District of New Mexico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three Charged with 2020 Murder and Kidnapping of Zuni ManRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Camille Damon, Ronald Belone and Tyran Begay appeared in federal court on an indictment charging them with first degree murder and kidnapping resulting in death. Begay, 38, of Teec No Pos, Arizona, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. Damon, 44, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, Belone, 40, of Yahtahey, New Mexico, will remain in temporary custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Friday, January 5, 2024. All 3 defendants are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
According to the indictment, between Feb. 6 and Feb. 15, 2020, Damon, Belone and Begay kidnapped John Doe before killing him in a remote location near Smith Lake, New Mexico. John Doe was restrained, beaten, and strangled with a ligature.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Damon, Belone and Begay face mandatory life imprisonment.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Probasco is prosecuting the case.
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Shiprock Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Assault Against a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Myron Benally was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Benally, 39, of Shiprock, and a registered member of the Navajo Nation, pled guilty in federal court to assault resulting in serious bodily injury on Aug. 18, 2023.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2019, Benally assaulted a 13-month-old infant in his care, causing serious bodily injury including a broken arm.
Upon his release from prison, Benally will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Probasco is prosecuting the case.
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Santa Domingo Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Santiago Quintana was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Quintana, 70, of Santo Domingo, and a member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact on Sep. 21, 2023.
According to court documents, on Jan. 25, 2023, the Bureau of Indian Affairs received an allegation involving the sexual abuse of children from a school principal. A Forensic Interviewer from the FBI interviewed the victim who stated that she and her sibling had been sexually abused by Quintana for about six years, beginning when they were 6 and 7 years old, and the siblings had both witnessed Quintana sexually abusing the other. In his plea agreement, Quintana admitted to engaging in sexual contact with the victim who was over the age of twelve years but had not yet attained the age of sixteen years.
Upon his release from prison, Quintana will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.
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Man Charged with Assaulting Federal Officers with a VehicleRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Steven O’Neil appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with two counts of assaulting and impeding a federal employee using a deadly and dangerous weapon. O’Neil, 39, will remain in temporary custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on December 21, 2021, O’Neil was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and sentenced to 27 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. On August 11, 2023, the court issued an arrest warrant because O’Neil absconded from his term of supervised release. On August 15, 2023, as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, officers with the U.S. Marshals Service, executed the arrest warrant, O’Neil intentionally assaulted John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 with a black Chevrolet Suburban while the officers were engaged in their official duties.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, O’Neil faces up to 20 years imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release thereafter.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case with the assistance of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez is prosecuting the case.
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Jemez Pueblo Man Charged with Assault of a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Dylon Scott Sandia appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault upon a federal officer involving physical contact. Sandia, 32, of Jemez Pueblo, and an enrolled member of the Jemez Pueblo, will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for February 12, 2024.
According to the indictment, on May 29, 2023, Sandia intentionally assaulted an officer with the Jemez Pueblo Police Department, who, by virtue of a special law enforcement commission, is considered a federal officer, while the officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Sandia faces 8 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jemez Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque Woman Charged with Escape and Federal Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jennifer Lynn Miller with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with escape for leaving the custody of Maya’s Place, an institutional facility in which she was lawfully confined. Miller, 43, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 21, 2023, Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at the Querque Hotel and discovered multiple bundles of fentanyl and suspected methamphetamine in a room allegedly rented by Miller. Inside of the room, Agents found a Bill of Sale for a vehicle or vessel with the buyer’s name listed as “Jennifer Miller.” Additionally, Agents found that “Jennifer Miller” was the name associated with the room rental and the credit card used to purchase the room. The address and phone number provided for the room was linked to an address and phone number associated with the name “Miller.” On Oct. 10, 2023, as a part of Miller’s conditions of release pending indictment, Miller was released to the custody of Maya’s Place, a transitional housing program. On October 23, 2023, Miller allegedly escaped from Maya’s Place in violation of her conditions of release.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Miller faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison for each of the drug offenses and 0-5 years of imprisonment for the escape charge.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Nichols is prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque Man Charged with Unlawful Dealing in FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced that Anthony Lutz appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with a single count of unlawful dealing in firearms. Lutz, 41, of Albuquerque, will remain on conditions of release pending trial.
According to the indictment, between approximately Sept. 21, 2019, and Aug. 4, 2023, Lutz engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Lutz faces up to 5 years imprisonment and up to 3 years of supervised release thereafter.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Albuquerque Man Charged in a Second Superseding Indictment for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced today that a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging Buddy Eugene Gallegos, 42, of Albuquerque, New Mexico with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the second superseding indictment, on April 13, 2022, Gallegos allegedly possessed 11 firearms and ammunition knowing he was previously convicted in New Mexico state court for a felony offense, and did so in furtherance of trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Gallegos faces up to life in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado is prosecuting the case.
View the Second Superseding Indictment# # #
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Shiprock Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Courtney Frank was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Frank, of Shiprock, an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter on September 14, 2023.
According to court documents, on September 28, 2022, 19-year-old Frank was intoxicated when she drove a car over the center line of a country road in Shiprock and struck an oncoming car head-on. The other driver survived the initial impact but died at the scene. The decedent’s son was also injured in the wreck. Frank’s BAC was .327.
Upon her release from prison, Frank will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
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Readout from United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez’s Meeting with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Representatives from Federal AgenciesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Last week, Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and federal prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) hosted New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and representatives from 13 federal agencies that serve New Mexico. The meeting focused on ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime in Albuquerque by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies to increase public safety.
U.S. Attorney Uballez opened the meeting by outlining the unique and close relationship between federal, state, and local law enforcement in New Mexico wherein federal law enforcement surgically targets drivers of violent crime for federal investigation and prosecution. Governor Lujan Grisham expressed her wholehearted support for federal criminal enforcement, and enthusiasm for the partnership, while noting that previous broadly targeted efforts to arrest had negligible impacts on violent crime. U.S. Attorney Uballez offered that the reason why federal resources are best used in a targeted fashion at the worst drivers of violence, freeing up state law enforcement to address lower-level crimes. U.S. Attorney identified the USAO’s policy of community violence intervention as the only law enforcement approach to result in statistically meaningful reductions in violent crime. This coordinated focused deterrence model identifies drivers of violent crime and offers support to those who chose peace, and federal criminal enforcement to those who chose violence.
To highlight law enforcement efforts, Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office discussed the Violent Crime Task Force, a partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies where federal agents and cross-designated Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local and state law enforcement agencies work together to target drivers of violent crime. Next, Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber from the ATF’s Phoenix Field Division and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Boshek from the ATF’s Dallas Field Division discussed crime gun intelligence efforts including crime gun tracing and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which captures and compares ballistic evidence to aid in solving crimes. Next, Assistant Special Agent in Charge John E. Gonzalez from the DEA discussed their data-driven Operation Overdrive which targets violent criminals and drug traffickers linked to overdose deaths. Finally, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Russell Lashley highlighted Operation North Star where Marshal’s deputies arrested violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
U.S. Attorney Uballez summarized that cross-designation is the key to the relationship—TFOs from state and local law enforcement and Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) from local district attorney’s offices are a force multiplier and a critical bridge between agencies.
The federal agencies also discussed the pernicious threat posed by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating human smuggling operations on New Mexico’s southern Border. Criminal Chief Aaron Jordan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office, described the combined efforts of the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security in Joint Task Force Alpha to target command-and-control elements of TCOs, charging their leadership and seizing their money. Chief Jordan also described the USAO’s focused effort to charge all migrants and smugglers who pose a demonstrable threat to public safety in New Mexico. Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Good from U.S. Border Patrol Deputy and Deputy Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens from Homeland Security Investigations described how the number of migrant deaths in the El Paso Sector doubled from 2022 to 2023, how smuggling organizations recruit minors to drive migrants, how the conditions in “stash houses” where migrants are kept are inhumane, and how migrants face extortion, violence, and rape at the hands of their smugglers.
Other attendees from federal agencies included Chief U.S. Probation Officer Ronald Travers from U.S. Probation and Parole, Special Agent in Charge William Mack from the U.S. Secret Service, Resident Agent in Charge Brenda Gonzales from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress from the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant Inspector in Charge Greg Torbenson from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Special Agent in Charge Victoria Owens from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All of the participants expressed a commitment to partner with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address violent crime in not only Albuquerque, but the entire state.
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Las Cruces Man Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison for Threatening U.S. CongresswomanRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Michael David Fox was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison and ordered to pay a $4,000 fine. Fox, 60, of Las Cruces, pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of threatening communication on Sept. 20, 2023.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, Fox left a voicemail for the office of a congresswoman for the District of Texas, calling her a “tranny and a pedophile” and threatening to “put a bullet” in her face. Law enforcement was able to trace the call to Fox.
On May 26, 2023, Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation interviewed Fox at his residence in Las Cruces and he admitted to making the threat. Fox claimed to believe that transgender individuals had infiltrated the government and other institutions and that he was part of a movement aimed at “eradicating” those people.
At sentencing, the court found that Fox intentionally selected the congresswoman as a victim because he mistakenly believed she was transgender, and therefore the court applied a hate crime motivation enhancement to his sentence.
In his plea agreement, Fox acknowledged that he was not intoxicated or under the influence of drugs when he made the call and that he was not merely making a political argument, idle talk, an exaggeration, or a joke.
“While everyone is entitled to believe irrational ideas, no belief entitles someone to threaten violence,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Hate crimes drive division and fear and we have no room for either. Federal law enforcement will stand up for our community by delivering very real consequences to very real threats, even when they are driven by fantasy.”
“Hate crimes are not only an attack on a victim; these violent acts threaten and intimidate an entire community.” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “The FBI and our partners will not tolerate crimes motivated by hate, and we will vigorously pursue those that commit them.”
Upon his release from prison, Fox will be subject to 3 years of supervised probation.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Lindy Carpenter is prosecuting the case.
In response to growing incidents of hate, Attorney General Merrick Garland directed the Justice Department to develop the United Against Hate (UAH) community outreach program. Led by U.S. Attorneys, the program improves hate crime and incident reporting by teaching community members how to identify, report, and prevent acts of hate. The program also helps to build trust between community and law enforcement and strengthens local networks to combat unlawful acts of hate.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Jonathan John James was sentenced to 46 months in prison. James, 59, of Tsaile, Arizona, pleaded guilty to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct on April 5, 2023.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2022, James followed a child as she shopped with her grandfather at a Home Depot in Gallup, New Mexico. When her grandfather went to the bathroom, James approached the child, told her she was attractive and gave her his telephone number, written on a wet wipe package, in hopes they would communicate. The child told her grandfather what had occurred and provided a physical description of James.
Afterwards, the grandfather began communicating with James. He told James his name was “Simone,” he was 11 years old, and would turn 12 years old next week. The communication became sexual in nature and James shared he did not care that “Simone” was only 11 years old. After about a week, the grandfather called the FBI and consented to a search of his phone and for them to assume the identity of “Simone” and continue communicating with James.
James’s communications with the FBI continued to be sexual in nature. James sent adult pornography – approximately 25 images, including an image that is likely of his own penis - and requested to meet up so he could perform sexual acts on “Simone.” James shared he lived near Tsaile, Arizona, but could come to Gallup, New Mexico to meet with “Simone.” James stated the graphic sexual things he planned to do to “Simone” when they met up. They formed a plan to meet on May 5, 2022, and “Simone” requested that he bring a Dr. Pepper for her when they met in the park, and he replied he would bring her a bracelet too.
When James arrived at the meeting time in the park, the FBI arrested him. James possessed a bracelet and a Dr. Pepper. James waived his rights and admitted he was at the park because he drove across state lines to engage in sexual activities with a 12-year-old named “Simone.” He also confirmed his cell phone number. As part of the search of his vehicle law enforcement found two types of condoms and a USB thumb drive.
Upon his release from prison, James will be subject 5 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the FBI Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC).
PSC is a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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Albuquerque Man Charged with Coercion and Enticement of MinorsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Adrian Puentes appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with 2 counts of coercion and enticement of a minor. Puentes, 24, of Albuquerque, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, between June 29, 2021, and December 1, 2021, Puentes coerced Jane Doe 1, a minor, to engage in sexual activity. Also, between October 19, 2021, and March 23, 2023, Puentes coerced Jane Doe 2, a minor, to engage in sexual activity.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Puentes faces a minimum of 10 years to life in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque Investment Broker Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Mail and Wire Fraud and Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Albert A. Childress, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, announced today that Richard Kessler was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment for the fraud charges and 12 months for the tax charges, to run concurrently. Kessler, 52, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on April 18, 2022, to one count each of mail fraud and wire fraud and four counts of failure to file tax returns.
According to court documents, Kessler was self-employed as a financial advisor and investment broker doing business as Guardian Group Investments LLC. In that capacity, Kessler earned commissions by managing retirement accounts for small businesses. Those businesses included an oil and gas company in Farmington, New Mexico. Kessler occasionally made presentations to employees of that business regarding retirement planning and financial investments. He used those interactions—and the private conversations that followed—to convince several of that business’s workers to take funds out of their established retirement accounts and entrust their retirement funds to him. Between 2013 to 2016, several investors entrusted Kessler with retirement funds totaling more than $161,000. Kessler represented to those investors that he would place their retirement funds in qualified investment accounts. Instead, Kessler deposited investors’ retirement funds into his company’s business savings account. From there, Kessler converted and expended those funds through transfers to personal bank account, cashier’s checks that he would use for personal expenses, and cash withdrawals. Kessler also used a portion of investors’ retirement funds to make payments to earlier investors to replace funds that he had previously misappropriated.
In addition to defrauding investors and converting their retirement funds his personal purpose and to perpetuate his Ponzi scheme, Kessler also failed to file federal tax returns or pay federal income tax for tax years 2014 through 2017. During that time period, Kessler earned commissions from legitimate investment management, as well as the illicit income from his frauds. Kessler’s income over these four years—legitimate and illegitimate—came to $446,925. This resulted in a tax liability of $82,627. Kessler knew he was required to pay taxes on his income from his company, having done it from the company’s inception in 2008 through 2011.
In his plea agreement, Kessler admitted that he devised and executed this scheme with the intent to defraud the investors.
Upon his release from prison, Kessler will be subject to 3 years of supervised release with the special condition that he make full restitution to the victims of his fraudulent scheme and pay the income taxes owed to the United States. At the time of his sentencing, Kessler had prepaid $82,500 of the $97,481.35 owed to his victims.
Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Vasquez is prosecuting the case.
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Shiprock Man Sentenced to 44 months in Prison for Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Kendale Johnson was sentenced to 44 months in prison. Johnson, 34, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on March 2, 2023.
According to court documents, on the morning of Oct. 22, 2020, Johnson and another individual got into a confrontation at a residence in Shiprock which escalated into a shootout. The other individual fled the scene in a car with Johnson in pursuit. Johnson located the individual’s vehicle in front of a residence in Ojo Amarillo, New Mexico and fired on the residence with a rifle before fleeing the scene with the other individual now in pursuit of him. When the other individual’s vehicle malfunctioned and came to stop, Johnson pulled his vehicle alongside it, exited, and fired into the other vehicle. The occupant escaped the vehicle and fled on foot and was shortly arrested by officers from the Farmington Police Department.
Officers from the Navajo Police Department then began pursuing Johnson, who drove into oncoming traffic and at speeds upwards of 110 MPH while throwing items out of the vehicle. Officers from the Navajo Police Department were eventually able to immobilize Johnson’s vehicle using the PIT maneuver. Officers located 2 rifles and a night vision scope near the vehicle.
In his plea agreement, Johnson admitted to possessing a stock rifle, night vision scope, and 9mm ammunition magazine. At the time of the offense, Johnson had a prior conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon. As a convicted felon, Johnson could not legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Johnson will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.
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Readout from United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez’s Listening Session with Escuela de Padres at West Mesa High SchoolRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Last week, Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, met with staff, students, parents, and families from West Mesa High School’s Escuela de Padres to discuss issues they are seeing in the school and the community and how the U.S. Attorney’s Office can assist the school with addressing students’ safety. U.S. Attorney Uballez was joined by Principal Michele Torres, Albuquerque Public Schools Police Department School Resource Officer Augustine Sena, and Albuquerque Police Department Deputy Commander Mark Torres.
U.S. Attorney Uballez met with Escuela de Padres’ staff first to discuss the most pressing challenges facing school administrators, teachers, and counselors, ranging from drug and alcohol usage to truancy.
Next, U.S. Attorney Uballez met with the parents, families, and students and answered their questions about school safety. Many from the West Mesa community were concerned about the safety of students in school and whether there would be consequences when a gun is brought to school. U.S. Attorney Uballez discussed Second Judicial District Attorney Sam Bregman’s zero-tolerance policy for guns in school zones, New Mexico State’s Bennie Hargrove Gun Safety Act that holds gun owners accountable if they do not store their firearms safely, and how the federal government steps in to charge the most egregious offenses. He also discussed the responsibility every member of the community bears in taking care of not just their own families but building community networks to surround students with support and to work with school administrators and law enforcement to keep the community safe.
Many community members expressed concern about drug use in schools and the rise in overdose deaths, citing research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recent tests conducted by the New Mexico Environment Department on wastewater at 24 public high schools in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. U.S. Attorney Uballez educated community members on the dangers of fentanyl—from masquerading as prescription pills, to its highly addictive properties, to how many other drugs, including marijuana, may be laced with fentanyl. Principal Michele Torres and teacher Carolyn Brown emphasized that the parents’ relationship with their children will make all the difference in preventing drug use and overdose deaths.
School Resource Officer Augustine Sena closed the meeting by speaking of his own connections to this community, and his commitment to the safety and success of all students at West Mesa.
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Jury Convicts Serial Rapist of Two Counts of Kidnapping with Intent to Commit a Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Albuquerque Office, announced today that on December 15, 2023, a federal jury returned two guilty verdicts against Timothy Bachicha, 41 of Albuquerque, after two and a half hours of deliberation. The jury convicted Bachcica of two counts of Kidnapping with Intent to Commit a Sexual Assault. Judge Matthew L. Garcia presided.
A federal grand jury issued a first indictment against Bachicha with Count 1 on July 25, 2019, and added Count 2 on January 29, 2020. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, on October 30, 2018, Bachicha observed Jane Doe 1 walking down a residential street in Northeast Albuquerque. He stopped his vehicle and asked her if she wanted a ride. When Jane Doe 1 declined, he forcibly abducted her, pulling her into his vehicle by her neck. Once in the vehicle, Bachicha drove from the area of San Mateo and Indian School to a dirt lot near the UNM Cancer Center just east of Interstate 25. There, Bachicha held Jane Doe 1 for twenty hours while he strangled and sexually assaulted her. He released her the early afternoon of October 31, 2018, after receiving alerts that the battery on his court-ordered GPS monitor was dying.
Following news coverage of this crime, Jane Doe 2 came forward to disclose that, weeks earlier, she had been held for sixteen hours by Bachicha in a semi-truck in Albuquerque near Interstate 25 and Comanche Road. During the attack, Bachicha strangled Jane Doe 2 and sexually assaulted her. Bachicha’s GPS monitor confirmed his presence at the location and time described by Jane Doe 2.
Both women fought Bachicha during their attacks, and both testified against him in trial. The jury also heard from two other women who suffered similar attacks by Bachicha in 2017 and 2018.
“Bachicha targeted vulnerable women, hoping that the public would not believe them or care,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “But everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. We believe survivors of sexual assault, no matter their station in life, and will fight for the safety of the least of our brothers and sisters. These four women, some of whom were targeted because they were sex workers, courageously testified against their abuser in open court, and in doing so protected others from Bachicha’s serial sexual violence. These women stood up for each other, and for all of us, and for that have earned our respect and gratitude.”
“The FBI depends on our partnerships to help us protect communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “We will continue to work with our partners at every level to take those responsible for such heinous crimes off our streets.”
Bachicha will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Bachicha faces up to two life sentences.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation adopted and continued the investigation of this case following extensive investigation by the Albuquerque Police Department, with assistance from the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office and the New Mexico State Probation and Parole Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia Carroll Simms and Sarah J. Mease are prosecuting the case.
View the Superseding Indictment# # #
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Two Albuquerque Men Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Eric Castañeda, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced today that Isaiah Anthony Aragon and Miguel Antonio Ramirez were charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Aragon and Ramirez, both 22 and of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 6, 2023, Ramirez allegedly agreed to sell 30,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover detective from the Albuquerque Police Department for $30,000. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted surveillance on Ramirez throughout the day leading up to the schedule transaction, following him to a stash house operated by Aragon. There the agents observed Aragon entering Ramirez’s car carrying a bag which agents believed carried fentanyl pills. At that time, agents attempted to take both men into custody. Ramirez was arrested without incident. Aragon attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. Agents recovered the bag from the car and determined it contained a large amount of suspected fentanyl pills weighing approximately 3388.2 gross grams, or about 7.5 pounds.
DEA agents also executed a federal search and seizure warrant which resulted in the seizure of numerous vehicles and approximately $60,000.00 cash.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charges, Aragon and Ramirez each face not less than 10 years and up to life in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department.
View the Criminal Complaint# # #
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Laguna Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Andres Nathaniel Harjo was sentenced to 15 months and 11 days in prison. Harjo, 25, of Laguna and an enrolled member of Laguna Pueblo, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit a felony on September 11, 2023.
According to court documents, on February 15, 2020, Harjo assaulted the victim, Jane Doe, at their shared residence and only stopped when his actions were interrupted by a third individual.
Upon his release from prison, Harjo will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. During the first six months of his release, he will be required to reside at a residential reentry center. He will also be required to complete literacy education, vocational rehabilitation programming, and sex offense treatment and counseling.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Laguna Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer of Depriving a U.S. Citizen of RightsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Gilberto Carreon Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility in El Paso, Texas, announced today that a federal jury returned two guilty verdicts against Oscar Orrantia after five hours of deliberation. The jury convicted Orrantia on one count of deprivation of a right and one count of falsification of records. Judge Margaret I. Strickland presided.
A federal grand jury issued a Second Superseding Indictment accusing Orrantia of two felony offenses on Nov. 15, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, on June 18, 2019, Orrantia, who was then an officer with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), was checking travelers who were coming into the United States via the Columbus Port of Entry. A 63-year-old male United States Citizen, who is identified as John Doe in the indictment, entered the primary inspection area. John Doe lived in Deming, New Mexico and often traveled to Mexico to run errands. When John Doe pulled up to primary, he complained in Spanish that it was hot outside. Orrantia responded that John Doe should not cross the border. John Doe then declared that he was bringing pills and handed a package to Orrantia. At some point, John Doe tried to look at Orrantia’s name tag. Orrantia testified when this happened, he thought John Doe was going to make a complaint against him. Switching to English, Orrantia repeatedly and in swift succession demanded to know if John Doe was threatening him.
At trial, experts testified that Orrantia’s conduct escalated the encounter. Two different experts testified that officers with CBP are trained in de-escalation techniques.
Instead of deescalating, Orrantia ordered John Doe to get out of the vehicle but gave him no time to comply. Instead, Orrantia reached into the vehicle to forcibly unbuckle John Doe’s seatbelt. Once out of the vehicle, Orrantia turned John Doe to face away from him and told John Doe that he was going to knock him down. Two seconds later, Orrantia made good on his threat, resulting in John Doe hitting his head against a nearby brick barrier. Orrantia proceeded to take John Doe all the way to the ground, although Orrantia himself admitted that he could have handcuffed John Doe while he was still standing. While John Doe was handcuffed and face down on the ground, Orrantia told another officer that that John Doe was “fucking being a dick,” and was resisting when told to get out of the vehicle.
An expert with CBP with the Less Lethal Training Branch opined that the take-down maneuver used by Orrantia was not a technique taught by CBP, and that there was not enough space to do a proper take-down in the first place. That same expert opined that Orrantia had acted contrary to his training during the encounter.
John Doe sustained bruising to his body and head as a result. A paramedic testified that John Doe had a hematoma, and an emergency room doctor who saw John Doe two days later testified that John Doe had bruising and discoloration of the skin which was consistent with a blunt force trauma injury. After John Doe was checked by paramedics, he was free to go. There was no indication he had committed any crime when he attempted to enter the United States.
Following the incident, Orrantia wrote a report that contained numerous false statements including allegations that John Doe had thrown the package he was declaring at Orrantia. At trial, video footage disproved this claim, depicting John Doe handing the package to Orrantia.
Orrantia also claimed that John Doe twice stated he was not going to get out of the vehicle. The same footage captured audio from the entire interaction and proved that John Doe in fact asked Orrantia to let him take off his seatbelt first. Orrantia’s own use of force expert admitted that the report contained false statements.
“Those that wear the badge are expected to treat members of the public they serve with the utmost dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “When an officer abuses their position, they erode the trust of the community we serve. We will scrupulously investigate, and vigorously prosecute, those who abuse the public trust and then try to cover up their misdeeds. The uniform will not protect you from justice.”
“The success of this investigation demonstrates the critical importance of fostering collaboration between law enforcement professionals,” said Special Agent in Charge Carreon. “The efforts rendered by all led to Officer Orrantia’s conviction and the continued accountability of those entrusted to serve the public.”
Orrantia will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Orrantia faces up to 10 years in prison for deprivation of rights and up to 20 years in prison for falsifying records.
This case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR) with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, CBP Law Enforcement Safety & Compliance Less Lethal Training Branch, CBP Office of Assistant Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Ong and Eliot Neal are prosecuting this case.
View the Second Superseding Indictment# # #
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Las Cruces Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Cyberstalking and Sending Threatening MessagesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that John Benjamin Thornton was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Thornton, 42, of Las Cruces, pleaded guilty on Dec. 3, 2021, to a nine-count superseding indictment charging him with cyberstalking and making threats in interstate commerce.
According to court records, Thornton had been the subject of complaints since November 2020 by several people who had received disturbing or threatening messages from him, including his ex-wife, his own father, and a business owner and his employees. The charges stemmed from threatening Facebook messages posted between February and May of 2021, text messages sent to his father in May of 2021, and emails sent to the owner and employees of a quantum computing company which Thornton deemed to be evil. In the Facebook posts, text messages and emails Thornton threatened to kill the recipients.
Upon his release from prison, Thornton will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Joni Stahl are prosecuting the case.
View the Second Superseding Indictment here# # #
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DEA-Led Operation Dismantles Clovis-Based Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Towanda Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced that a 6-count indictment against 7 alleged drug traffickers was unsealed following a coordinated, multiagency enforcement operation in Clovis and Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico.
During the federal arrests, agents seized six firearms and several kilograms of methamphetamine. Federal agents also assisted with the arrest of over 40 fugitives on state warrants.
A federal grand jury indicted 7 defendants on December 6, 2023. According to the indictment, between October of 2022 and December of 2023, Jose Badillo-Hernandez, 51, of Clovis, Rebecca Chavez, 39, of Portales, Joseph Sandoval, 50, of Clovis, his sister, Michelle Sandoval, 52, of Ruidoso Downs, William Voges, 53, of Ruidoso Downs, Daniel Perez, 53, a citizen of Mexico, and Manuel Pinon-Duran, 47, a citizen of Mexico, conspired to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine in Curry, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Cibola Counties.
A criminal indictment is only an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face sentences of at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with the assistance of the Region V Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, , Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, and New Mexico State Police. The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Hirsch and Raquel Ruiz-Velez are prosecuting the case.
Read the Indictment# # #
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Toadlena Man Charged with Failing to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Anthony Brian Manuelito appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with failure to update sex offender registration in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Manuelito, 46, of Toadlena, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending an arraignment and detention hearing scheduled for December 15, 2023.
According to the indictment, from on or about May 5, 2019, continuing to on or about December 5, 2023, Manuelito, a person required to register under the sex offender registration and notification act, by reason of a conviction under federal law, knowingly failed to update a registration.
SORNA, also known as the Adam Walsh Protection and Safety Act, requires that a convicted sex offender register in each jurisdiction where the offender resides, where the offender is employed, or where the offender is a student, and that the sex offender maintain current registrations.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Manuelito faces up to 10 years in prison.
The United States Marshal Service investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.
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Hernandez Man Charged with Federal Firearms Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the El Paso Division of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced today that Isaiah Rojas appeared in federal court on a 7-count indictment charging him with 3 counts of firearms trafficking, straw purchasing firearms, possession a firearm not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, unlawful possession and transfer of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Rojas, 27, of Hernandez, New Mexico, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, on May 16, 2023, Rojas purchased and provided firearms to another person with the belief that the recipient intended to use the firearms in furtherance of a felony or drug trafficking crime. Later, on June 3, 2023, Rojas provided rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches and an overall length of less than 26 inches that were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record to another individual. Lastly, on Sept. 6, 2023, Rojas provided machineguns with obliterated serial numbers to another individual.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rojas faces up to 25 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations jointly investigated the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
View the Indictment here# # #
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Fruitland Man Charged with Abandonment and Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Logan Nelson appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with 3 counts of abandonment and abuse of child resulting in great bodily harm. Nelson, 20, of Fruitland, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, in October 2022, Nelson placed Jane Doe, a minor, in a situation which endangered her life, causing great bodily harm to her ulna, humerus, ribs, tibia and right fibula.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the most serious allegation, Nelson faces a minimum of 18 years and up to 54 years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment here# # #
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Federal Jury Convicts Syndicato De Nuevo Mexico Associate of Murdering Federal Witness, Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced today that a federal jury returned eight guilty verdicts against Robert “Fat Head” Padilla after half a day of deliberation. The jury convicted Padilla on one count each of violent crimes in aid of racketeering (murder), retaliating against a witness, killing while engaged in drug trafficking, using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging said firearms and causing death, witness tampering, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute buprenorphine, and possession of contraband in prison. Judge James O. Browning presided.
A federal grand jury issued a Third Superseding Indictment accusing Padilla and his co-conspirator Gary Coca of eight felony offenses on April 19, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, from about Sept. 17, 2018, to Sept. 10, 2019, Padilla engaged in trafficking cocaine, cocaine base, heroin and fentanyl. On July 22, 2019, Padilla killed L.L., a former federal witness in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in retaliation for the victim providing information to law enforcement. Then, on Nov. 25, 2020, Padilla allegedly used physical force against P.G. in an attempt to influence, delay and prevent P.G. from communicating to law enforcement information relating to drug trafficking and the murder of L.L. Finally, on Sept. 6, 2022, Padilla possessed with the intent to distribute more than 329 strips of suboxone while incarcerated at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe.
“Witnesses are the eyes and ears of the justice system. They are the embodiment of the fact that justice belongs to all of us, and we all play a role in keeping our communities safe.,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “But some think that they can use violence to silence justice. Attacking a witness is more than an assault on a person, it is an assault on the values that hold our society together. But no one person is bigger than us together. Local, state, and federal law enforcement will find and convict those who threaten citizens who stood up for our community.”
“Mr. Padilla was under the mistaken impression he and his crew could run their criminal enterprise and flaunt their illegal activities in the face of the law without fear of consequence.,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “Today’s conviction is the 12th gang-related homicide charged under the federal RICO or VICAR statutes and sends a strong and clear message to others – illegal drug trafficking, witness intimidation and violence will not be tolerated anywhere in New Mexico. The FBI’s partnerships in this case were vital to a successful investigation, and the willingness of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively prosecute this group was important to putting others involved in similar criminal activities on notice that there is zero tolerance for their unlawful actions.”
“This case is yet another example of how drug trafficking and violent crime go hand in hand,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “The men and women of the DEA will stop at nothing to relentlessly pursue these criminals. We will continue to work day and night with laser focus to bring them to justice.”
Padilla will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Padilla faces a mandatory term of life in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the DEA’s Albuquerque District Office, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Corrections Department, Las Vegas Police Department and Department of Public Safety’s State Laboratory.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting this case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.
View Third Superseding Indictment here# # #
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Readout from Multi-Agency United Against Hate WebinarRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – On December 5, 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Albuquerque Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, New Mexico Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service, and City of Albuquerque’s Office of Equity and Inclusion convened a United Against Hate webinar on identifying, reporting, and preventing acts of hate. The online event aimed to provide nonprofits, community leaders, businesses, educators and religious leaders with information on how to prevent and respond to hate crimes and bias incidents, including the definitions of each and the process for investigation, as well as highlighting the resources available to the public to help protect against these crimes and incidents.
The Department of Justice’s United Against Hate program connects federal, state, and local law enforcement with local communities, including those that have been historically marginalized and may be especially vulnerable to hate crimes and bias motivated incidents. The program not only educates community members about hate crimes and hate incidents, but also helps to build trust between community and law enforcement and strengthens local networks to combat unlawful acts of hate.
In his opening statement, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez said “…we are a single community that has to figure out how we live together in peace. The truth is that the answers are never simple, they are never one sided. The truth is punishment alone doesn’t work, but neither does leniency alone. There must be both consequences and forgiveness. Penance and reconciliation.” USA Uballez continued, saying, “We need to rise together as a community. We need to see no strangers. Never miss an opportunity to demonstrate who we can be. That’s why you’re here today. Be safe. Be brave. We do this together.”
Assistant United States Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito presented an overview of hate crime laws, explaining the federal statutes that protect against offenses that are motivated by “an individual’s bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.” AUSA Tapia-Brito cautioned that it can be hard to tell if a given set of facts will result in successful prosecution, but that it is critically important for community members to report all hate crimes or bias incidents because information about these incidents help law enforcement recognize trends and patterns. AUSA Tapia-Brito stressed that just because law enforcement cannot prosecute an incident as a hate crime does not mean nothing can be done, and that other remedies may be available to victims under civil statutes.
Next, APD Deputy Chief Cecily Barker and Commander Kyle Hartstock highlighted the steps the Department takes to combat hate crimes and community resources, like APD’s Ambassador Program, which assigns officers to different communities, including faith-based, LGBTQ2+, Hispanic, Native American, refugees, veterans, senior citizens, African American, Americans with disabilities and youth groups. Ambassadors focus on building points of contact within the community and provide them with resources to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. Commander Hartstock provided examples of two recent cases where contact with community members and organizations proved to be critical to solving the cases and explained how they used the Department’s Ambassador Program, Crime Prevention Specialists and Language Access Coordinators to connect with the community. Deputy Chief Barker highlighted how they were able to leverage federal law enforcement partnerships throughout the investigation.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office Raul Bujanda talked about the FBI’s responsibilities as the lead federal investigative agency for civil rights matters and hate crimes. Special Agents stressed that it is more important to report a potential hate crime immediately than it is to report it to the correct agency, especially in the event of an imminent threat. They provided the two ways that people can report suspected hate crimes and/or bias incidents to the FBI: online via tips.FBI.gov or by phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Marcella Benton from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management discussed the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funding for physical and cyber security enhancements and other security-related actives to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of being the target of a hate crime. Eligible nonprofits include houses of worship, private education facilities, medical facilities and other 501(c)(3) organizations.
Lastly, Kim Milstead from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service (CRS) explained CRS’ mission: to work with community groups to resolve community conflicts and prevent and respond to alleged hate crimes arising from differences of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or disability. CRS provides impartial, voluntary, confidential and free services like mediation, consultation and training in partnership with federal, state, local, nonprofit, educational and community organizations. CRS’ work aims to leave a community better equipped to address incidents.
Executive AUSA Aja Brooks concluded the webinar by thanking both the presenters and participants for attending, stating that those in attendance were already part of the solution.
The webinar can be viewed here.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Wade Platero was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Platero, 27, of Cove, Arizona, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pled guilty to abusive sexual contact on Jan. 19, 2023.
According to court records, on Dec. 28, 2021, officers from the Navajo Police Department responded to a domestic violence call at a residence in Cove, Arizona. Subsequently, one of the parties accused Platero of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, Jane Doe, that was in his care. During a subsequent interview, Jane Doe disclosed to forensic interviewers that Platero had begun assaulting her when she was 9 years old, and the incidents had continued until the day of the domestic violence incident. Jane Doe also stated that she was scared for her younger sister’s safety. When questioned by police, Platero attempted to justify his actions by saying that Jane Doe had come on to him in the past. At the time, Platero was more than twice the 12-year-old’s age and in his mid-20s.
In his plea agreement, Platero admitted that he sexually assaulted Jane Doe on Dec. 28, 2021, the day of the domestic violence incident which caused police to become involved.
Upon his release from prison, Platero must adhere to state and federal sex offender registration requirements. His sentence also includes 15 years of Supervised Release by the United States Probation Office after release from incarceration.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC).
PSC is a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
View the Indictment View the Plea Agreement# # #
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Española Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Abandoning Child and Assaulting GirlfriendRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Larry G. Valdez, Jr. pled guilty to the crimes of child abandonment and assault by striking, beating, or wounding and was sentenced to one year of probation.
In March 2022, Valdez, Jr. struck John Doe’s mother with a closed fist at a roadside location within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. When six-year-old John Doe (Valdez, Jr.’s son) attempted to intervene on his mother’s behalf, Valdez, Jr. punched John Doe in the face with a closed fist, which caused Doe to sustain a bloodied and swollen upper lip. Valdez, Jr. then left John Doe and Doe’s mother by the dark roadside without calling for medical attention.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement View the Indictment# # #
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Española Trio Face Charges in Relation to String of Armed Robberies that Led to Shooting DeathRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Ricky Eddie Martinez, Jr., Adelene Urquijo and Ashley Thompson have been charged in relation to a string of robberies in 2022 that culminated with the shooting death of a Blake’s Lotaburger employee on Aug. 16.
Martinez, 32, of Española, is charged with 3 counts of interference with commerce by robbery, 1 count of interference with commerce by attempted robbery, 2 counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count of discharging said firearm, and 1 count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Urquijo, 37, of Española, is charged with aiding and abetting an interference with commerce by attempted robbery. Urquijo and Thompson, 33, of Santa Fe, are charged with being accessories after the fact. Martinez and Urquijo are detained pending trial. Thompson was recently arrested and will be scheduled for a detention hearing at a later date.
According to the criminal complaint, from Aug. 9 through Aug. 16, 2022, Martinez allegedly robbed at least seven businesses in Española, Taos and Santa Fe. In each robbery, Martinez allegedly entered the business, brandished a pistol and demanded money. During a robbery of a Walgreens in Española, Martinez became agitated when a store employee had trouble opening the cash register. Martinez allegedly fired a shot in the direction of the employee, who sustained burns due to the proximity of the gun power from the shot.
On Aug. 16, Martinez allegedly entered a Blake’s Lotaburger in Española and, while ordering food, brandished a firearm and demanded money. Martinez then allegedly fatally shot an employee. Martinez allegedly climbed over the counter and pistol whipped another employee, striking the employee repeatedly in the back of the head. Martinez allegedly attempted to open the cash register, but failed and fled the building on foot.
According to the indictment, Urquijo aided and abetted Martinez during the Aug. 16 incident. Following the incident, Urquijo and Thompson allegedly provided Martinez with assistance in order to prevent his apprehension.
Martinez was previously convicted on three counts of shooting at or from a motor vehicle in 2013, assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country in 2019, and escape or attempt to escape from jail, aggravated assault upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon, aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, robbery and burglary of a vehicle in 2021. As a previously convicted felon, Martinez cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Martinez faces up to life in prison. Urquijo faces up to 20 years in prison and Thompson faces up to 10 years in prison.
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 United States Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting the case.
View the Superseding Indictment# # #
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Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting Female Pretrial DetaineeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Marquet Johnson, a former private prisoner transport officer, pleaded guilty to violating a female pretrial detainee’s civil rights by sexually assaulting her during a prisoner transport. Johnson, 44, of West Memphis, Arkansas, additionally admitted to previously violating multiple other female pretrial detainees’ civil rights by sexually assaulting them during prisoner transports.
According to the plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Johnson worked as a prisoner transport officer for Inmate Services Corporation (ISC). As a prisoner transport officer, Johnson performed the government function of picking up individuals who were arrested on out-of-state warrants and transporting those individuals back to the jurisdictions that issued the warrants. On Nov. 4, 2019, Johnson and his transport partner picked up the victim, a female pretrial detainee, from a jail in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to transport her to Delta County, Colorado.
That same day, while still in New Mexico, Johnson’s transport partner stopped the transport van at a gas station. As soon as Johnson’s transport partner walked away from the van, Johnson ordered the victim to move to the bench row in the back of the transport van, climbed into the back of the van, removed the victim’s ankle restraints and loosened her handcuffs. The victim told Johnson that she was unsure what was going on but said that she did not want “to do this.” In response, Johnson pulled out a dangerous weapon, and, resting the weapon on his lap, told the victim that he wanted her to cooperate with him, “otherwise, it was going to get ugly.”
Johnson then ordered the victim to partially remove her clothing and lay down on her back. The victim did so but again told Johnson she did not want to do this. In response, Johnson held the weapon against the victim’s cheek while raping her. Johnson admitted that the victim did not consent to any of the sexual conduct, and his conduct included the use of a dangerous weapon and aggravated sexual abuse.
Johnson further admitted that this was not the first female pretrial detainee who he sexually assaulted during an ISC prisoner transport. Johnson admitted that in July 2019, he transported another female pretrial detainee from Spencer, Indiana to San Marcos, Texas. While en route to Texas, during a stop at ISC headquarters in West Memphis, Arkansas, Johnson forced the detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse.
Finally, Johnson admitted that in August 2019, he transported yet another female pretrial detainee from Baker County, Oregon to Warrensburg, Missouri. While in Missouri, Johnson stopped the transport van at a hotel, where he proceeded to push her to rape her. A short time later Johnson brought the female detainee back outside to the transport van and, after resuming the transport, forced the female detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.
“Sexual assaults carried out by law enforcement officials at any stage of the criminal justice process, including in the transport of detainees held in custody, have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This egregious conduct violates federal law, and the Justice Department will continue to resolutely seek justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.
“Every person has a basic right to dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “And nobody, no matter the crime of which they are being accused, deserves to be raped. When jailers fail their duty to those in their charge, they will join them in custody.”
“Law enforcement officers and other officials receive certain powers from the government so they can defend the rights of the people and prevent wrongdoing.” said SAC Raul Bujanda. “When individuals working in an official capacity violate the trust of their communities by abusing that power, they undermine the hard work of all officials. The despicable actions perpetuated by Johnson, against those he was entrusted to protect, have no place in society. When you break the trust you’re given as a member of law enforcement and ultimately break the law, there are consequences. Today’s conviction of Johnson is a resounding reminder that the FBI is committed to restoring trust in law enforcement by holding those who abuse their privileges and abandon their responsibilities accountable. I commend the hard work of our Agents, our law enforcement partners with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and the New Mexico US Attorney’s Office with helping to bring justice to the victims in this case and holding Johnson to account for his crimes.”
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, to be followed by up to five years of supervised release. In addition, Johnson must pay restitution to the victim and register as a sex offender.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sherriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Brawley for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas and Western District of Missouri.
View Indictment View Plea Agreement###
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Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense and Admits to Sexually Assaulting Multiple Female Pretrial DetaineesRead the Press Release
A former private prisoner transport officer, Marquet Johnson, 44, pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of multiple female pretrial detainees by sexually assaulting them during prisoner transports.
“Sexual assaults carried out by law enforcement officials at any stage of the criminal justice process, including in the transport of detainees held in custody, have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This egregious conduct violates federal civil rights law, and the Justice Department will continue to resolutely seek justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.”
“Every person has a basic right to dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “And nobody, no matter the crime of which they are being accused, deserves to be raped. When jailers fail their duty to those in their charge, they will join them in custody.”
“Law enforcement officers and other officials receive certain powers from the government so they can defend the rights of the people and prevent wrongdoing,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “When individuals working in an official capacity violate the trust of their communities by abusing that power, they undermine the hard work of all officials. The despicable actions perpetuated by Johnson, against those he was entrusted to protect, have no place in society. When you break the trust, you’re given as a member of law enforcement and ultimately break the law, there are consequences. Today’s plea is a resounding reminder that the FBI is committed to restoring trust in law enforcement by holding those who abuse their privileges and abandon their responsibilities accountable. I commend the hard work of our agents, our law enforcement partners with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico with helping to bring justice to the victims in this case and holding Johnson to account for his crimes.”
According to the plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Johnson worked as a prisoner transport officer for Inmate Services Corporation (ISC). As a prisoner transport officer, Johnson performed the government function of picking up individuals who were arrested on out-of-state warrants and transporting those individuals back to the jurisdictions that issued the warrants. On Nov. 4, 2019, Johnson and his transport partner picked up the victim, a female pretrial detainee, from a jail in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to transport her to Delta County, Colorado.
That same day, while still in New Mexico, Johnson’s transport partner stopped the transport van at a gas station. As soon as Johnson’s transport partner walked away from the van, Johnson ordered the victim to move to the bench row in the back of the transport van, climbed into the back of the van, removed the victim’s ankle restraints and loosened her handcuffs. The victim told Johnson that she was unsure what was going on but said that she did not want “to do this.” In response, Johnson pulled out a dangerous weapon, and, resting the weapon on his lap, told the victim that he wanted her to cooperate with him, “otherwise, it was going to get ugly.”
Johnson then ordered the victim to partially remove her clothing and lay down on her back. The victim did so but again told Johnson she did not want to do this. In response, Johnson held the weapon against the victim’s cheek while raping her. Johnson admitted that the victim did not consent to any of the sexual conduct, and his conduct included the use of a dangerous weapon and aggravated sexual abuse.
Johnson further admitted that this was not the first female pretrial detainee he sexually assaulted during an ISC prisoner transport. Johnson admitted that in July 2019, he transported another female pretrial detainee from Spencer, Indiana to San Marcos, Texas. While en route to Texas, during a stop at ISC headquarters in West Memphis, Arkansas, Johnson forced the detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse.
Finally, Johnson admitted that in August 2019, he transported yet another female pretrial detainee from Baker County, Oregon to Warrensburg, Missouri. While in Missouri, Johnson stopped the transport van at a hotel, where he raped her. A short time later Johnson brought the female detainee back outside to the transport van and, after resuming the transport, forced the female detainee to perform oral sex on him. Johnson admitted that this victim also did not consent to any of the sexual conduct and that his misconduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.
A sentencing hearing will be set on a later date. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, to be followed by up to five years of supervised release. In addition, Johnson must pay restitution and, upon release, adhere to state and federal sex offender registration requirements.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sherriff’s Office.
Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Brawley for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas and Western District of Missouri.
Readout from United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez’s Listening Session with New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault ProgramsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Aja N. Brooks, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, met with representatives from the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (NMCSAP). Alexandria Taylor, Executive Director, Virginia Pérez-Ortega, Director of Community Collaborations, Kim Benally, Director of Tribal Sexual Assault Services, and Rachel Cox, Director of Technical Assistance, presented statements. The listening session focused on building a partnership between NMCSAP and the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and how that partnership could benefit tribal and rural communities in New Mexico.
NMCSAP is a network of 15 sexual assault programs and 11 sexual assault nurse examiner programs which provide education, support, and advocacy to survivors, service providers, the media, non-profit and governmental organizations that prevent and respond to sexual violence in New Mexico. In October, NMCSAP received a $950,000 grant from the Department Of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
Alexandria Taylor opened the session by speaking about NMCSAP’s recent accomplishments, including advocating for increased funding for sexual assault programs, tribal research, and a statewide sexual assault hotline. Taylor also highlighted expanded services to Alamogordo, Hobbs, Carlsbad and Grants, and the integration of the New Mexico Children’s Alliance, which supports eleven children’s advocacy centers around New Mexico, into the coalition.
Speaking to his office’s priorities, USA Uballez explained that the USAO had developed a Tribal Liaison Program. Under the program, an Assistant United States Attorney from the Indian County Crimes Section is assigned as a liaison to each of the 23 Tribes in New Mexico and tasked with building and maintaining government-to-government relations. USA Uballez hopes that building relationships with tribal communities will decrease instances of domestic violence and sexual assault. USA Uballez also expressed that he hoped a partnership with NMCSAP would expand the USAO’s outreach, prevention, training and coordination efforts, specifically in relation to crimes against children, sexual assault and domestic violence in tribal communities.
Taylor and Benally shared that prior to 2021, there was no funding for sexual assault services available to tribal communities. Over the course of one year, NMCSAP is supporting 6 different tribal communities that received Federal funding for sexual assault services and are now focused on mobilizing the systems around these services and also helping to secure funding for the 17 remaining tribes in New Mexico. Taylor and Kim expressed a need for training on the investigation and legal process and how to facilitate communication between the agencies and the victims and their families.
Pérez-Ortega and Cox brought attention to the lack of services available to human trafficking victims and shared that New Mexico’s unique position on the border makes our state a promising national leader in developing programs. NMCSAP offered to use their expertise and relationships to help the USAO build initiatives and projects that support victims and connect them to expert witnesses who have insight into both the trauma experienced by human trafficking victims and the unique perspectives of New Mexican communities.
Taylor explained that Victim of Crime Act Awards (VOCA) funding is currently at the lowest level since 2006 and may face more reductions in FY2025. VOCA funds programs that provide an array of services to victims of crimes, and reductions in funding would result in fewer direct services, and possibly a closure of multiple programs. Taylor requested assistance from USA Uballez to ensure funds are being directed to VOCA, explaining that statewide coalitions across the country are also asking the United States Attorneys in their district to do the same. USA Uballez responded he would be willing to fight for more funding and seek other funding resources.
USA Uballez closed the session by expressing that he was excited to partner with NMCSAP and that his office looks forward to working with them to facilitate connections, relationships and training.
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Dulce Man Pleads Guilty to Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Patrick Maestas pled guilty to assault of a spouse, intimate partner, and dating partner, by strangling, suffocating, and attempting to strangle and suffocate. Maestas, 34, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on July 8, 2022, Maestas had consumed a large quantity of alcohol and began an argument with Jane Doe, the mother of his child and intimate partner. During the argument, Maestas punched a TV and pinned Jane Doe to the bed in the presence of their child. Maestas then used the collar of Jane Doe’s shirt to strangle her, causing Jane Doe to black out and causing serious bodily injury.
At sentencing, Maestas faces up to ten years in prison followed by 3 years of supervise release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case.
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Sanostee Man Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Melvin C. Smith pled guilty to assault. Smith, 62, of Sanostee, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on Oct. 6, 2022, Smith used a long, hard wooden walking stick to assault his brother-in-law and his brother-in-law’s girlfriend. Smith repeatedly hit his brother-in-law as he shielded his girlfriend from Smith’s blows. The assault caused physical pain to Smith’s brother-in-law and the brother-in-law’s girlfriend.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
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23-274
Fargo Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Murder and Manslaughter in Navajo NationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Shilo Aaron Oldrock was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Oldrock, 30, an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, pled guilty in federal court to second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter relating to the deaths of two victims, E.B and P.S., on August 14, 2023.
According to court documents, on the night of January 29, 2021, Oldrock and the victims were drinking and Oldrock was using methamphetamine. P.S. and E.B. got into an altercation resulting in injury to P.S. Instead of rendering aid, Oldrock decided to “finish off” P.S. and struck him in the head with a metal iron, killing him. Oldrock burned P.S.’s body in a burn barrel to cover up his crime.
P.S.’s family reported him missing when they found his abandoned car. P.S. was subsequently added to the FBI’s List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. P.S.’s family continued to search for him for the next two years.
On October 10, 2021, driven by paranoia from the killing of P.S. and the death of Oldrock’s grandmother, Oldrock attacked E.B., stabbing him approximately 22 times before using an ax to decapitate him. Oldrock later admitted to law enforcement that he killed both P.S. and E.B. Both murders occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico.
“It is our solemn duty to bring justice and answers to grieving Tribal communities,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “No amount of investigation, prosecution, or years in prison will bring back a murdered loved one. But this team of local, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners will meet the case of each missing and murdered Indigenous person with urgency, transparency, and coordination. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and confident that law enforcement will be vigilant in the investigation of missing community members.”
"The rationale behind the depraved violent criminal acts committed in this case may be hard to understand, but our message today is crystal clear: the FBI and its partners will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who show such a callous disregard for innocent lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Bujanda. “The investigation of Oldrock, and his 35-year sentence, stand as a testament to the collaboration and dedication of the FBI, Navajo Nation Criminal Investigators, and the United States Attorney’s Office to bring justice to victims of violent crimes in Indian County.”
The FBI’s List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation is the first of its kind in the nation and was created in an effort to improve the reporting of missing persons throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. Partners involved in the project include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, New Mexico Department of Public Safety, New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs, Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, and the City of Albuquerque Office of Equity and Inclusion. The FBI also receives information and support from the Navajo Nation, Native American pueblos, and local law enforcement.
The list is updated monthly and can be found at fbi.gov/mmip.
The FBI is seeking public assistance and information on these cases. If you have information, please contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations and the Gallup Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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Mescalero Man Charged with Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Theodore Ian Chavez, IV appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault of an intimate partner by strangling and assault of an intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. Chavez, 25, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain on conditions of release pending trial.
According to the indictment, on Aug. 6, 2023, Chavez assaulted Jane Doe, his intimate partner, by strangling her and the assault resulted in substantial bodily injury to Jane Doe.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chavez faces 10 years in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl is prosecuting the case.
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23-272
Dulce Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Alex Julian appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Julian, 27, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 25, 2022, Julian assaulted John Doe with a knife and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury to John Doe.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Julian faces up to 20 years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Trembley is prosecuting the case.
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Man Charged for 2019 Double Murder in Taos PuebloRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Joshua Gonzales made an initial appearance in federal court on an indictment charging him with two counts of first-degree murder. Gonzales, 37, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday, November 24, 2023.
According to court records, Gonzales and his girlfriend had been staying at the home of John Doe 1. On May 30, 2019, Gonzales assaulted his girlfriend while they were near the home. Gonzales’ girlfriend told John Doe 1 about the assault and left the home, leaving Gonzales and John Doe 1 alone. When John Doe 1 questioned Gonzales about the assault, Gonzales attacked John Doe 1. During that assault, Gonzales bludgeoned John Doe 1’s body and head, brutally killing him.
Moments later, John Doe 2 arrived at John Doe 1’s house. John Doe 1 had previously called John Doe 2, likely seeking help, which is what prompted John Doe 2 to go over to the residence. Gonzales exited John Doe 1’s house and proceeded to beat John Doe 2, who was only days into recovery from a hip surgery, in the driveway, also brutally killing him. Defendant then took John Doe 2’s body inside and stacked both men’s bodies in John Doe 1’s house, then placed a roll of metal fence on top of the bodies. Gonzales then left the home and locked the door behind him with a padlock on the exterior of the doors.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Gonzales faces life in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Matthew J. McGinley are prosecuting the case.
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Deming Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Manuel Lucero III was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison. Lucero, 42, of Deming, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on March 21, 2023.
According to court records, on Jan. 31, 2022, Lucero came to the attention of law enforcement when his former romantic partner reported him for harassment. The woman stated that she had been driving down a road earlier that day with her mother and two children in the vehicle when she noticed that another vehicle was following her. The woman pulled over and recognized Lucero as the driver. Lucero approached the car and pulled a firearm from his waistband and pointed it at the woman. Lucero then moved to the passenger side of the vehicle and pointed the gun at the woman’s mother. The woman fled the scene, but Lucero continued to follow her until she pulled into the parking lot of a local police station. The woman was able to describe the firearm Lucero threatened her with to law enforcement as a 9mm Beretta.
Early the following morning, Lucero contacted law enforcement and stated he was feeling depressed and upset and wanted to speak to an officer. When law enforcement arrived at his home, Lucero was holding a loaded magazine. When officers asked Lucero if he had a weapon, Lucero stated it was not on the property. Officers left the home and returned the next day, Feb. 2, with a search warrant for Lucero’s residence. During the resulting search, officers located the 9mm Beretta, a loaded magazine, a pistol holster and one round of .45 ammunition.
Lucero had multiple prior felony convictions, mostly related to incidents of domestic violence, and was most recently convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resulting in great bodily harm in 2016. As a previously convicted felon, Lucero could not possess a firearm or ammunition.
Based on the circumstances of the incident on Jan. 31, the United States requested a sentencing enhancement from a range of 57 to 71 months to 84 months. On Nov. 16, 2023, the sentencing judge sentenced Lucero to the statutory maximum of 120 months.
Upon his release from prison, Lucero will be subject to 3 years of supervise release.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Deming Police Department. The Las Cruces Bureau Office of the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
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Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Charges in Wire Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Inspector General announced today that James Matison pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Matison, 46, of Pueblo, Colorado, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, Matison was the Program Director for Restoration Programs at WildEarth Guardians, a not-for-profit which relies on funding from federal agencies, the State of New Mexico and other not-for-profit organizations. As Program Director, Matison was responsible for approving all Restoration Program project invoices submitted by contractors for payment. One such contractor was Timberline Environmental, LLC, a Colorado based environmental company owned and operated by Matison’s co-defendant, Jeffrey Ham. In 2015, Matison was experiencing financial difficulties and asked Ham for help with a fraudulent scheme to obtain money from WildEarth Guardians. Ham agreed to allow Matison to generate fraudulent invoices from Timberline for submission to and payment from WildEarth Guardians, which Matison would approve for payment. Matison would collect the checks and deposit them into Timberline’s bank account. Ham provided Matison with pre-signed blank Timberline checks which Matison would use to write checks to an entity called Euro-American Development, an Arizona company under Matison’s control. In this manner, Matison obtained $242,210 from WildEarth guardians between Feb. 2015 and Feb. 2019 when Ham put a stop to the scheme.
By the terms of his plea agreement, Matison faces up to twenty years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
Jeffrey Ham pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on July 17, 2023. At sentencing, Ham faces up to twenty years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General and the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Peña is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney and First Judicial District Attorney Sign Agreement to Support Federal Investigations and Prosecutions in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos CountiesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Mary Carmack-Altwies, the First Judicial District Attorney, signed a memorandum of understanding today whereby Assistant District Attorneys from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office may be designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. Through this agreement, cross-designated state prosecutors will support federal investigations and prosecutions of criminal offenses committed in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties involving firearms, controlled substances, acts of violence, and child exploitation.
“Crime knows no jurisdictional boundaries,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “With this agreement, we will work hand-in-hand with our state and local partners in pursuit of public safety. Together, we will bring federal resources and sentences to bear against the most pernicious and violent offenders in the communities of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos.”
"We are proud to partner with the U.S Attorney's Office in this agreement to ensure the worst offenders throughout the First Judicial District are exposed to the full force of the law," Carmack-Altwies said. "The agreement signed today will bring welcome additions to our office's efforts to secure justice for everyone affected by criminal elements in our communities."
The United States Attorney’s Office and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office share an interest in ensuring public safety, securing justice for victims, enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office and the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. SAUSAs from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office currently screen every single felony criminal complaint filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged over 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.
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Dulce Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Steven Williams pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Williams, 29, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to court records, between February 11 and February 14, 2023, Williams repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, with a knife, injuring her hands, throat, and arms.
At sentencing, Williams faces up to ten years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
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Pine Hill Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Tony Jake Jr. pled guilty to abusive sexual contact. Jake, 75, of Pine Hill, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on May 28, 2022, Jane Doe, a child under the age of 12, reported to her mother that she had been sexually assaulted by a man she did not know during a church service. Special Agents from the FBI responded and began interviewing individuals who had seen Jane Doe that day. One witness reported that they had noticed Jane Doe was not with the other children and when they went to find her, they found her with Jake and that Jane Doe was visibly upset.
In his plea agreement, Jake admitted that he had approached Jane Doe, that he touched her inappropriately and that she was upset by his conduct.
At sentencing, Jake faces any term of years up to life in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case.
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Malachi Crockett Pleads Guilty to Carjacking and Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Malachi Alan Crockett pled guilty to three counts of carjacking and aiding and abetting and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Crockett, 18, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
In his plea agreement, Crockett admitted that on March 21, 2023, he and two juvenile accomplices committed three carjackings in Albuquerque. During each of the carjackings, Crockett was armed with a loaded pistol and possessed it in furtherance of the carjacking.
Crockett faces imprisonment of up to 15 years for each carjacking count and a consecutive term of up to life in prison for using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Nelson and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.
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Mescalero Man charged with Domestic AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Frank Shorty Trujillo appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault by strangulation and/or suffocating a spouse or intimate partner. Trujillo, 18, of Mescalero, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on Oct 9, 2023, Trujillo assaulted Jane Doe in front of their one-year-old son because he was angry that his “weed” had not been delivered as scheduled to the residence. Trujillo pushed Jane Doe into their young son, causing her to fall on top of the baby, who then began to cry. Trujillo then climbed on top of the Jane Doe and strangled her for approximately five seconds, preventing her from being able to breathe, punched her, bit her on the leg, pushed her down into the bed and pulled her hair. Jane Doe feared for her life and believed that Trujillo was going to kill her.
The morning following the assault, Jane Doe tried to speak to Trujillo who was armed with a knife. Trujillo cut himself with the knife on his arm and neck. After Trujillo learned that law enforcement had been called, he then fled into the woods to avoid arrest.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charges, Trujillo faces ten years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and A’Kiesha Soliman are prosecuting the case.
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Fruitland Man Pleads Guilty to AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Elijah Cudei Etsitty pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Etsitty, 27, of Fruitland, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on June 27, 2021, Etsitty assaulted Jane Doe, which caused serious bodily injury, including head and facial injuries and seizure activity following the assault.
At sentencing, Etsitty faces up to ten years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Shiprock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case.
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Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Deon Joe Bidtah pled guilty to all three counts of the indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault on a federal officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon. Bidtah, 24, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on Oct. 11, 2022, Bidtah approached a vehicle near his residence in Shiprock and fired two rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the vehicle. The driver, Jane Doe, was struck and injured by the gunfire. Three of Jane Doe’s family members were in the vehicle at the time. Jane Doe suffered great bodily harm and was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Navajo Nation police officers responded to the incident location, including one officer who, by virtue of a special law enforcement commission, is considered a federal officer. Bidtah approached the officers carrying the 12-gauge shotgun and fired toward the officers. Officers took cover behind their patrol units and commanded Bidtah to stop and drop his weapon, however Bidtah ignored the commands, reloaded the shotgun, and continued to walk towards the officers. In response, officers fired two rounds at Bidtah. Bidtah was struck and was later transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.
At sentencing, Bidtah faces at least ten years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.
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Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Pedro Lee Benally pled guilty to two counts of abusive sexual contact. Benally, 22, of Montezuma Creek, Utah, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, between April 1, 2022 and November 29, 2022, Benally engaged in sexual contact with Jane Doe, a child who had not attained the age of 12 years, on multiple occasions. The incidents occurred at Jane Doe’s grandmother’s house in Shiprock and afterward Benally told Jane Doe not to tell anyone about his conduct.
At sentencing, Benally may face up to 23 years in prison and must register as a sex offender upon his release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
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Truth or Consequences Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, announced that James Dooly Pollock was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Pollock, 39, of Truth or Consequences, pled guilty in federal court on July 13, 2022, to production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
On Dec 30, 2021, the father of a 14-year-old victim submitted his daughter’s cell phone to the Truth or Consequences Police Department (TCPD) and reported that the cell phone contained video of an adult male having sex with the victim. After obtaining the father’s permission and a search warrant, TCPD transferred the cell phone to New Mexico State Police (NMSP) for extraction of the phone’s contents. Approximately eight videos of Pollock and the victim were found within "WhatsApp" chats. Within the chats, there was also a message where Pollock told the victim, “You need to get an appslock app to hide things on your phone.”
Upon his release from prison, Pollock will be subject to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
Homeland Security Investigations, the NMSP and TCPD investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Clara Cobos and Marisa Ong are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
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