District of New Mexico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Albuquerque Man Charged with Threatening FBI Agent over Seized FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with threatening an FBI special agent during a phone call in which he allegedly demanded the return of firearms seized during a prior federal search warrant.
According to court documents, on July 14, 2026, Alejandro Moya, 36, contacted the FBI Albuquerque Field Office seeking the return of firearms that had been seized during a 2020 federal search warrant. During the call, Moya allegedly stated that he was “tired of playing games” and wanted his firearms returned.
Later that day, an FBI special agent contacted Moya by telephone regarding the request. During the call, Moya allegedly threatened the agent, stating, “Give me my fucking shit or I’m gonna kill you,” and “I will fucking cut your head off.” Moya allegedly continued making threats, telling the agent, “You’re fucking dead,” and challenging the agent to meet him at a residence in Albuquerque for a confrontation.
Court documents allege that Moya knew he was speaking with an FBI agent when he made the threats.
Moya is charged with interstate threatening communications. Post initial appearance, Moya was released on his own recognizance and is expected to appear in court on July 20, 2026, for a combined preliminary and detention hearing. If convicted of the current charges, Moya faces up to five years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon 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.
Española Man Sentenced for String of Armed Robberies that Led to MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a 2022 crime spree that left one person dead.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on August 9, 2022, Ricky Eddie Martinez, Jr., 35, entered the Dandy Burger restaurant in Española, brandished a revolver, and robbed an employee of approximately $160. The following day, Martinez robbed a Shell gas station in Española after displaying a firearm and demanding money from the cashier, taking $352.
On August 11, 2022, Martinez robbed a Walgreens in Española. After the cashier was unable to open the register, Martinez became increasingly aggressive, firing a round into a liquor display and wall near the employee before forcibly removing a cash register drawer and fleeing. The employee suffered burns from the close-range gunshot.
On August 16, 2022, Martinez entered a Blake's Lotaburger in Española and demanded money from employees. He then jumped over the counter, shot and killed John Doe 2, and assaulted John Doe 3, the victim's brother and coworker, striking him with the firearm and firing at him. John Doe 3 survived but suffered serious injuries. Martinez fled the scene but was arrested the following day.
Evidence linked Martinez to additional robberies committed during the week-long crime spree, including incidents at a Chevron gas station in Santa Fe, 420 Emporia Smoke Shop in Española, Chalupp's Pizza in Taos, Family Dollar, and Dollar General. During several of those robberies, Martinez discharged his firearm.
At the time of the offenses, Martinez was on federal supervised release following a conviction for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and had absconded from supervision weeks before beginning the robbery spree.
Martinez pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery, using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As part of global plea negotiations with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, a result of extensive state and federal coordination throughout the investigation, Martinez also agreed to plead guilty in state court to offenses related to the murder of John Doe 2 and other crimes against John Doe 3.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, 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 Española Police Department, Taos Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Brittany DuChaussee prosecuted the case.
Surveillance video from Dandy Burger
Surveillance video from Dollar General
Surveillance video from Shell Gas Station
Surveillance video from Walgreens
Silver City Man Charged with Threatening U.S. Forest Service Officer at Federal CourthouseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Silver City man has been charged with threatening a U.S. Forest Service officer after allegedly confronting the officer and making threatening remarks following a sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, on June 11, 2026, Fred Andrew Berry, 55, appeared in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for a sentencing hearing on matters related to prior violations occurring on U.S. Forest Service land. Following the hearing, a U.S. Forest Service officer, who was attending court in an official capacity and wearing a badge of office, approached Berry to issue two additional citations for maintaining a campfire during fire restrictions and failing to properly dispose of garbage.
After receiving the citations, Berry allegedly became confrontational and threatened the officer. Court documents allege that Berry leaned toward the officer and stated, “just know that if I see you in the streets,” before pointing at the officer and saying, “you’re a dead terrorist bitch.” The officer observed Berry clenching his teeth and tensing his body, causing the officer to fear an imminent physical attack and take a defensive position.
Witnesses, including a Bureau of Land Management ranger and a courtroom security officer, observed the confrontation. The courtroom security officer later heard Berry respond, “I said what I said,” when asked whether the statement was intended as a threat.
Berry is charged with making threats to a federal law enforcement officer. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Berry faces up to two years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Aguirre-Rivera 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.
Mescalero Man Sentenced for Violent Assault and StrangulationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assaulting and strangling the victim, leaving them with serious injuries.
According to court documents, on March 13, 2025, Philman Sam Pike, 25, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim by punching, strangling and suffocating them, causing them to lose consciousness and causing them extreme physical pain.
Pike pleaded guilty to assault by strangling. Upon his release from prison, Pike will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Casamero Lake Woman Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-RunRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Casamero Lake woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison for striking and killing a pedestrian on a dirt road while driving drunk.
According to court documents, on or about August 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, hit and killed John Doe on a dirt road in the Borrego Pass area after drinking a six-pack of beer that day. John Doe was last seen leaving work on August 5, 2024, and his body was discovered four days later. An autopsy determined that John Doe died from blunt force injuries consistent with vehicular trauma, including multiple fractures and a severed spinal cord. Investigators recovered vehicle debris near the body, and several parts were traced to a gray 2018-2022 Ford SUV. Additional investigation linked the parts to a gray 2019 Ford SUV owned by Rojack, which had significant damage to the driver's side and deployed airbags. A federal search warrant executed on the vehicle recovered additional evidence.
On October 4, 2024, special agents interviewed Rojack, who stated that she had been involved in an accident in a canyon while driving home from Crownpoint to Casamero Lake late at night. Rojack claimed she believed she struck a deer and did not stop to investigate because she was alone and it was late at night. She admitted drinking a six-pack of Bud Light on the day of the crash and stated that she was approximately a "5 out of 10" in terms of intoxication. Rojack further stated that she later learned a person had been found dead in the same canyon where the collision occurred and acknowledged she was concerned that she may have struck a person. She also confirmed that she was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Rojack pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Upon her release from prison, Rojack will be subject to two years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, 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 investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Jack Burkehad are prosecuting the case.
Zuni Man Sentenced for Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for the shooting death of an individual in the heat of passion.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents on December 1, 2024, Glendon Laate, 49, a member of the Zuni Pueblo, shot and killed John Doe with a homemade shotgun in the heat of passion.
Laate pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Upon his release from prison, Laate will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Burkhead is prosecuting the case.
Zuni Man Charged in Assault That Seriously Injured Two VictimsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man is facing federal charges for allegedly attacking two victims with a hammer, causing serious injuries that required hospitalization.
According to court documents, on July 5, 2026, Errick Waikaniwa, 39, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, allegedly assaulted two victims with a hammer at a residence in Zuni, New Mexico. The victims suffered severe injuries and were transported for medical treatment. One victim was later transferred to a regional hospital due to the extent of their injuries, which included significant facial trauma, while the second victim sustained head injuries, including a skull fracture.
The investigation determined that multiple people witnessed the assault and contacted law enforcement. Zuni Police Department officers responded to the scene, arrested Waikaniwa, and recovered a hammer believed to have been used in the attack. During a subsequent interview with FBI agents, Waikaniwa allegedly admitted to striking both victims with the hammer.
Waikaniwa is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charge, Waikaniwa faces up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan 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.
Las Cruces Woman Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking Co-WorkersRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces woman pleaded guilty in federal court to anonymously sending threatening messages to co-workers through a health clinic’s online scheduling platform.
According to court documents, between September 11 and September 23, 2025, Jovanni Celeste Ortega, 33, anonymously sent multiple harassing and threatening messages to co-workers at Millennium Health and Wellness through the clinic’s online scheduling platform, an interstate electronic communication service. The messages threatened physical harm to employees and their family members and included references to victims’ children, vehicles, home addresses, and other personal information. Among the messages were threats of fatal car crashes, shootings, and other acts of violence, causing substantial emotional distress to the victims.
After the clinic reported receiving numerous threatening messages, the FBI traced the communications to an IP address associated with Ortega’s residence. During a subsequent interview, Ortega admitted sending the messages.
Ortega pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and faces up to five years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Dickens is prosecuting the case.
Brothers Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two brothers from Cuba, New Mexico have been indicted on federal charges stemming from a violent assault that allegedly left a man seriously injured.
According to court documents, on March 3, 2026, Troy Barbone Jr., 43, and his brother Tyren Barbone, 40, enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe with a metal bar and shovel and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The defendants are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Son of Las Cruces Bounty Hunter Charged in Federal Child Exploitation Case Following Search in Human Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man has been charged with federal child exploitation offenses after investigators allegedly discovered evidence on his cellular telephone during the execution of a search warrant related to a separate federal investigation.
According to court documents, on May 12, 2026, federal agents executed a search warrant at a Las Cruces residence as part of an ongoing investigation connected to Robert Jay Hernandez. During the search, the FBI seized multiple electronic devices, including a cellphone belonging to Hernandez’s adult son, Matthew Esai Hernandez, 37.
A forensic extraction of the phone, conducted pursuant to additional warrants, revealed evidence that Hernandez engaged in sexually explicit communications with individuals who represented themselves as minors and possessed Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Hernandez allegedly used messaging applications, including Telegram and Kik Messenger, to solicit sexually explicit images. In one Telegram conversation, he confirmed the age of a minor and requested explicit photos. In multiple Kik conversations, he engaged in sexual messaging with individuals who stated they were minors and received CSAM images.
In a separate prolonged Telegram conversation spanning approximately 21 months, Hernandez allegedly received numerous CSAM images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children, and he continued to receive and possess such material throughout the communication.
Hernandez is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of minors, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Hernandez faces a minimum of 25 years in prison and up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Armijo and Grant Gardner are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Las Cruces Teenager Sentenced for Shooting That Left Victim Permanently Paralyzed During RobberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces teenager was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for shooting an 18-year-old victim during a robbery, leaving the victim permanently paralyzed.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2022, Matthew James Aguilar, who was 16 years old at the time, and two other individuals arranged to meet with the victim to purchase marijuana. During the transaction, Aguilar and the other individuals decided to rob the victim instead of paying for the marijuana. As the victim attempted to drive away, Aguilar fired multiple rounds from a firearm into the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle. One of the bullets struck the victim in the back, causing a collapsed lung and permanent paralysis. The victim, who was 18 years old at the time, suffered injuries that left him a quadriplegic.
After the shooting, Aguilar initially denied involvement when interviewed by law enforcement. Investigators later obtained social media messages in which Aguilar admitted he had shot and paralyzed someone while attempting to rob him. In subsequent jail calls, Aguilar again described shooting a drug dealer in the back and causing the victim’s paralysis.
“Protecting the public requires a criminal justice system that can respond appropriately to serious acts of violence, regardless of the offender’s age,” said F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Our office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice and use every available tool to address violent crime in New Mexico.”
"Violence in our communities is never justified, and we will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and keep our communities safe-regardless of the offender's age; said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. "This sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue justice for victims and remove dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods. Together, we will continue using every available resource to protect the public and ensure those who resort to violence face the consequences of their actions."
“Today’s sentencing is the result of outstanding collaboration between the Las Cruces Police Department, the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department. “This offender committed serious acts of violence that endangered our community and devastated the lives of his victims. Today’s outcome demonstrates what can be accomplished when local and federal law enforcement work together with a shared commitment to justice.”
Aguilar was initially charged as a juvenile under the Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act. He later agreed to be prosecuted and sentenced as an adult and pled guilty to Interference with Commerce by threats and violence. Upon his release from prison, Aguilar will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Las Cruces Police Department and Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Devon Aragon Martinez prosecuted the case.
Instagram highlights from sentencing
Former Santa Fe Nonprofit Executive Agrees to Pay $735,000 to Resolve HUD Grant Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Attorney's Office announced today that Carolyn Luna-Anderson has agreed to pay $735,000 to resolve allegations that she improperly obtained federal housing assistance funds by concealing conflicts of interest and submitting claims for ineligible rental assistance payments through a HUD-funded program serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
According to the settlement agreement, Luna-Anderson founded and served as Executive Director of The Life Link, a Santa Fe nonprofit that received HUD Continuum of Care grants to provide housing assistance at La Luz Special Needs Apartments. The government alleged that Luna-Anderson simultaneously controlled the nonprofit administering the federal grants and the entity that owned the apartment complex, yet repeatedly certified that no conflicts of interest existed in grant applications and disclosure forms submitted to HUD between 2015 and 2018.
The government further alleged that Luna-Anderson sought HUD reimbursement for rental assistance payments that were not permitted under program rules, including payments for vacant units and amounts exceeding allowable rental assistance limits.
To resolve these allegations, Luna-Anderson agreed to pay $735,000.00 to the United States. The settlement resolves civil claims under the False Claims Act, the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, and common law theories including breach of contract, payment by mistake, unjust enrichment, and fraud. As part of the settlement, Luna-Anderson admitted and acknowledged that the conduct underlying the government's allegations involved misrepresentations, fraudulent omissions, and deceptive conduct that caused financial harm to the United States.
“Federal dollars come with accountability. Those entrusted with public funds must meet the obligations that come with that responsibility and ensure those resources serve the purposes for which they were provided,” said F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison. “My office will continue working with our agency partners to protect taxpayer dollars, promote accountability, and ensure that those entrusted with federal resources meet their obligations.”
“Carolyn Luna Anderson exploited her position and insider knowledge to personally benefit from federal funds intended to provide supportive services to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough. “HUD OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico and Aaron McCullough, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. The settlement was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ruth F. Keegan and Auditor Philip Stella.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.
In the five-week period ending July 2, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:
- 508 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
- 27 individuals were charged with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
- 184 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
- 110 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1326 had prior criminal convictions for narcotics trafficking, domestic violence, assault, criminal trespass, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, prior immigration offenses, second degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of child pornography, drug possession, child neglect, resisting arrest, assault on a federal officer, aggravated battery by strangulation, aggravated domestic violence, aggravated assault, battery resulting in great bodily injury, forgery of a public record, attempted murder, sexual assault, carjacking, fraud, motor vehicle theft, forgery, DUI, and engaging in organized criminal activity.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Hosts Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Ceremony and Charity DriveRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – As part of Freedom250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico will host an Hometown Heroes ceremony on July 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Las Cruces City Council Chambers to honor Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story for his leadership in advancing public safety. F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison, Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez, and New Mexico State Senator Crystal Brantley will deliver remarks recognizing Chief Story's service to the community and the state.
As part of the Freedom250 initiative, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico is also conducting a community shoe and sock drive benefiting local organizations that serve human trafficking victims.
Freedom250 is a national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and encouraging communities across the country to celebrate service, sacrifice, and civic engagement at the local level. Hometown Heroes is a Department of Justice recognition program honoring local individuals for exceptional service and contributions to their communities as part of the celebrations. Chief Story is being recognized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico through this initiativefor his leadership in advancing public safety in New Mexico.
The ceremony is open to the public and media. The event will also be livestreamed on the City of Las Cruces YouTube channel.
Former Albuquerque Dentist Ordered to Pay $320,000 for Violating Controlled Substances and False Claims ActsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Attorney's Office announced today that a federal court has entered a $320,000.00 judgment against a former Albuquerque dentist to resolve allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by unlawfully issuing prescriptions after his professional licenses were revoked or expired.
William C. Gardner, DDS, was licensed to practice dentistry in New Mexico and held a state-controlled substances registration. Between July 17, 2020, and February 1, 2021, he allegedly continued to write prescriptions for patients despite the fact that his state dental license had been officially revoked and his state-controlled substances registration had expired. Because a valid state license is a mandatory prerequisite for federal prescribing authority, Dr. Gardner ceased to legally qualify as a practitioner under federal law.
The government's investigation revealed that Dr. Gardner allegedly used his unique DEA registration number and his office’s electronic medical records system to issue 94 unauthorized prescriptions, the vast majority of which were for Schedule II narcotics with a high potential for abuse. He reportedly misled federal authorities during a DEA site visit on January 29, 2021, claiming his licensing was "fine" even though he had unsuccessfully petitioned a federal court for an emergency temporary restraining order to block the state's revocation just three weeks prior.
Following an evaluation of the evidence, the court found Dr. Gardner responsible for 80 of the unlawful prescriptions and ordered him to pay a civil penalty of $4,000.00 per violation under the Controlled Substances Act, resulting in the $320,000.00 total judgment.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Mark Putnam, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s investigation and litigation were led by Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Cunniff and Auditors Julie Chappell and Phillip Stella.
219 - Mem Op and Order (1).pdfCrownpoint Couple Face Federal Charges After Child Killed in Alleged Drunk-Driving CrashRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint couple is facing federal charges after allegedly driving intoxicated with three children, causing a crash that killed one child and injured two others.
According to court records, on February 24, 2026, Urias Koll Pablo, 22, and Jamie Jaye Cook, 21, both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, drove through Crownpoint, New Mexico, with three children after consuming alcohol throughout the day. The two allegedly purchased liquor, continued drinking while traveling, alternated as drivers, and ultimately crashed a borrowed pickup truck while none of the children were restrained. As a result of the crash, one child died from blunt head trauma, a second suffered critical injuries, and the third was also injured.
Investigators found multiple empty alcohol containers at the scene. At the hospital, Cook’s blood alcohol level was 0.20. Pablo’s was 0.25. Both defendants were previously arrested in connection with a 2025 DUI-related incident. Cook was charged with child endangerment, while Pablo was charged with DUI and child endangerment.
Pablo and Cook are federally charged with child abuse resulting in death, child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and child abuse. They will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, they face no less than 12 and up to 18 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allysa Gambarella is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Blanco Teenager Charged with Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Blanco teenager is facing federal charges for allegedly shooting and killing a man during a dispute.
According to court documents, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, Navajo Nation Police Department officers responded to a report of a violent altercation involving a firearm at a residence in Nageezi, New Mexico, within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Upon arrival, officers located John Doe suffering from a gunshot wound to his groin. Despite immediate aid, John Doe lost consciousness and later died from blood loss caused by the wound.
Investigators determined the dispute began earlier that evening when multiple people had a physical confrontation with the victim’s father, after which one of them telephoned Alfred Josiah Castro, 18, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, to come to the area. Castro drove from Farmington to Nageezi, joined the altercation, and ultimately shot John Doe.
According to witnesses, Castro and two other males fled the scene on foot while laughing. Before losing consciousness, John Doe identified Castro as the person who shot him. Investigators later determined Castro switched the license plate on his truck after the shooting.
License-plate reader data from the City of Bloomfield placed Castro’s vehicle traveling to and from the area during the timeframe of the shooting. Castro was later interviewed by the FBI; though he acknowledged being in the area, he denied any involvement in the killing.
Castro is charged with two felony crimes: Second-degree murder and Using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He will remain in a halfway house pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Castro faces between 10 years and life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones 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.
Arizona Man Charged with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man is facing federal charges for sexually abusing a minor over an eight-year period.
According to court documents, between July 2018 and August 2025, Earlson Yazzie, 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in and caused sexual contact with Jane Doe, a minor.
Yazzie is charged with nine counts of abusive sexual contact of minor and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Yazzie faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Assault Charges for Threatening Deputies with Firearm During Traffic StopRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty to assaulting federal task force officers with a firearm and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon after fleeing from deputies during a traffic stop in Albuquerque.
According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in Albuquerque for an invalid registration and discovered that the driver's license was revoked and that passenger Jason Paul Baca, 36, had an outstanding felony warrant. During the arrest attempt, deputies, including two federally deputized U.S. Marshals Service task force officers participating in Operation Triple Beam, observed a handgun concealed on Baca's person.
Baca resisted arrest, fled on foot, and pulled the loaded pistol from his waistband. He brandished and pointed the firearm at two U.S. Marshals Service task force officers, prompting deputies to discharge their weapons. Baca was struck, taken into custody, and transported for medical treatment. The loaded pistol, containing 13 rounds of ammunition, was recovered near him.
As a previously convicted felon with prior convictions for drug trafficking, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance, Baca was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a backpack containing fentanyl pills and approximately 25 grams of fentanyl powder.
Baca pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of assault upon a federal officer using a deadly and dangerous weapon and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and faces not less than seven years and up to life in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.
Clovis Man Arrested After Alleged Threatening Facebook Posts Targeting Pride EventRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Clovis man was arrested on federal charges after allegedly posting threatening comments on Facebook in response to a Lubbock Pride Fest 2026 event post, according to court documents.
On June 27, 2026, Michael Kenneth Thompson, 44, allegedly posted threatening comments on Facebook in response to a Lubbock Pride Fest 2026 event post made by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Facebook page, including statements referencing the Pride event as “hunting season” and “target practice.” Thompson also commented that he did not need help, “just more ammo!” Following receipt of an anonymous tip, the FBI National Threat Operations Center identified the Facebook account and traced the activity to Thompson in Clovis, New Mexico.
Local law enforcement contacted Thompson, who admitted making the comments and later deleting them. Thompson was subsequently arrested by the FBI on June 28, 2026, at his residence in Clovis.
Thompson is charged with interstate threatening communications and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 1, 2026. If convicted of the current charge, Thompson faces up to five years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Clovis Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico 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.
Artesia Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Kidnap and Murdering a Woman in 2021Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Artesia man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a woman from an Artesia motel and murdering her at a remote site in Eddy County in 2021.
According to court documents, on February 26, 2021, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Jerrold Albert Chavarria, 37, and Jerry Romero, 47, kidnapped Jane Doe from the Budget Inn motel in Artesia, New Mexico. Video footage from the Budget Inn motel showed Romero escorting a sobbing Jane Doe into the back seat of a red SUV driven by Chavarria. Approximately one hour later, at 5:35 a.m., the video footage showed Romero and Chavarria returning to the Budget Inn motel without Jane Doe. At 10:21 a.m., Jane Doe’s lifeless body was discovered at a remote location on an oil lease approximately 11 miles from the Budget Inn motel. Jane Doe had been shot twenty-one times at close range with two different calibers of ammunition.
Chavarria pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and faces up to life in prison at sentencing.
Romero remains in custody pending trial, which is not currently scheduled.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo are prosecuting the case.
Zuni Man Charged with Federal Assault After Violent AttackRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged in federal court after allegedly assaulting a victim with a sharp-edged weapon during a violent incident at a residence in Zuni, New Mexico.
According to court documents, on June 2, 2024, D’ante Kekoa Pooacha-Thomas, 30, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, allegedly assaulted an older male inside their shared residence in Zuni. During the assault, Pooacha-Thomas allegedly attacked the older male with a knife or box cutter, inflicting a severe wound to the male’s neck and additional cuts to his face, hands, forearms, and legs. When two other residents of the home intervened, Pooacha-Thomas allegedly struck one of them with a baseball bat. As the injured victim was being transported to a medical facility by one of the residents, Pooacha-Thomas allegedly stole one of their cars and followed them, attempting to run them off the road.
Pooacha-Thomas is charged with two felony crimes: Assault resulting in serious bodily injury and Assault with a dangerous weapon. He was released to La Pasada halfway house, where he will remain on strict conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Pooacha-Thomas faces up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Zuni Man Charged for Violent AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man is facing federal charges for allegedly attacking another man with a machete.
According to court documents, on March 26, 2026, an argument broke out between Ronnie Shack, 25, an enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe, and another individual at Shack’s residence in Zuni, New Mexico. As the victim left the residence, Shack allegedly followed him and attacked him with a machete, slashing his back and pursuing him down the street. Neighbors called 911 and the victim was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to a regional hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Shack is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault causing serious bodily injury in Indian country. He will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Shack faces up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, 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 investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky 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.
Prewitt Woman Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Prewitt woman pleaded guilty to stabbing a man during a dispute.
According to court documents, on January 6, 2026, Naomi Martinez, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, kicked and stabbed John Doe in the face, head and neck with a kitchen knife, causing serious bodily harm.
Martinez pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, 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 investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
Navajo Nation Man Charged with MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo Nation man is facing a federal murder charge for killing his father with a baseball bat.
According to court documents, between December 28, 2024, and January 14, 2025, David Barney, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, killed John Doe by hitting him in the head with a baseball bat. After hitting Doe, Barney wrapped Doe in blankets, placed him in a wheelbarrow, and rolled him to a nearby location, where he left Doe’s body until it was discovered by Doe’s family on February 1, 2025.
Barney is charged with second-degree murder. He will remain in federal custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of this charge, Barney faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Church Rock Woman Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Church Rock woman has been charged federally for assaulting another woman.
On September 10, 2025, Tiffany Jim, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe, her dating partner, resulting in Doe’s hospitalization.
Jim is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. She will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Jim faces up to 15 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Zuni Man Sentenced for Shooting into an Occupied VehicleRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 96 months in prison for firing a shotgun into an occupied vehicle and seriously injuring a passenger.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents on March 20, 2025, Shane Austin Loretto, 32, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, fired a shotgun at the car John Doe was a passenger in, with intent to do bodily harm. John Doe was hit in the face and neck with multiple pellets and required medical treatment.
Law enforcement tied Loretto to the shooting through witness statements and subsequently located the shotgun and ammunition in a safe inside a shed adjacent to Loretto’s residence. During a subsequent interview, Loretto claimed he had heard about the shooting but did not know where the gunshot came from.
Loretto pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Upon his release from prison, Loretto will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
Two Illegal Aliens Sentenced for Violent Hostage-Taking and Human Smuggling OperationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two illegal immigrants have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy involving the hostage-taking, harboring, and transportation of victims at an Albuquerque stash house.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on November 2, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations received a report that a mother and her two daughters, aged six and nine, were being held for ransom at an Albuquerque stash house in southeast Albuquerque. Despite the victims’ family having already paid over $30,000 to have them smuggled into the United States, Marcelo Alonso-Almaraz, 36, and his wife Eloisa Almaraz-Vasquez, 38, both Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States, demanded an additional $6,000 for their release. All three victims reported that Alonso-Almaraz threatened the mother with a firearm by pointing it at her to ensure payment.
On November 3, 2022, investigators conducted surveillance on the stash house and observed Alonso-Almaraz and Almaraz-Vasquez exit the residence with the mother and children and enter a Dodge van. Agents maintained continuous surveillance of the van until it arrived at a meet location, where an undercover agent exchanged $6,000 in cash for the safe release of the mother and her daughters. Once the victims were secured, law enforcement moved in and arrested the couple. A search of the van yielded the loaded handgun on the driver-side floorboard and the $6,000 in extortion money.
Following the arrests, the rescued mother detailed a harrowing ordeal where victims were housed in a 1,000 square foot apartment with dozens of other people, stripped of their phones, and fed only twice a day. She described hearing her children’s stomachs rumbling from hunger and being forced to wash dishes and serve food to dozens of other occupants in exchange for extra food for her daughters. The rooms were so crowded that the victims could not lie down and were forced to sit on the floor with their legs curled in. On November 4, 2022, agents returned to the stash house and rescued approximately 50 additional victims, including an infant, who were being held in the same volatile environment.
Alonso-Almaraz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens, eight counts of harboring illegal aliens for financial gain, three counts of transporting illegal aliens for financial gain, and conspiracy to commit hostage taking, three counts of hostage taking, and reentry of a removed alien. Alonso-Almaraz was sentenced to 204 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to deportation.
Almaraz-Vasquez pled guilty to conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens, eight counts of harboring illegal aliens for financial gain, three counts of transporting illegal aliens for financial gain, conspiracy to commit hostage taking, and three counts of hostage taking. Almaraz-Vasquez was sentenced to 120 months in prison. Upon her release from prison, she will be subject to deportation.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan G. McRae of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations El Paso investigated this case with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department and Albuquerque Police Department VICE Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Moghadam and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case.
The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha, the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking that cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations commit. A highly successful partnership between the departments of Justice and Homeland Security, JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, Office of International Affairs and Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney detailees from the Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas; Southern District of California; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and Districts of Arizona, New Mexico and Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE-HSI and Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 440 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 390 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Ohkay Owingeh Man Pleads Guilty to Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Ohaky Owingeh man pleaded guilty to assaulting a victim in 2019.
According to court documents, on August 28, 2019, Ashkia Trujillo, 31, and enrolled member of the Ohkay Owingeh Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
Trujillo pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
Mescalero Man Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man pled guilty to assaulting and strangling a victim.
According to court documents, on October 23, 2025, Lance Marion Cojo, 39, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted and strangled Jane Doe during an argument.
Cojo pleaded guilty to assault and faces up to five years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens is prosecuting the case.
Silver City Felon Pleads Guilty to Series of Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Silver City man pleaded guilty in federal court to a series of crimes committed between June 2024 and March 2025 that escalated from unlawful firearm possession to armed robbery and a violent carjacking.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2024, Silver City police officers responded to a residence following reports that Dominic Carbajal, 26, was possibly armed. Carbajal was detained and during a subsequent search, officers found a loaded magazine in his pocket and recovered a stolen pistol loaded with a 32-round magazine. Carbajal, a convicted felon, later admitted he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Roughly seven months later, on January 22, 2025, officers responded to an armed robbery at a local nutrition store. Surveillance video showed Carbajal selecting merchandise and leaving without paying. When the store owner attempted to stop the theft, Carbajal brandished a handgun and ordered the owner to back away before fleeing with the stolen items. Carbajal later admitted using the threat of the firearm to complete the theft.
On March 23, 2025, Carbajal committed a violent carjacking in a remote parking lot. According to court records, Carbajal approached a man sitting in a pickup truck, demanded the keys, and repeatedly struck the victim with his fists and a metal bar or pipe when the victim refused. The victim suffered head injuries and was bleeding during the assault. Carbajal then threatened to shoot the victim, causing him to surrender his truck and personal property, including his wallet, phone, and jewelry. Carbajal later admitted that he intended to cause serious bodily injury in order to obtain the vehicle.
Officers later tracked the stolen vehicle to a residence where Carbajal was reportedly seen. As officers attempted to arrest him, Carbajal allegedly released two pit bulls to attack law enforcement and fled on foot, discarding his clothing as he ran. He was ultimately subdued with a Taser and taken into custody. Officers reported signs of opioid intoxication, and Carbajal allegedly admitted he had used “powder” when asked if he had taken fentanyl.
Carbajal pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by threats or violence, being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, and carjacking and faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Silver City Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens is prosecuting the case.
National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 455 Defendants Charged in Connection with over $6.5 Billion in Alleged FraudRead the Press Release
Albuquerque, NM - Today, F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison and Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced the filing of a federal civil forfeiture complaint seeking to forfeit more than $2 million that was seized due to allegations that the assets constitute proceeds of a scheme to defraud Medicaid and state criminal charges against an additional defendant. These actions in federal and state court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
The federal civil forfeiture action stems from an alleged scheme by Safeway Medical Transportation LLC, a New Mexico non-emergency medical transportation provider, to fraudulently bill the New Mexico Medicaid program for transportation services. According to the complaint, Safeway received Medicaid reimbursements for claims in which Safeway drivers were allegedly billing Medicaid for driving themselves to appointments and for trips that did not occur, engaging in other fraudulent billing practices, including duplicate trips, inflated mileage, and falsified transportation records. The complaint seeks forfeiture of more than $2 million in seized funds that are alleged to be proceeds of health care fraud and money laundering.
In a separate criminal case, the New Mexico Department of Justice charged a McKinley County man with multiple felony offenses after allegedly using forged prescriptions to obtain Schedule II controlled substances from a pharmacy. The charges include acquiring controlled substances by misrepresentation, forgery, and violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
"Fraud does not have to be sophisticated to be devastating,” said F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison. “When healthcare providers build a business model around false claims and fabricated records, they are stealing directly from the public programs that vulnerable communities rely on. We will use every tool at our disposal to trace these funds, dismantle these operations, and claw back every dollar stolen from the public."
“These cases reflect my Office's ongoing commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded health care programs, safeguarding public resources, and holding accountable those who exploit medical systems for personal gain,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “Through our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and partnerships with federal law enforcement agencies, we continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute health care fraud, prescription drug fraud, and related financial crimes.”
The charges announced today by F.A. United States Attorney Ellison and Attorney General Torrez are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The District of New Mexico, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the New Mexico Department of Justice Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases were investigated by the NMDOJ’s Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau (MFEAB). The New Mexico MFEAB receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $3,623,761.71 for federal fiscal year 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $1,207,920.57 for fiscal year 2026, is funded by the State of New Mexico.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Aiming Laser at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office HelicopterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty to federal charges for aiming a laser pointer at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and striking the cockpit over a dozen times.
According to public court documents, on October 7, 2025, Jorge Pinon Armendariz, 48, aimed a green laser pointer at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Metro 1 helicopter while it was flying over Albuquerque. Armendariz struck the aircraft multiple times from two separate locations, including multiple strikes to the pilot’s eyes.
Using the aircraft’s onboard camera, the crew tracked the laser beam first to a vehicle in the McDonald’s drive-thru and later to the nearby residence. Ground deputies responded to the residence, and Armendariz fled the scene. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies subsequently identified Armendariz as the individual who aimed the laser at Metro 1 that night.
At the time of the incident, Armendariz had an active state warrant for violating conditions of pretrial release in a state case allegedly involving receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.
At sentencing, Armendariz faces up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena Ritchey is prosecuting the case.
Navajo Man Charged with ArsonRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo man is facing federal charges for burning down a dwelling.
According to court documents, on May 13, 2026, Rashaan McMillan, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, set fire to and burned down the dwelling of John Doe and Jane Doe.
McMillan is charged with arson of a dwelling and will remain in federal custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, McMillan faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Farmington Trio Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Three people in Farmington are accused of participating in a drug trafficking organization after investigators seized cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, ammunition and thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds.
According to court records, on June 9, 2026, federal agents and members of the Region II Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a Farmington residence occupied by Alex Scott Rowland, 18, Marco Antonio Villegas Avilez, 46, and Karyle Leanne Rowland, 65. During the search, agents recovered multiple firearms, including AK and AR style rifles, a short barreled rifle, handguns, a machine gun conversion device, approximately 430 grams of cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, mushrooms, ammunition, and approximately $14,700 in cash.
A table displaying several boxed firearms, stacks of cash, and small clear evidence bags. A table displaying several boxed firearms, stacks of cash, and small clear evidence bags.Alex Rowland, Villegas Avilez and Karyle Rowland are charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, the defendants face five to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Region II Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought forth through FBI’s Operation Steadfast Promise which is a comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent crime threats including gangs and criminal enterprises, violent crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension cases while working to improve public safety in Tribal communities.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Las Cruces Man Sentenced for RobberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentence to 18 months in prison for stealing merchandise from a Lowe's store and threatening an employee with a firearm when confronted.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on January 24, 2025, Saul Gonzalez, 36, stole several pairs of work gloves from a Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After store employees confronted him about the unpaid merchandise, Gonzalez brandished a derringer-style firearm, causing an employee to fear for their safety. Gonzalez then left the store with the stolen items and fled in a white Dodge van accompanied by a female associate.
On February 2, 2025, Las Cruces Police Department officers located the van and conducted a traffic stop as part of the armed robbery investigation. Gonzalez and the female occupant denied involvement in the incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle pursuant to a state search warrant uncovered clothing matching what Gonzalez wore during the robbery, black latex gloves consistent with those seen in photographs from the incident, and the stolen Mechanix-brand work gloves with their tags still attached.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by threats or violence. Upon his release from prison, Gonzalez will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Spring CleaningRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE — The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Spring Cleaning, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the FBI to combat gang-related threats and enhance public safety. The operation coordinated with federal, state, and local law enforcement and targeted the illegal flow of firearms and narcotics in our communities. The operation began on March 1 and ended May 31.
In total, Operation Spring Cleaning led to over 1100 arrests, over 600 charges filed, and almost 600 search warrants conducted. The operation also resulted in the seizure of:
- Almost 1000 illegal firearms, dozens of which were equipped with machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) as well as over 75 stand-alone MCDs;
- Over 2,700 pounds of illegal narcotics including
- Over 500 kilograms of cocaine or more than 1100 pounds,
- Nearly 700 pounds of methamphetamine,
- Over 550 pounds of marijuana,
- Nearly 50 kilograms of fentanyl or more than 100 pounds,
- Almost 40 kilograms of heroin or more than 85 pounds,
- More than 7 kilograms of crack cocaine or more than 16 pounds, and
- More than 13,200 pills of MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly.
The operation also resulted in significant enforcement actions in the District of New Mexico. Federal prosecutors charged Lucas Maldonado with drug trafficking and firearms offenses after he allegedly supplied nearly five pounds of methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement officers and was later found in possession of fentanyl, firearms, and ammunition. In a separate case, Pete Kimbell was charged in federal court after allegedly selling multiple firearms and ammunition to an undercover law enforcement officer. Additionally, Crisantos Garcia was charged with federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses following an FBI investigation into an alleged scheme to provide weapons to an inmate seeking to escape from custody.
Two FBI agents in tactical gear stand near the back of an armored vehicle and a Ford pickup truck during a SWAT operation. Two FBI agents in tactical gear stand near the back of an armored vehicle and a Ford pickup truck during a SWAT operation. Nighttime scene of vehicles lined up on a road, with mountain silhouette and city lights in the background.“When our neighborhoods are safe from the scourge of deadly drugs, individuals and families can prosper,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Trump Administration has made significant progress in removing this poison from our streets, a key step in our commitment to making America safe again.”
“This FBI understands that communities across our country have been ravaged by gangs and the firearms and narcotics they flood our streets with,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Spring Cleaning represents our total commitment to crushing this kind of violent crime and eliminating the criminal networks who facilitate them – with over 1,000 arrests, 1,000 firearms seized, and 3,000 pounds of narcotics removed from our neighborhoods. Righteous operations like this show this FBI is only getting started and will continue delivering the most prolific run of crime reduction in U.S. history.”
New Mexico Man Facing Federal Hate Crime Charge Following Attacks at Local Synagogue and Jewish Community CenterRead the Press Release
An Albuquerque, New Mexico man is in custody on federal charges for allegedly damaging religious property during back-to-back attacks at two local Jewish facilities.
According to court documents, on June 2, Rex Crofton, 25, targeted two Jewish community facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during a series of motivated attacks. At approximately 4:31 PM, Crofton arrived at Congregation Albert in a silver sedan. He exited the vehicle and used a tool to shatter the synagogue’s glass entry doors. After “flipping off” the building and shouting an indecipherable statement, he fled the scene. Roughly eight minutes later, at 4:39 PM, Crofton arrived at the Jewish Community Center (JCC). Surveillance footage captured him running to the front doors and repeatedly striking them with a metal tool appearing to be a crowbar. When JCC security guards approached and pursued him, Crofton threw the tool into his passenger window. A security guard managed to pepper spray Crofton through the window before Crofton sped out of the busy parking lot. The incident forced the JCC to issue an emergency closure, disrupting camp pickup and alarming numerous witnesses.
Following the attacks, Crofton sent threatening text messages to a family friend, boasting, “... I just hit two synagogues in 5 minutes,” and stating he would love to kill any police officers who intervened. Law enforcement tracked Crofton to an Albuquerque residence, where he surrendered and was arrested on June 3, by the Albuquerque Police Department. A subsequent federal search warrant executed on his residence and vehicles uncovered the crowbar-like wrecking bar used in the attack, the clothing he wore, a revolver, high-capacity magazines, various other weapons including a machete and brass knuckles, and a torn Ukrainian flag defaced with a drawn swastika.
Crofton is charged with damage to religious property. If convicted of the current charge, the defendant faces up to three years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico, and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tavo Hall and Meg Melick for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are 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.
Justice Department Sues New Mexico Supreme Court and Board of Bar Examiners for Violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against the New Mexico Supreme Court and the New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners, alleging that they violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by refusing to recognize the out-of-state law licenses of qualifying servicemembers and their spouses.
“The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act gives servicemembers and their spouses the right to have their covered out-of-state law licenses recognized in a state where they have relocated due to military orders,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “State supreme courts and bar associations in other states should take note of this lawsuit and come into full compliance with the SCRA immediately, or risk a lawsuit by the Department of Justice.”
“New Mexico is the proud home of four major military installations and more than 14,000 active-duty servicemembers. Our military servicemembers and their families bear great burdens to protect our Nation, including frequent moves and interruptions or barriers to employment,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “In fact, spousal unemployment is a leading cause of servicemembers leaving military service and is a significant readiness and retention issue. This lawsuit highlights the fact that license portability is a critical tool for our military spouses to be able to earn a living in the manner of their choosing.”
The complaint alleges that the New Mexico Supreme Court and Board of Bar Examiners refused to allow a military spouse to practice as an attorney in New Mexico after his wife was transferred to Holloman Air Force Base. As a result, the military spouse, who is licensed to practice law in the states of Texas, Washington and Maryland, was unable to accept a higher-paying position at the Las Cruces District Attorney’s Office. The complaint also alleges that New Mexico imposes requirements on military applicants that exceed what is allowed by the SCRA, by requiring them to provide transcripts, test scores, and references and to submit to a full character and fitness evaluation.
The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $489 million in monetary relief for over 152,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
Crownpoint Man Sentenced for Strangulation and Assaulting OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint man was sentence to 42 months in prison for strangling a woman and attacking a tribal police officer with a taser.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, Jason K. Thompson, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, attempted to strangle Jane Doe. Law enforcement responded to the domestic violence call and attempted to take Thompson into custody. During a struggle with a Navajo Nation Police Department officer, Thompson grabbed the officer’s taser and deployed it against him with the intent to injure him. Thompson was then handcuffed and placed in the back of an NPD patrol unit. He later kicked out a window of the unit and escaped, but NPD officers recaptured him that night.
Thompson pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation and assault with a deadly weapon. Upon his release from prison, Thompson will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, 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 investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
Dulce Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening Children with FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man is facing federal child abuse charges after allegedly confronting an adult and two minors outside a residence with a pistol and attempting to force his way into the home while the victims barricaded the door with their bodies.
According to court documents from May 8, 2026, Andrew Fredrick Gunhammer, 26, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, approached an adult and two minors outside a residence in Dulce, New Mexico, pulled a pistol from his backpack, and began to load it with a magazine. The adult and minors ran into the residence and used their bodies to block the door when Gunhammer attempted to force entry. A fourth person inside the house told Gunhammer to leave because they were calling the police. Gunhammer fled to another residence on the same street.
Officers from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department arrived at a separate residence that Gunhammer fled to and took him into custody. Inside the residence, officers located the backpack in a bedroom and the pistol with one chambered round under a mattress. Inside the backpack, officers located several rounds of different ammunition and drug paraphernalia.
Gunhammer is charged with child abuse and will remain in federal custody pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Gunhammer faces three years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon 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.
Arizona Woman Sentenced for Drunk Driving CrashRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona woman was sentenced to one year in prison for a 2023 drunk driving crash that seriously injured two people.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents on December 30, 2023, Shaina Shorty, 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove while intoxicated and crashed into a vehicle occupied by Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. As a result of the crash, both Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 sustained serious bodily injuries.
Shorty pleaded guilty to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon her release from prison, Shorty will be subject to two years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
Twin Lakes Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Twin Lakes man is facing federal charges for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a minor.
According to court documents, between on or about September 9, 2021, and on or about October 6, 2023, Donovan Tom Sherman, 51, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in sexual acts with a minor who had not then attained the age of 12 years.
Sherman is charged with aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact and will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Sherman faces not less than 30 years and up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, 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 investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lake Valley Woman Charged in Fatal Child Abuse CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Lake Valley woman is facing federal child abuse charges after allegedly endangering two children by driving while impaired, resulting in one child’s death and severe injuries to the other.
According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Marietta Begay, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, placed two minors in a situation that endangered their lives by operating a vehicle while under the influence. Her conduct resulted in one minor’s death and caused great bodily harm to the second.
Begay is charged with abuse of a child resulting in death and abandonment and abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm and will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces a minimum of 18 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hogback Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Hogback man pleaded guilty to federal firearms offenses after a violent altercation involving a firearm leaves a woman injured.
According to court documents, on June 19, 2025, Renaldo Descheny, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her and striking her in the face with a firearm. The assault resulted in a laceration requiring hospital treatment.
Descheny pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and faces not less than five years and up life in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison Encourages Albuquerque and Las Cruces to Apply for Model City Initiative Public Safety FundingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE - F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison is encouraging local leaders in Albuquerque and Las Cruces to pursue funding through the Department of Justice's Model City Initiative, a new public safety grant program that will provide up to $300 million to support crime reduction and community safety efforts in a select number of cities nationwide.
Under the initiative, the Department of Justice will award approximately $300 million in public safety funding to two to four cities with populations of more than 100,000. Depending on the number of jurisdictions selected, participating cities could receive between $75 million and $150 million to strengthen public safety infrastructure and enhance crime prevention, intervention, and enforcement efforts.
Eligible funding may be used to support a wide range of public safety initiatives, including:
- Recruitment and retention of personnel in law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, detention facilities, and community-based organizations engaged in prevention, accountability, and reintegration efforts;
- Acquisition of equipment, technology, and facilities, including forensic and DNA analysis tools, body-worn cameras, license plate readers, drones, counter-drone technology, ballistic identification systems, and real-time crime centers;
- Mental health and substance use services, including crisis intervention teams, outpatient and residential treatment programs, and recovery support services;
- Victim services, including emergency assistance, temporary housing, and employment support; and
- Youth crime prevention and intervention programs that address risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency and violence, including gang intervention and suppression initiatives and case management services.
“The stakes are too high for Albuquerque and Las Cruces to pass up this historic public safety funding opportunity. I strongly encourage leaders in both cities to submit competitive applications. There’s no reason that Albuquerque and Las Cruces cannot work with the Federal Government to crack down on violent crime and enhance public safety. I’m extending a hand of partnership to these cities, and I stand ready to advocate on their behalf in Washington.”
Cities will apply through a whole-of-city approach. That means that city leaders, including the mayor, sheriff, county prosecutor, and others will work together to submit one application that proposes a persuasive vision of how this money can be awarded strategically throughout their city to improve law enforcement engagement, victim services, detention and reentry services, and preventive programs.
Bloomfield Man Charged with MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man has been charged with second degree murder after allegedly fatally stabbing a man during an argument.
According to court documents, on May 20, 2026, Seviano Kee, 18, and enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stabbed John Doe with a kitchen knife during an argument, killing him.
Kee is charged with second degree murder and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Kee faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon 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.
Three New Mexico Men Charged in Elk Tag Fraud and Tax Conspiracy SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Three New Mexico men have been charged with operating a years’ long scheme to fraudulently obtain and sell New Mexico elk hunting tags to out of state hunters and conceal the proceeds from the IRS.
According to public court documents, from approximately 2019 through 2022, Danial Adair, 44, Daniel Nicolds, 57, and his brother Lary Nicolds, 59, allegedly operated a scheme through Big Horn Outfitters in which they fraudulently obtained New Mexico elk tags through the state resident draw system and transferred them to out of state hunters in exchange for payment, along with outfitting and guiding services.
The indictment alleges the defendants created fictitious hunter accounts, used false identifying information, and paid draw fees with prepaid debit cards to unlawfully secure resident elk tags. Prosecutors further allege they submitted fraudulent medical transfer requests and supporting documents, including fake doctor notes and forged agreements, to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in order to transfer tags to out of state clients. The defendants are also alleged to have concealed the scheme through the use of prepaid debit cards, alternate email accounts, and false tax reporting while guiding hunts and facilitating the transport of harvested elk across state lines.
“As a hunter, I know it’s extraordinarily difficult for New Mexico residents to draw elk tags,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “In fact, many New Mexicans who apply annually wait years—sometimes decades—to draw a coveted tag and win the opportunity to fill their freezer with elk. Fraudsters who illegally rig the system and make it more difficult for New Mexicans to hunt elk in their own state will be aggressively prosecuted and held fully accountable.”
“This case is a testament to what federal law enforcement can accomplish when we work together across jurisdictions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. “Our office joined forces with our colleagues in the District of New Mexico to dismantle a scheme that has cheated honest hunters and corrupted public resources, according to the charges. Those who rig the system for profit will be held accountable, no matter where the investigation leads."
“We work closely with our state partners to investigate wildlife crimes that cross state lines and violate federal wildlife laws” said Doug Ault, Assistant Director for the Office of Law Enforcement at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “These collaborative investigations will continue in New Mexico and across the country to ensure that legal hunters have fair access to licensing opportunities and are not disadvantaged by individuals who exploit public resources for their own profit. These efforts support the conservation and responsible stewardship of our nation’s wildlife resources.”
“Outdoorsmen are some of our nation’s greatest stewards of natural resources and the laws and finances that govern them, but even among the best of us are criminals that steal at the expense of those abiding the laws,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Rodrick Benton of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “IRS-CI is devoted to rooting out fraud in whatever form it takes: whether it’s fraud against the hunters of New Mexico or tax fraud against the United States, IRS-CI will find and prosecute you.”
“It is great to see the joint effort from these agencies in combating wildlife crime,” said Colonel Tim Cimbal. “It has and continues to produce excellent results in stopping violators from stealing the wildlife held in public trust.”
Adair, Danial and Lary are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and violate the Lacey Act, five counts of wire fraud, and five counts of violations of the Lacey Act. Adair and Danial are additionally charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico, Acting U.S. Attorney
John G.E. Marck for the Southern District of Texas, Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Acting Special Agent in Charge Rodrick Benton of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office and Colonel Tim Cimbal of New Mexico Department of Game and Fish made the announcement today.
This case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IRS Criminal Investigation and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson of the Southern District of Texas and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher McNair of the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three New Mexico Men Charged with Conspiracy to Transport Aliens and Conspiracy to Kill a Witness as a Result of Joint Task Force Alpha and Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of New Mexico returned a superseding indictment charging Wilfrido Saenz, 29; Ignacio Jaramillo, 22; and his brother, Ismael Jaramillo, 35, all of New Mexico, for their roles in a scheme to transport aliens and later murder a witness to that crime.
According to court documents, between June 2021 and April 2024, Saenz, Ignacio Jaramillo, and Ismael Jaramillo conspired to transport illegal aliens. Saenz and Ignacio Jaramillo are also charged with conspiracy to kill a witness in April 2024 in retaliation for providing law enforcement information about the scheme to transport illegal aliens.
“The superseding indictment in this case highlights the dangers associated with human smuggling,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The criminal networks engaging in this do not care about the people they are smuggling. They only care about money and themselves. They endanger lives and will commit heinous crimes if they believe their network has been exposed and their livelihood is on the line. Through Joint Task Force Alpha working with the District of New Mexico, DOJ will prosecute this case to the end with the victims at the forefront of seeking justice.”
“Human smuggling operations fuel violence, exploit vulnerable people, and threaten the safety of communities on both sides of the border,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “The allegations in this case reflect the ruthless nature of these criminal organizations and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their operations. Alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, our office remains unwavering in our commitment to disrupt these networks and hold those who orchestrate them fully accountable.”
“Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) efforts to dismantle human smuggling organizations directly enhance public safety by disrupting criminal networks that endanger lives and exploit vulnerable individuals,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan McRae of the HSI El Paso Field Office. “By targeting those who profit from illegal smuggling, HSI protects communities from associated violence and criminal activity, ensuring safer neighborhoods. HSI will not tolerate individuals who attempt to obstruct justice or intimidate those who cooperate with law enforcement.”
“The charges announced today send a clear message: individuals who engage in organized criminal activity, exploit vulnerable people, or resort to violence to obstruct justice will face the full weight of the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to community safety, combating violent crime, and bringing justice to victim's families.”
Saenz, Ignacio Jaramillo, and Ismael Jaramillo are charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens while Saenz and Ignacio Jaramillo are charged with conspiracy to retaliate against a witness resulting in her death. If convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, Saenz and Ignacio and Ismael Jaramillo each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. If convicted of conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, Saenz and Ignacio Jaramillo face a maximum penalty of life in prison. Saenz and Ignacio Jaramillo are also charged with two counts each of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Saenz had previously been convicted of alien smuggling, fraudulently obtaining a motor vehicle, and possession of drug paraphernalia, among other offenses. Ignacio Jaramillo was previously convicted in New Mexico of aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, a third-degree felony and aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, a fourth-degree felony. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Trial Attorney Danielle Hickman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy Castellano and Maria Armijo for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case.
These charges and prosecution are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), IRS Criminal Investigation, Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), with assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.
The investigation and indictment were supported by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 458 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 408 U.S. convictions; and more than 357 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Romanian National to be Sentenced for Participation in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Romanian national who participated in a large-scale fraud scheme that used fake business websites to steal more than $1.8 million from consumers across the country is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on June 4, 2026, at 9:40 a.m. in Las Cruces.
In his plea agreement, Claudiu Pesteleu, 44, a Romanian national illegally present in the United States, admitted that from May 2023 through June 2024, he participated in a nationwide fraud scheme that used fake websites impersonating legitimate businesses to trick victims into wiring money for various consumer products, including cars and equipment. Victims believed they were making legitimate purchases, but the funds were instead directed to bank accounts associated with shell companies created using fake passports and other fraudulent identity documents.
Pesteleu, whose role in the scheme was to help conceal the fraudulently obtained money, obtained fake identity documents and used them to establish sham businesses. He then opened bank accounts for these shell companies using the fraudulent documents. These shell companies and aliases included Zammer Equipment LLC (Matthias Zammer), Super Exotic Deals LLC (Samuel Der Saar), Premier E. Liquidators LLC (Fred Laport), Adler Pre Owned LLC (Boris Adler), Bittman Motors LLC (Fritz Bittman), Nikkos Cargo LLC (Nikos Adonis), and Becker Automotive LLC (Karl Becker). Pesteleu also used the alias Thomas Muller. Consumers were directed to wire funds to accounts associated with these entities, believing they were purchasing legitimate goods.
In total, approximately $1.8 million in fraudulently obtained funds was wired by victims to bank accounts controlled by Pesteleu. Pesteleu then conducted numerous financial transactions with the money to conceal the source of the funds and hinder law enforcement efforts to identify the scheme and seize the proceeds.
At the June 4 hearing, the parties are expected to present a revised plea agreement that stipulates a sentence of 30 to 39 months of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack will determine whether to accept the agreement and sentence Pesteleu in accordance with its terms.
If you believe you were a victim of Pesteleu, please contact the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at 866-347-2423.
If you would like to attend the sentencing hearing, please contact Victim Specialist Jacquie Gutierrez at (575) 522-2304 before the hearing date for more information.
Homeland Security Investigations Deming investigated this case with assistance from the Gainesville, Florida Police Department. Las Cruces Criminal Chief Richard Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Gardner are prosecuting the case.