of Laguna, Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Picuris, Pueblo of Jemez, Pueblo of Zia, Pueblo of San Felipe, Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Nambe, Pueblo of Pojoaque, Pueblo of Tesuque, Mescalero Apache, Pueblo of Acoma, and the Pueblo of San Ildefonso were present along with representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This years’ consultation focused on protecting native families.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez initiated the Tribal consultation by reaffirming his office's commitment to serving Tribal communities, describing it as one of his "greatest honors" as the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. To underscore this commitment, U.S. Attorney Uballez highlighted the increased resources allocated for community outreach, education, and training for Tribal law enforcement, as well as the expansion of the Indian Country Crimes (ICC) section with the hiring of four Assistant U.S. Attorneys to more effectively address violent crime on Tribal lands.
Since August 2023, Uballez has personally met with ten different Tribes and Pueblos, fostering direct communication and gaining a deeper understanding of their unique needs and concerns. In addition to the U.S. Attorney meeting personally with Tribes and Pueblos, AUSA Tribal Liaisons have meet and coordinated with Tribal leaders and law enforcement separately throughout the year. The United States Attorney's Office engaged in 28 community outreach activities like meetings, presentations, and tabling at Tribal events.
In addition to community engagement, the United States Attorney’s Office has conducted nine training sessions for Tribal and Pueblo law enforcement and community providers, enhancing their capabilities to address crime and public safety issues effectively. These outreach and training efforts have reached over 1,000 people, totaling 52.5 hours of dedicated time.
Furthermore, the United States Attorney’s Office, through Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski, has facilitated the allocation of more than $10 million in grants for Tribes in the last year, providing crucial resources to enhance public safety, support victim services, and strengthen Tribal justice systems.
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico is notable for being the first federal prosecutor's office in the country to establish a dedicated Indian Country Crimes section, which was created in 2010. This unique organizational structure enables the office to take a proactive and specialized approach to addressing criminal justice issues in Native American communities with training initiatives, community outreach and enhanced coordination among Tribal, state and federal agencies.
U.S. Attorney Uballez also underscored the positive impact of the office’s Tribal liaison program, which differs from other districts by assigning one Assistant U.S. Attorney to two Tribes, rather than having a single liaison for all Tribes in a district. This approach has led to increased communication between his office and the Tribes, enhancing government-to-government relations.
Nearly all of the participants described the deleterious effects of Fentanyl on their communities, culture and family ties, and described how it is leading to more violent crime in their community and higher death rates and incidents of homelessness amongst their members.
During the consultation, U.S. Attorney Uballez outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat fentanyl trafficking and its impact on Tribal communities:
- Expansion of Organized Crime Section: The U.S. Attorney has increased the size of the Organized Crime section to target criminal structures and organizations importing fentanyl across the southern border.
- Dedicated Drug Prosecutors: For the first time, two ICC prosecutors have been designated as drug prosecutors, focusing on building resources and cases related to drug trafficking.
- DEA Collaboration: The office is engaging with the Drug Enforcement Administration to expand its presence and operations in Tribal communities.
- Education Initiatives: The U.S. Attorney plans to enhance efforts to educate parents and law enforcement about the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
- Support Services: Secure federal funding for developing support services to treat addiction, aiming to reduce demand for drugs in Tribal communities.
Many participants commended the office’s ongoing efforts to enhance communication and relations with the Tribes, noting the ease of reaching their liaison for responses, the personal visits made by the U.S. Attorney to Tribal leadership, and the active participation of liaisons in Tribal events.
“To know that you put a lot of effort and energy to expanding this program to Indian Country, we’re all sincerely, sincerely grateful for that, because now we have someone, a face.” Pueblo of Jemez Police Chief Roger Foster said.
“We appreciate seeing your faces out there. We appreciate you being out there and letting us know who you are and what you do and to hear your voice, to know that you are there for our people.” Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya said. “The Navajo Nation appreciates that very much.”
Regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) cases, Tribal representatives voiced deep concerns over persistent communication gaps, unresolved investigations, and the ongoing struggle to provide closure for affected families and communities, highlighting the complex challenges in addressing this critical issue. ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas touted the office’s efforts to help law enforcement agencies establish Tribal Community Response Plans for MMIP cases and offered to help Tribes who did not have one in place yet put one in place.
This initiative, combined with the specialized focus of MMIP AUSA Eliot Neal, aims to improve coordination and response to MMIP cases, addressing some of the communication and investigative challenges raised by Tribal representatives. The establishment of these plans can potentially enhance the handling of MMIP cases by providing a structured framework for communication, action, and cooperation between Tribes and law enforcement.
Nearly every Tribe emphasized the critical need for assistance in both training and retaining their law enforcement personnel. Tribal representatives highlighted several key challenges:
- Training: Tribes are seeking comprehensive training programs that cover a wide range of law enforcement skills, including investigative techniques, evidence gathering and report writing.
- Retention: Retention of trained law enforcement officers is a significant concern. Tribes reported high turnover rates due to factors such as competitive salaries offered by non-Tribal law enforcement agencies, limited career advancement opportunities, and the demanding nature of the job.
- Funding and Resources: Many Tribes called for federal assistance in securing grants and other financial support to build and sustain robust law enforcement departments.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Tribes are also interested in establishing partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share resources, expertise, and training opportunities.
To highlight the ability of the Tribes to use the office to build collaborative partnerships, Pueblo of Sandia Tribal Police Chief Adrian Montoya described how his department had leveraged the United States Attorney’s Office to build partnerships with the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Regarding training, Navajo Nation Vice President Montoya said “tell us what we need to do. Our officers are hungry. They’re ready. They’re wanting to know what they can do.”
U.S. Attorney Uballez, Indian Country Crimes Section Supervisor Elisa Dimas and Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, along with Tribal Liaisons Eliot Neal, Nicholas Marshall, Brittany DuChaussee, Matthew McGinley, Caitlin Dillon, Robert Booth, Zachary Jones, Mia Ulibarri-Rubin, Jena Ritchey, Mark Probasco, Joni Stahl, and Meg Tomlinson as well as Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski received the comments and engaged in discussion with Tribal representatives.
Former President Barack Obama signed the Memorandum on Tribal Consultation on Nov. 5, 2009. The Memorandum pronounces Tribal consultations “a critical ingredient of a sound and productive Federal-Tribal relationship.” The president further directed all federal agencies to develop a detailed plan of the actions taken to fully implement former President Bill Clinton's Executive Order 13175 on “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments” within ninety days. Within 270 days and annually thereafter agencies were directed to provide a progress report on implementation and any updates to the plan. Executive Order 13175 sets forth criteria “to establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with Tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have Tribal implications.”
The District of New Mexico embraces this responsibility and the principles of Tribal sovereignty and Indian self-determination by actively promoting public safety in Tribal communities, recognizing the unique cultural heritage of New Mexico's Native American Tribes, and fostering government-to-government relationships.
(Foreground, left to right) ICC Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez (Background, left to right) AUSA Mark Probasco, Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski, Criminal Chief Kristopher Houghton
(Left to right) ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, Pueblo of Jemez PD CI Allison Lucero, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez, Pueblo of Jemez PD Chief Roger Foster
(Left to right) Navajo Nation Attorney Prosecutor Kevin Barnett, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty
(Left to right) ICC Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores, Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski
U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez, Supervisor Elisa Dimas and Deputy Supervisor Alexander Flores listen as Jicarilla Apache Tribal Prosecutor Tonita Vigil and Vice President Sonja Newton speak
(Foreground, left to right) Pojoaque Tribal PD Chief Freddie Trujillo and Major Nathan Barton. (Background, left to right) ICC Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Probasco, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Holland Kastrin, Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski
Artwork by James Sanchez
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U.S. Attorney, FBI Announce Additional Charges for Alleged Serial Murderer, Kidnapper, and Sexual Abuser Labar Tsethlikai in Ongoing InvestigationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Federal prosecutors have filed additional charges against Labar Tsethlikai for a series of violent crimes targeting Native American men across New Mexico between 2022 and 2024, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault.
Labar Tsethlikai, 51, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, now faces an 11-count superseding indictment charging him 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. Tsethlikai will remain in custody pending trial. Tsethlikai’s arraignment on the superseding indictment has not been scheduled.
Tsethlikai was previously charged with second degree murder on April 26, 2024.
Tsethlikai is accused of kidnapping and murdering two men, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, in separate incidents on October 22, 2022, and January 18, 2024, respectively.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 1 on October 22, 2022, and used various public places and transportation methods to carry out the crime. Tragically, John Doe 1 died as a result of this kidnapping.
The indictment further alleges that Tsethlikai deliberately and with premeditation kidnapped and killed John Doe 2 on January 18, 2024. Furthermore, Tsethlikai is accused of killing John Doe 2 while committing or attempting to commit other crimes, including kidnapping and sexual abuse.
In addition to these charges, Tsethlikai faces multiple counts of kidnapping, sexual abuse, and assault involving other victims between 2023 and 2024. The crimes allegedly occurred in McKinley and Bernalillo counties in New Mexico:
- On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 3.
- On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 3 with the specific intent to commit murder.
- On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 3 resulting in serious bodily injury.
- On July 13, 2023, Tsethlikai is accused of kidnapping John Doe 4.
- On July 13, Tsethlikai is also accused of engaging in a sexual act with John Doe 4 by using force and threats.
- On February 16, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 5 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities.
- On April 11, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 6 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities.
If convicted of the current charges, 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 FBI SA Mark Stephenson, investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley, Mark A. Probasco, and Eliot Neal are prosecuting the case.
View the Superseding IndictmentAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims and seeks information. 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. Tips based on prior news articles and stories related to Tsethlikai’s conduct have produced information supporting some of the charges featured in the superseding indictment.
Labar Tsethlikai is approximately 5’7” and weighs 180 pounds. He is heavyset, has short brown hair, brown eyes, and wears glasses. It is believed that he wore a gold bracelet. He is from Zuni, but traveled extensively around New Mexico, including Gallup, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. Prior to being detained, it is believed that Tsethlikai worked in the Native American jewelry industry and was a Zuni jewely artist.
Moreover, prior to being detained on federal charges, investigators believe that Tsethlikai used a gold/brown Chevy Silverado, single cab truck, with dual exhaust, bearing license plate number WNMU0043, in furtherance of his criminal spree.
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.
U.S. Attorney Secures Sentence for Man who Assaulted a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Santa Fe man was sentenced to one year of home confinement followed by two years of supervised probation for assaulting his girlfriend’s son.
According to court documents, on June 19, 2021, Luis Xavier Rael, 36, was supervising his girlfriend’s 12-year-old son, who is a member of the Pueblo of Nambé. Rael made the child do a series of physical exercises, which the child did not to complete to Rael’s satisfaction. Because of this, Rael hit the child with a tree branch and a belt on his butt, lower back, and upper legs. The strikes caused significant bruising to the child.
In addition to the confinement and probation, Rael must also complete substance-abuse counseling, mental-health counseling, and make restitution to cover the child’s continued counseling.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Clara Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney: Convicted Felon Gets 15 Years for Shooting Woman at Grocery StoreRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A convicted felon who violated a domestic violence restraining order by possessing a firearm and shooting a woman at an Albuquerque Walmart was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2022, Maurice Lacey, 66, was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction and an active domestic violence restraining order when he entered a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Albuquerque. He followed the victim, Jane Doe, to the employee breakroom and shot her in the back of the head.
The victim suffered severe injuries, including a compressed skull fracture requiring emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation. She continues to experience physical impairments and trauma from the shooting.
Upon his release from prison, Lacey will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Suspect in Deadly Shiprock StabbingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo Nation man was charged by criminal complaint with second-degree murder following a fatal stabbing that occurred on July 25, 2024, in Shiprock, New Mexico.
Edison Brady, 55, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is set for Wednesday.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 25, 2024, Navajo Nation Police Department officers responded to reports of a fight in progress near a business in Shiprock, New Mexico. Upon arrival, officers found John Doe unresponsive on the ground with apparent wounds to his face and chest. Despite life-saving measures, John Doe was later pronounced dead at Northern Navajo Medical Center.
The complaint alleges Brady punched and kicked Doe before retrieving a knife from his backpack and stabbing him. Witnesses reported observing Brady assault Doe, who did not defend himself. A knife with apparent blood stains was recovered from Brady’s possession.
If convicted of the current charge, Brady 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 Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal ComplaintA 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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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Rio Rancho Woman with Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Rio Rancho woman was charged by criminal complaint for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition while using controlled substances.
Courtney Leigh Sparks, 39, appeared before a federal judge on July 23, 2024, and will be placed on conditions of release in the third-party custody of a halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) arrested Sparks after she collided into an Albuquerque Fire and Rescue fire truck. Sparks appeared intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. APD searched her vehicle and located the following:
- A loaded Colt .38 caliber special revolver in the cup holder of the center console
- Three open bottles of alcohol
- A narcotics pipe on Sparks’ person
Then, on May 22, 2024, the Rio Rancho Police Department’s (RRPD) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) informed the FBI about recent interactions with Sparks. These interactions concerned Sparks’ desire to create a “Molotov cocktail,” her possession of weapons, ongoing drug use, and intent to harm others with explosives.
On May 14, 2024, the RRPD CIT received information that Sparks was attempting to collect gunpower from fireworks to build a bomb. RRPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed information that Sparks was a long-time user of controlled substances to include methamphetamine and fentanyl, including ongoing use at the time of her March arrest.
On May 27, 2024, Sparks was arrested in Rio Arriba County for driving while intoxicated. New Mexico State Police (NMSP) were on patrol when they were flagged down by a citizen who reported a possible intoxicated driver. NMSP observed the vehicle driving below the speed limit and crossed marked road lines. NMSP arrested Sparks for driving while intoxicated. During a subsequent search of her vehicle, officers located:
- One box of .38 special ammunition
- One box of 12-gauge shotgun shells
- Two hatchets
- One throwing knife
- One machete
- Three pocketknives
- Two glass pipes
- Various items related to marijuana use
If convicted of the current charges, Sparks faces up to 15 years in prison for each offense.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque, Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gardner is prosecuting this case as part of an agreement with the First 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 First Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Santa Fe area.
The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.
View the Criminal ComplaintA 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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U.S. Attorney Announces Sentencing for Man Convicted of Illegal Weapons Possession in Domestic Violence CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and destructive devices while under a court order of protection following a harrowing domestic violence incident.
According to court documents, on September 14, 2022, Edward Walters, 55, knowingly possessed a firearm, ammunition, and destructive devices while under a court order of protection. The protection order, issued on July 21, 2022, found that Walters represented a credible threat and prohibited him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner. Despite this, Walters returned to his family’s residence, where he began accumulating an arsenal of weapons, including firearms, silencers, and pipe bombs.
Walters held his wife against her will in their garage, but their son overheard the situation and called 911. The incident escalated as Walters barricaded himself inside the home, causing significant disruption to a nearby elementary school and surrounding neighborhoods. After hours of negotiations, law enforcement took Walters into custody.
Upon his release from prison, Walters will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Albuquerque Man with Drug Distribution and Assault on Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with multiple federal crimes, including drug trafficking and assaulting federal officers during a high-speed pursuit.
Nicholas Mares, aka “Youngster,” 22, appeared before a federal judge today for a detention hearing, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 28, 2024, Mares sold 5,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover FBI agent during a controlled purchase.
Photograph of MARES, taken during the May 28, 2024, controlled drug buy
On July 18, 2024, FBI agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Mares in Albuquerque. Mares allegedly rammed his vehicle into an FBI vehicle occupied by four special agents, then fled at high speed in oncoming traffic with a child in his car. During the pursuit, approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills were allegedly discarded onto the roadway from Mares’ vehicle before he eluded capture.
Photograph from the July 18, 2024, attempted FBI contact with Mares where he discarded approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, while recklessly fleeing
If convicted of the current charges, Mares 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 Violent Gang Task Force of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler.
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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U.S. Attorney and FBI Announce Charges Against Two Zuni Men for Firearm Assault on Four VictimsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two Zuni men were charged by indictment with multiple federal firearms offenses for assaulting 4 victims.
Kamron Kallestewa, 23, and Kaden Panteah, 18, enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, on April 8, 2023, Kallestewa and Panteah assaulted John Doe 1, John Doe 2, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 with a firearm with the intent to do bodily harm.
If convicted of the current charges, Kallestewa and Panteah face 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 Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mia Ulibarri-Rubin is prosecuting the case.
View the IndictmentAn 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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U.S. Attorney Secures 14-Year Sentence for Second Assailant in 2021 Kidnapping and Death of Gallup ManRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup woman was sentenced to 14 years in prison and order to pay $19,498.71 in restitution for her role in luring and abducting a man who was later found dead in Mentmore, New Mexico after a week-long community search.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on the afternoon of September 16, 2021, Shannon Etsitty, 23 (an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation), Elias Viola, and Halbert Sam were using methamphetamine and drinking alcohol. Viola learned Etsitty had been in a relationship with John Doe and expressed a desire to harm Doe. The group devised a plan to lure John Doe to them, under the pretense of a meeting with Etsitty, who would pick Doe up alone to avoid suspicion.
After picking up Doe in Viola’s car, Etsitty drove Doe to where Viola and Sam were waiting. Viola entered through the car’s missing windshield and assaulted John Doe. Sam entered through the back passenger door and held Doe against the front passenger seat so Viola could beat Doe without Doe being able to defend himself. During the assault, Doe grabbed the steering wheel, causing the car to veer off the road and become stuck.
The attack upon Doe continued outside the vehicle, with Viola using a screwdriver and baseball bat. After beating and stabbing Doe, the party hid Doe’s body in nearby bushes. Law enforcement—unaware of Doe’s condition—arrived at the scene of the disabled car and helped Etsitty and Viola get the car unstuck; Sam, meanwhile, hid in the bushes with Doe’s body. Once the car was unstuck, Etsitty and Viola went to Etsitty’s mother’s house, leaving Doe’s body and hidden with Sam by the roadside.
Later, Etsitty, Viola, Etsitty’s sister, and Etsitty’s sister’s boyfriend returned to the location where the group had hidden Doe’s body. They then moved Doe to a field near Etsitty’s mother’s house.
On September 23, 2021, John Doe’s body was located in that Mentmore field. OMI found Doe to have multiple injuries, including a stab wound to his chest and severe head trauma. The manner of his death was ruled a homicide. Evidence linked Etsitty and Viola to the crime scene and Doe’s last known whereabouts.
On September 18, 2023, Viola pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Upon her release from prison, Etsitty 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 Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Sentencing in $1.2 Million Real Estate Trust Fund Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A former Roswell escrow company owner was sentenced to 46-months in prison for defrauding his clients of over $1.2 million.
According to court documents, Christopher Adam Jensen-Tanner purchased Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. in 2013 and began conducting business as a servicer of real estate contracts, holding significant sums of money in trust for clients.
In January 2017, Jensen-Tanner began illegally using customer funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle beyond his means. To conceal his actions, Jensen-Tanner commingled funds between corporate accounts, moving money held in trust to operating accounts and vice versa.
By fall 2019, the scheme unraveled when Jensen-Tanner could no longer hide the shortfall created by his misuse of client funds. A victim complaint led to an examination by the New Mexico Financial Institutions Division, exposing the full extent of the fraud.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico are seeking individuals who may have been victims of a wire fraud scheme involving Jensen-Tanner and Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. (RES) between January 2017 and October 2019. If you were a client of Jensen-Tanner and/or RES and believe you are a victim, please contact the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
A restitution hearing will be set at a later date. If you would like to attend the hearing, please contact Victim Specialist Jacquie Gutierrez at (575) 522-2304 for more information.
The Roswell Division and Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Securities and Financial Institutions Divisions of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Richard Williams are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney Secures 10 Year Prison Sentence for Violent OffenderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 10 years and one day in federal prison for a violent crime spree that included shooting a stranger during a dispute over face masks and brutally assaulting his own cousin in separate incidents in early 2021.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on February 18, 2021, Michael Shebala, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot a man in the chest at the Route 66 Travel Center on Laguna Pueblo after an argument over face mask requirements. The victim, who was traveling from Arizona to Arkansas, was hospitalized for a week with serious injuries.
Approximately two weeks later, on March 5, 2021, Shebala shot his cousin in the leg during an argument. He then kicked the victim in the face and beat him with a baseball bat, causing multiple fractures.
Upon his release from prison, Shebala 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 FBI Albuquerque Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department, Navajo Police Department, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
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Eight Members of Lopez Human Smuggling Organization Operating in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States Indicted and Two ArrestedRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, and Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, announced the unsealing of an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2024, charging eight members of the leadership and middle management of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization, a transnational criminal organization operating in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. Law enforcement officials effected the arrest of two alleged members of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization in California and Florida in a coordinated, multistate enforcement operation.
In addition, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization today as part of its ongoing efforts to address the national security threat posed by human smuggling. Pursuant to Executive Order 13581, as amended, OFAC has taken action to freeze assets and limit financial transactions of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization.
According to the indictment, Ronaldo Galindo Lopez-Escobar, aka “Tio Roni,” 46, of Malacatan, Guatemala, leads and oversees the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization from Guatemala.
Elvis Bersai Lopez-Ambrosio, aka “Pepe,” and Whiskey Hans Lopez-Ambrosio, aka “Hands,” coordinated with Mexican human smugglers, including Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez-Perez and a La Linea Cartel member known as “Chikis,” “Chiquis,” “Enano,” and “Chicken” to cross undocumented aliens from Guatemala through Mexico, and into the United States through Southern New Mexico.
Upon smuggling undocumented aliens into the United States through Southern New Mexico, Elvis and Whiskey would oversee and direct a network of mid-level smugglers including Eli Adonis Esteban-Lopez and Wenry Gabriel Gomez-Lopez, who assisted in carrying out the day-to-day operations of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization, and Karen Stefany Hernandez-Vanegas, who received deposits and made payments to co-conspirators through the United States banking system, peer-to-peer money transfer applications, and bulk cash that were derived from the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization.
Furthermore, Elvis would instruct co-conspirators to open U.S. bank accounts in order to receive smuggling fees from smuggled aliens on Elvis’s behalf and in a manner that would be untraceable to Elvis. Elvis would then instruct co-conspirators to withdraw the funds and either: give the funds to Elvis, convert the funds into assets including real estate, or send funds to Lopez-Escobar or his nominees in Guatemala, utilizing money service business money wires, to minimize the trackability of the funds to Lopez-Escobar.
Federal investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization generated between $104 million and $416 million in illicit proceeds from their human smuggling activities between September 2020 and April 2023.
“Border security is about neighbors taking care of neighbors, reaching across jurisdictional and agency boundaries to protect our community,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “With this indictment, we bring the fight across borders to the transnational criminal organizations and their leadership. No longer will you profit in safety while migrants suffer and load-drivers take the risks, and the fall, for your greed. We are coming for you and your bank accounts.”
“HSI remains steadfast in vigorously using our broad investigative authority and international footprint to pursue transnational criminal organizations that not only put the lives of migrants at peril, but pose a threat to our national security,” said Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “This case exemplifies a coalesced commitment among our federal law enforcement partners to ensure public safety by locking up violent criminal elements associated with these networks. Our message is clear: Human smugglers will not operate with impunity in our communities.”
“On behalf of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local law enforcement partners for their role in this significant criminal apprehension,” said Anthony Scott Good, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector. “The successes in the investigation of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization represents our unified goal as law enforcement partners: protecting the very communities we live in. Border Patrol's mission extends beyond immigration; we strategically collaborate with local law enforcement to deter and address criminal threats.”
If convicted of the current charges, Lopez-Escobar faces up to 20 years in prison. Lopez-Escobar and nine co-defendants were charged with conspiracy to bring in, transport and harbor illegal aliens on May 24, 2023. Lopez-Escobar remains a fugitive.
If convicted of the current charges, Elvis Bersai Lopez-Ambrosio faces up to 20 years in prison.
If convicted of the current charges, Whiskey Hans Lopez-Ambrosio faces up to 10 years in prison.
If convicted of the current charges, Hernandez-Perez faces up to 10 years in prison.
If convicted of the current charges, Chikis faces up to 10 years in prison.
If convicted of the current charges, Esteban-Lopez faces up to 10 years in prison.
If convicted of the current charges, Gomez-Lopez faces up to 10 years in prison.
If convicted of the current charges, Hernandez-Vanegas faces up to 10 years in prison.
HSI El Paso led U.S. investigative efforts, with enforcement assistance from HSI in the Middle District of Florida and the Central District of California. HSI received investigative assistance from HSI Long Beach and San Jose, U.S. Border Patrol Deming, Lordsburg, Blythe, El Centro, Yuma, and Tucson, the U.S. Marshal Service’s Organized Crime and Gangs Branch, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center/Operation Sentinel, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. The Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the Department’s Criminal Division also provided support in this matter.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ramirez for the District of New Mexico.
The indictment of these defendants is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is part of JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and most recently in the Darién to include Colombia and Panama. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California. Dedicated support is also provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division that are part of JTFA, led by HRSP, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), MLARS, the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 310 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 250 U.S. convictions; over 185 significant sentences of 30 years or more in prison imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeiture of substantial assets and contraband, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; multiple indictments and successful extradition requests against foreign leadership targets.
View the IndictmentTreasury Press Release
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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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Farmington Woman for Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington woman faces federal drug trafficking and firearms charges after a high-speed chase led to the seizure of over half a kilogram of methamphetamine, thousands of suspected counterfeit pills, and multiple firearms.
Tasheena Hoskie, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge last week.
According to court document, the arrest stems from a joint investigation by the FBI and the Region II Task Force that consisted of multiple controlled drug buys from and surveillance operations on Hoskie and her activities.
On July 12, 2024, investigators attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Hoskie's vehicle as it traveled from Arizona to New Mexico. Hoskie initially stopped but then fled at high speed, throwing packages from the vehicle. After her vehicle was disabled, Hoskie was taken into custody. Investigators recovered approximately 548 grams of suspected methamphetamine that had been thrown from the vehicle.
A search of Hoskie 's vehicle revealed:
- Two firearms, including a stolen rifle;
- Over 4,000 suspected counterfeit oxycodone pills, as well as a cell phone that had both been submerged into water in a cooler; and
- Additional suspected methamphetamine.
Photograph of Methamphetamine found in the roadway.
Photograph of the cooler after investigators had removed a phone and were continuing to recover the blue pills.
A subsequent search of Hoskie's residence in Farmington uncovered more suspected methamphetamine, approximately 6,000 unidentified pills, and 10 firearms.
Hoskie has a previous felony conviction for drug trafficking from 2011 in Arizona.
If convicted of the current charges, Hoskie faces up to lifetime 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 investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, the Region II Narcotics Task Force, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Farmington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II 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.
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U.S. Attorney Secures Sentence for Firearm IncidentRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for a firearms-related offense after a confrontation over a $40 debt.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on August 15, 2022, Ian Channing Lasiloo, 31, an enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe, drove to the residence of his cousin, John Doe. Upon arrival, Lasiloo confronted John Doe with a handgun, demanding payment of a $40 debt. When John Doe denied owing the money, Lasiloo pointed the weapon at his face before aiming at the ground and firing. The bullet struck John Doe in the left heel, causing a superficial wound that required treatment at Zuni Hospital.
Lasiloo was apprehended by law enforcement the following day. During questioning, he expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he had intended to frighten John Doe due to the alleged debt.
Upon his release from prison, Lasiloo will be subject to 3 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 Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Prison Sentence for Domestic Violence Against Pregnant Intimate PartnerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Caddo man was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for brutally assaulting and strangling his pregnant girlfriend.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between February 11 and 14, 2023, Steven Williams, 30, an enrolled member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe. Williams attacked Jane Doe with his fists, a knife, and by choking and kicking her. Jane Doe was five months pregnant at the time of the assaults.
As a result of the attacks, Jane Doe suffered severe bruising, a broken hand, defensive knife wounds, and strangulation. Fortunately, the unborn child survived. After enduring days of abuse, Jane Doe eventually managed to escape and receive medical treatment with the help of concerned family members.
Upon his release from prison, Williams will be subject to 3 years of supervised release with intensive counselling and treatment for anger management.
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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Guilty Plea in Gallup Armed Robbery CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Gamerco woman pleaded guilty in federal court to robbery and federal firearms charges arising from her role in the armed robbery of a Gallup insurance company in 2021.
According to publicly available court documents, on December 4, 2021, Amber Yazzie, 29, entered an insurance company in Gallup, New Mexico, with two of her co-defendants, while a fourth co-defendant, waited outside in a vehicle. Yazzie brandished a firearm, yelled at the employees to turn over money, and threatened them before firing the gun into the ceiling.
Following the robbery, Yazzie and her co-defendants traveled to Albuquerque, where they used some of the stolen funds for a shopping spree at a local mall. Law enforcement later recovered receipts and surveillance footage documenting these purchases.
At sentencing, Yazzie faces not less than ten years and up to life in prison. Upon her release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to up 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.
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U.S. Attorney Secures 19 Year Sentence for Attempted Murder of Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An El Paso man was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for attempting to murder a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a routine immigration stop in New Mexico.
According to court documents, on January 5, 2023, Roberto Esquivel, 25, was pulled over by a Border Patrol agent on a rural section of New Mexico Highway 146 for a routine immigration inspection. When the agent approached the vehicle, he observed individuals inside whom he suspected of being undocumented immigrants. The agent asked Esquivel to exit the vehicle. Instead, Esquivel produced a firearm and shot the agent, striking him twice in the torso area.
After shooting the agent, Esquivel fled the scene but lost control of the vehicle and rolled it multiple times. He ran from the crash site and threw the gun into the desert. Law enforcement officers subsequently apprehended Esquivel and recovered the discarded firearm.
The Border Patrol agent survived the shooting, largely due to his ballistic vest. One of the passengers required airlift to a hospital but has since recovered from injuries sustained during the incident.
Upon his release from prison, Esquivel will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. McNair is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney Secures 26 Year Prison Sentence for Gambling-Fueled Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for orchestrating a violent home invasion against his father-in-law and robbing a bank in order to fuel a severe gambling addiction.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on September 14, 2021, Marc Candelaria, 36, staged a home invasion targeting his own father-in-law, John Doe, and was assisted by an unknown co-conspirator who acted as the actual intruder. The intruder entered the home undetected late at night and attempted to force John Doe to open a safe at gunpoint. When John Doe was unable to open the safe, the intruder made Doe write a $23,000 check.
After writing the check, John Doe was brutally beaten, sustaining serious head injuries that caused him to lose consciousness. John Doe was found the next day by his daughter and transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Just hours after the home invasion, Candelaria attempted to deposit the stolen check into his personal bank account, however the bank placed a hold on the check due to what appeared to be two separate handwritings and alerted the victim’s wife to a possibly fraudulent check.
On October 30, 2021, Candelaria robbed a Bank of America branch using a typewritten demand note that threatened cartel violence. The bank teller, fearing for his life, gave Candelaria the cash from his register.
The investigation revealed Candelaria committed both crimes to fund a severe gambling addiction. Between September 2020 and May 2022, he visited a local casino approximately 169 times, losing large sums of money.
On March 27, 2024, Candelaria was convicted by a federal jury of bank fraud. On April 10, 2024, Candelaria entered into a plea agreement on the bank robbery charge.
Upon his release from prison, Candelaria 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel A. Hurtado and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuted the case.
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