District of New Mexico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mentmore man sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for carjacking and assaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Nathan Singer Lee was sentenced on Dec. 22, 2022, to seven and a half years in prison. On Aug. 25, 2021, Lee, 28, of Mentmore, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury, obstructing justice by retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant resulting in bodily harm, and carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury.
Lee had been staying at the home of the victim, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, identified in court records as Jane Doe, in Ramah, New Mexico, since Jan. 26, 2020. On Jan. 28, Jane Doe and her boyfriend traveled to Albuquerque, where they had been summoned to testify before a grand jury in a matter involving an individual known by Lee. Jane Doe and her boyfriend told Lee that they were both witnesses in the case against the other individual, and Lee travelled to Albuquerque with them.
On Jan. 31, 2020, Lee and Jane Doe’s boyfriend were arrested in connection with a dispute with a neighbor. Lee was released from custody around 1:30am on Feb. 1, 2020, and returned to Jane Doe’s home. Jane Doe provided Lee with blankets to sleep, then proceeded to clean her room before going to bed.
Around 3:00am, Jane Doe went to the kitchen for a mop and encountered Lee, who told her he had been waiting for her. Lee threw Jane Doe to the floor and punched and kicked her repeatedly. When she tried to get up, he threw her to the floor again, causing an injury to her head. She asked Lee why he was doing this, and he told her it was because she and her boyfriend were “snitches.” At another point during the assault, Lee also said, “I don’t care, I’ll [expletive] kill you.”
As Lee continued to assault Jane Doe, she attempted to call the police. Lee took her cell phone and tried to break it with his hands, then used a hatchet to break it. Lee reached into Jane Doe’s pockets and took her EBT card and her keys. After recovering some of his belongings, Lee fled in Jane Doe’s vehicle.
Upon his release from prison, Lee will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores prosecuted the case.
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Arizona man arraigned in the District of New Mexico on mail and wire fraud indictmentRead 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 today that John Lopez was arraigned on a 27-count indictment charging him with 16 counts of wire fraud and 11 counts of mail fraud. Lopez, 71, of Flagstaff, Arizona, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Lopez on Dec. 20, 2022. According to the indictment and other court records, Lopez was the founder and president of Personal Money Management Company (PMMCO), which ostensibly provided financial management services to clients, many of whom were retired or near retirement. Beginning in 2014, Lopez held himself out as an investment advisor with considerable expertise who could consistently and substantially beat the market average return on investment.
Lopez allegedly communicated to clients and prospective clients various false promises and misrepresentations related to his investment ability and strategy. As alleged in the indictment, Lopez falsely told clients and prospective clients that he could guarantee annual returns of 10 percent on their principal investment no matter how volatile the stock market might be, and that he could make an annualized 19.2-percent return on a retirement investment, in which clients would keep their initial principal investment as well. Lopez allegedly claimed that he had developed a computer program or algorithm that resulted in consistent and substantial above-average market returns on investments. He allegedly told clients and prospective clients that he would invest their money primarily in stocks and bonds, moving their money between those two investment instruments when market indicators or his computer algorithm told him to move them between the two.
From February 2014 through November 2021, Lopez received approximately $19.4 million from clients. During that same period, rather than invest primarily in stocks and bonds, Lopez allegedly purchased $13.3 million in precious metals, such as gold and silver. Lopez disbursed approximately $6.1 million to clients, which he allegedly represented as investment gains.
After securing client money, Lopez allegedly generated periodic account statements, purportedly showing substantial investment gains. For example, in November 2021, a client received a purported account statement reflecting that an investment of $200,000 with Lopez and PMMCO in 2016 had grown to $3,289,273, a 1,544-percent increase over an approximate five-year period. This growth calculation excluded a $565,000 withdrawal during 2021. In October 2021, those statements represented that PMMCO client account values were collectively worth approximately $39 million.
On Nov. 9 and 10, 2021, government agents seized PMMCO assets, mostly comprising precious metals, which were valued at less than $15 million.
Lopez allegedly continued to generate deceptive PMMCO account statements after the government seized PMMCO’s assets. On May 31, 2022, those statements represented PMMCO client account values worth approximately $49 million.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Lopez faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office brought a separate civil forfeiture action on April 15, 2022, seeking to forfeit assets seized in November 2021. Litigation in the civil proceeding is ongoing.
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Albuquerque man pleads guilty to cyberstalking, child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Zachary Dosch pleaded guilty on Dec. 20, 2022, to cyberstalking, receipt of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography. Dosch, 23, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, on Nov. 30, 2019, a Snapchat user reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that the user had received threats through Snapchat, and that a friend had received possible child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Both the threat and the CSAM were sent from an account with the same username as a Kik profile used by Dosch. Additionally, from Oct. 29, 2019, through May 12, 2021, NCMEC received numerous Cybertips regarding CSAM related to a Discord username associated with Dosch.
In his plea agreement, Dosch admitted that beginning at least in October 2019 and continuing until his arrest on June 17, 2021, he targeted minors online for sexual extortion, and, using various social media platforms, received, uploaded and shared CSAM. He also acknowledged extorting sexually explicit material from minors and causing them significant emotional distress.
By the terms of the plea agreement, Dosch faces up to 50 years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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/.
For more information on sextortion and how to get help, visit the FBI website.
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Former coach from Pecos pleads guilty to coercion and enticement of minorsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Joshua Rico pleaded guilty on Dec. 22 to five counts of coercion and enticement of minors. Rico, 26, of Pecos, New Mexico, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
Beginning as early as January 2018, Rico used multiple profiles on the social media platform Snapchat to coerce minor girls into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos and engage in sexual acts. Rico used fictitious profiles under the names “Chris Lujan” and “Erik Romero” as well as a profile in his own name to threaten, coerce and manipulate at least four victims who were between 14 and 16 years old.
In each case, Rico used one or both of his fake profiles to persuade the victims into sending compromising photos, then used the threat of exposing the photos to coerce the victims into engaging in sexual acts and sending him videos of the acts. In two cases, after using a fake profile to demand that the victims engage in sexual acts and provide videos, he offered to “help” the victims by allowing them to perform the sexual act with him. Rico coerced at least one of the victims into engaging in sexual acts with him.
Rico faces up to life in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.
The New Mexico State Police, the FBI, and the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory investigated this case as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Mease and Jaymie L. Roybal are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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/.
For more information on sextortion and how to get help, visit the FBI website.
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U.S. Attorney highlights Environmental JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, is promoting information and resources to highlight environmental justice and assist the public in reporting criminal environmental violations.
In May, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the launch the Justice Department’s new Office of Environmental Justice as well as the Department’s environmental justice enforcement strategy. This strategy will guide the Justice Department’s litigators, investigators and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide to advance the cause of environmental justice through the enforcement of federal laws. Developed by the Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, the strategy will ensure that the entire Department is using all available legal tools to promote environmental justice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) enforces federal laws that protect communities against harm caused by environmental crime, pollution and climate change. The USAO works in conjunction with federal, state, local and Tribal government partners to address human health and environmental harms that disproportionately affect overburdened and underserved low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.
The district’s Environmental Justice Coordinator receives reports of environmental violations within the district and engages in outreach to promote greater public participation in environmental justice efforts. Additionally, the Environmental Justice Coordinator is a member of the Environmental Crimes Task Force, a group convened by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase federal, Tribal and state cooperation in investigating and prosecuting criminal violations of environmental laws.
"Low-income communities and communities of color have disproportionately borne the burden of environmental crime," said U.S. Attorney Uballez. "Through the Environmental Crimes Task Force, we will bring fair treatment and meaningful involvement of underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened by systemic environmental violations, pollutions, climate change and abuse of natural resources."
Information available on the website includes an explanation of what environmental justice is and examples of what constitutes criminal environmental violations. The website also provides links to additional resources and partnering agencies, as well as contact information for reporting criminal environmental violations.
Anyone who wants to report known or suspected environmental violations within the District of New Mexico can email the district’s Environmental Justice Coordinator at [email protected].
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Man from Acoma pleads guilty to sexual abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Karl Shroulote, Sr., pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in Indian Country. Shroulote, 46, of Acoma, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
In his plea agreement, Shroulote admitted that on April 29, 2018, he sexually assaulted a victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, while she was unconscious in his home on the Acoma Pueblo.
By the terms of the plea agreement, Shroulote faces between five years and three months and six and a half years in prison, and must register as a sex offender.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Acoma Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.
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Federal jury finds Rio Rancho man guilty of theft and making false statements in Social Security schemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that a federal jury on Dec. 16 returned a guilty verdict on James Anthony Sandoval, 57, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The jury convicted Sandoval on 33 counts of theft of government property and one count each of making false statements and false statements on a Social Security form.
Sandoval became entitled to receive disability benefits in 2008. In 2016 and 2019, he reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that he had not worked since becoming ill in 2007. He also reported having difficulty performing simple daily tasks such as any physical activity and engaging in social interactions.
On Feb. 19, 2020, Sandoval was interviewed by the Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Unit at the SSA office in Rio Rancho. During the interview, Sandoval reported he had not worked since 2002 or 2003, and he used an oxygen tank at all times. Sandoval refused to answer any questions regarding his business and denied making a profit or working at a jewelry business.
On March 15, 2021, Sandoval signed and dated an SSA Work Activity Report form in which he stated he was not able to work and had not received any income other than his SSA Disability Insurance benefits. The CDI investigation, however, uncovered facts contrary to these statements. Records from the New Mexico Office of the Secretary of State show that Traditions Past and Present, Inc., is an active, for-profit corporation. The business was incorporated in 2016 with Sandoval as the registered agent, director, director of operations and incorporator. The official address for the business was listed as Sandoval’s current residential address. According to bank records, Sandoval’s jewelry business was also generating a profit.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence including observations of agents and videos of Sandoval at the business location where he was working and identified himself as the owner. Other evidence included reports and photographs of Sandoval working at a vendor booth for his jewelry business at a trade show in Texas. During these observations, some of which lasted approximately an hour, Sandoval did not utilize an oxygen tank and indicated he had attended multiple shows across the United States promoting his business and selling his jewelry.
The prosecution also presented bank records of Traditions Past and Present and Sandoval’s personal bank records from 2014 to 2019. Those records included several transactions from the jewelry business to Sandoval’s personal accounts, all of which were controlled by Sandoval. According to bank records, Sandoval was the only known withdrawer from the accounts.
Sandoval will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
The SSA Office of the Inspector General Albuquerque CDI Unit investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico Disability Determination Services, the New Mexico Office of Attorney General and SSA. Assistant United States Attorneys Raquel Ruiz-Velez and Kristopher N. Houghton are prosecuting the case.
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Gallup man sentenced to 25 years in prison for second degree murderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Darrell Desiderio was sentenced on Dec. 16 to 25 years in prison. Desiderio, 45, of Gallup, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on July 26, 2021, to second degree murder in Indian Country.
On June 7, 2018, Desiderio and an accomplice, conspired to kidnap a victim, identified as John Doe, and take the victim’s truck. The accomplice lured John Doe to Desiderio to assist Desiderio in acquiring a vehicle. Under the pretense that Desiderio “knew some women who would want to ‘party,’” the accomplice and John Doe picked up Desiderio and drove north of Gallup to a remote area. Desiderio ordered John Doe to pull over and pressed a knife to John Doe’s throat. During a struggle for the keys to the vehicle, Desiderio stabbed John Doe. The victim died as a result of the wounds inflicted by Desiderio. The murder occurred in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.
Upon his release from prison, Desiderio will be subject to five years of supervised release.
The Gallup resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Gallup Police Department, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office and the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.
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Jury convicts Las Cruces man on federal firearm violationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that a federal jury on Dec. 12 returned a guilty verdict on Derris Deshune Carpenter. The jury convicted Carpenter, 40, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On April 29, Carpenter was travelling on Interstate 25 north of Las Cruces when he approached a Border Patrol checkpoint. Before reaching the checkpoint, Carpenter turned around in an area that was not designated for turning, and proceeded south. U.S. Border Patrol Agents pursued Carpenter and stopped him. Inside the vehicle’s glove compartment, agents located a 9mm handgun.
At the time, Carpenter had previously been convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2011. As a previously convicted felon, Carpenter cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Carpenter will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Randy M. Castellano and Christopher McNair are prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque man charged in drug, firearms investigationRead 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 today that Gerardo Rafael Lara-Yanez was charged in federal court with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lara-Yanez, 24, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the complaint, in October the FBI Violent Gangs Task Force (VGTF) were investigating Jeffrey Alan Chavez, 35, of Albuquerque, for overseeing drug sales from at least three drug houses in southeast Albuquerque. Chavez allegedly employed Lara-Yanez to run one of the drug houses. In November, an FBI undercover employee (UCE) made contact with Lara-Yanez and Chavez, and Chavez allegedly indicated he could supply methamphetamine and fentanyl. The UCE met Lara-Yanez and Chavez at a drug house, where they allegedly provided 141.4 grams of methamphetamine and 550.1 grams of fentanyl pills in exchange for $9,250. During the transaction, Lara-Yanez allegedly handled multiple firearms, including a short-barreled shotgun and multiple pistols.
Lara-Yanez was arrested on Dec. 12. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Lara-Yanez faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in prison.
Chavez is charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Chavez will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case.
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Tohatchi man appears in court on federal assault chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Eric Chandler Watson made an initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Watson, 21, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 16.
According to the complaint, on Dec. 9, Watson allegedly was involved in argument with his grandfather at a residence in Tohatchi, on the Navajo Nation. After Watson allegedly pushed his grandfather in the chest, Watson’s uncle, identified as John Doe, attempted to intervene, and Watson and John Doe began to fight. When Watson’s grandparents attempted to break up the fight, Watson’s grandmother was knocked to the ground.
John Doe went inside the residence to get Watson’s Play Station gaming console. When Watson’s grandparents attempted to stop John Doe and take the Play Station, Watson allegedly began stabbing John Doe in the back with a pocketknife. The grandparents called the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation EMS. EMS assessed John Doe, and John Doe was transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for care. In addition to multiple stab wounds, John Doe suffered a collapsed lung as a result of the assault.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Watson faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark Probasco is prosecuting the case.
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Roswell man charged with sex trafficking of childrenRead 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 Juan Rodriguez was charged by criminal complaint with sex trafficking of children. Rodriguez, 38, of Roswell, New Mexico, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to a criminal complaint, the investigation of Rodriguez began on Nov. 18 when law enforcement officers in Chavez County, New Mexico, responded to a reported sexual assault involving a 12-year-old victim, identified as Jane Doe 1. Rodriguez allegedly had paid money to Jane Doe 1 in exchange for engaging in sexual activity on three occasions, beginning in September.
Rodriguez allegedly first contacted Jane Doe 2 via Snapchat two or three years earlier, when she was 10 or 11 years old. Rodriguez learned of Jane Doe 2’s address and parked outside her residence. Rodriguez allegedly gave $90 to Jane Doe 2 and another victim, identified as Jane Doe 3, for sexual activity.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rodriguez faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is 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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Navajo woman sentenced to five years, 10 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weaponRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Audera Lee was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison. Lee, 38, of Farmington, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2021, to assault with a dangerous weapon.
On Oct. 23, 2020, Lee was driving a vehicle on Interstate 40 while severely intoxicated. An off-duty Cibola County Sheriff’s deputy, identified in court records as John Doe, observed her erratic driving and followed her down an off-ramp. After Lee stopped, John Doe, who was in full uniform with his badge displayed, removed her from her car. While John Doe attempted to call for assistance, Lee reentered her car and began driving the wrong way onto I-40.
John Doe pursued Lee, and Lee eventually pulled over. As John Doe approached Lee’s car, Lee got out of her vehicle, retrieved a knife from her pocket, and attempted to slash John Doe. John Doe drew his firearm and told Lee to drop the knife. Instead, Lee lunged at John Doe, who fired one shot, striking Lee in the torso. John Doe and emergency medical services immediately rendered aid to Lee.
The assault occurred in Cibola County on the Laguna Pueblo.
Upon her release from prison, Lee will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.
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Alamogordo man charged with coercion, trafficking and transportation of minorsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Alfonso Salcido Herrera, Jr., made an initial appearance in federal court on Dec. 12 on a criminal charging him with coercion and enticement of minors, sex trafficking of children, and transportation of minors. Herrera, 45, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 20.
According to the complaint, beginning in 2018 and continuing into 2022, Herrera allegedly groomed and sexually abused at least four children who were between nine and 13 years old at the time of the abuse. Herrera allegedly used such “gifts” as vape pens, alcohol, sex toys and travel to coerce and entice the minor victims to engage in sexual acts with him. On various occasions, Herrera allegedly transported the victims from New Mexico into Texas and back for the purposes of engaging in sexual activities with the victims.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Herrera faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Matilda McCarthy Villalobos 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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Las Cruces man sentenced to over 26 years in prison for federal firearms, narcotics convictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Paul Michael Astorga was sentenced on Dec. 8 to 26 years and eight months in prison. A federal jury convicted Astorga, 36, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Dec. 16 on one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On Jan. 21, 2016, Astorga was sentenced three years and five months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release with special conditions. Due to several violations of the terms of Astorga’s supervised release, a Petition for Revocation of Supervised Release was filed on Oct. 27, 2020, and an arrest warrant was issued on Oct. 28, 2020. On Nov. 3, 2020, Astorga was found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and 66 fentanyl pills.
Astorga was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery, possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, trafficking by possession with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Astorga cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Astorga will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI, United States Marshals Service and Las Cruces Police Department Metro Narcotics Taskforce investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Joni Autrey Stahl prosecuted the case.
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Albuquerque trio facing drug, weapons charges after FBI bustRead 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 today that Jeffrey Alan Chavez and Estevan Antonio Ramirez appeared in federal court facing drug trafficking and firearms charges. They will remain detained pending preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for Dec. 12.
Chavez, 35, of Albuquerque, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Ramirez, 18, of Albuquerque, is charged with possession with intent to distribute alprazolam (Xanax), being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, possession of machineguns, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
A third defendant, Gerardo Rafael “Alex” Lara-Yanez, 24, of Albuquerque, is currently wanted for arrest.
According to criminal complaints filed in court, in October the FBI Violent Gangs Task Force (VGTF) were investigating Chavez for overseeing drug sales from at least three drug houses in southeast Albuquerque. Chavez allegedly employed Lara-Yanez to run one of the drug houses. In November, an FBI undercover employee (UCE) made contact with Chavez and Lara-Yanez, and Chavez allegedly indicated he could supply methamphetamine and fentanyl. The UCE met Chavez and Lara-Yanez at a drug house, where they allegedly provided 141.4 grams of methamphetamine and 550.1 grams of fentanyl pills in exchange for $9,250. During the transaction, Lara-Yanez allegedly handled multiple firearms, including a short-barreled shotgun and multiple pistols.
Later in November, the UCE communicated with Chavez to request a pound of methamphetamine. Chavez allegedly agreed to supply a pound of methamphetamine, as well as additional fentanyl pills because the earlier amount sold had been short. The UCE met Chavez at a local restaurant to complete the transaction. However, Chavez allegedly arrived with the wrong order, instead bringing eight ounces of methamphetamine and 8,000 fentanyl pills. Chavez allegedly sold the methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to the UCE for $2,690.
On Dec. 7, the FBI along with the New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police Department, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office executed seven federal search warrants. One of the premises searched was an apartment on High Street SE in Albuquerque, where agents located Ramirez in his bedroom. In the bedroom, agents found 1,312 Xanax tablets, two machineguns, 11 full-automatic selector switches, 4 full-automatic drop-in auto sear devices, several high-capacity ammunition magazines, drug packaging materials and $3,000 in U.S. currency.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case.
Wanted by the FBI: Gerardo Rafael “Alex” Lara-Yanez
Race: Hispanic
Age: 24
Height: 6'1
Weight: 150 pounds
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Tattoos on forearms
Last known address: 8100 block Kathryn Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Vehicles:
Silver 2009 Audi 4 door, NM 22T-059274
White 2003 lnfini 4 door, NM ARHR09
Caution: Should be considered armed and dangerous
Anyone with information on this suspect’s whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Gerardo Rafael “Alex” Lara-Yanez is charged in a federal criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
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Zuni man sentenced to 10 years in prison for assault and firearms offensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Martin Eriacho was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Eriacho, 52, of Zuni, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, pleaded guilty on Sept. 7 to assault with a dangerous weapon and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Just after midnight on Jan. 9, 2021, Eriacho drove to a residential area on the Zuni Reservation. From inside his car, Eriacho discharged a firearm twice, drawing attention from nearby residents. Several residents began to investigate the gunshots, including the victim, identified as John Doe. As he walked outside his residence, John Doe saw Eriacho, who he did not know, in a gray vehicle. When John Doe was about twenty feet away from Eriacho, Eriacho fired two more shots, one of which struck Doe in the arm, causing several fractures that required surgery.
Upon his release from prison, Eriacho will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Spindle and Zachary Jones prosecuted the case.
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Farmington man indicted for sexual abuse and child pornographyRead 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 Willard Haven Dedios was arraigned on Dec. 2 on a two-count indictment charging him with production of child pornography and sexual abuse of an incapacitated person. Dedios, 59, of Farmington, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, will remain in custody pending trial, which is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2023.
A federal grand jury indicted Dedios on Nov. 9. According to the indictment, on May 26, Dedios allegedly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with a minor, identified as Jane Doe, while the victim was incapacitated. Dedios also allegedly photographed the victim during the sexual abuse.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Dedios faces 15 to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography and up to life in prison for sexual abuse of an incapacitated person.
The FBI and the Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is 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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Federal jury convicts Albuquerque man of drug trafficking offensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on Rafael Columbie on Dec. 1. The jury convicted Columbie, 53, of Albuquerque, on one count each of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of heroin.
The case against Columbie was part of a long-term investigation into a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On July 18, 2018, Columbie was traveling east on Interstate 40 when a New Mexico State Police Officer stopped Columbie for speeding. During a consensual search of the vehicle, officers found over 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 200 grams of heroin in bundles within a Coca-Cola soda box behind the driver seat.
Columbie will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter J. Eicker and David B. Hirsch are prosecuting the case.
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Man charged in San Felipe shootingRead 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 Jeremiah Tenorio has been charged in connection with a shooting on the San Felipe Pueblo. Tenorio, 26, and an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, appeared in federal court on Nov. 28 for a detention hearing, facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Tenorio will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to a criminal complaint, on Nov. 2, Tenorio and others allegedly arrived at the residence of the victim, identified as John Doe, in response to an altercation earlier that day. The group allegedly mistook John Doe for one of the people involved in the altercation. Tenorio allegedly shot John Doe twice before the group fled.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Tenorio faces up to 10 years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Pfizenmayer is prosecuting the case.
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Las Cruces man charged with federal drug, firearms crimesRead 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 Djuan Anthony Aldredge was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Aldredge, 30, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, appeared in federal court on Nov. 30 for a detention hearing and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to a criminal complaint, on July 1, FBI agents and officers with the Southern New Mexico Safe Streets Gang Task Force executed a federal search warrant for Aldredge, his residence in Las Cruces and his vehicle. In Aldredge’s bedroom, investigators found 305.8 grams of methamphetamine, two pistols, a 60-round ammunition drum, multiple ammunition magazines, assorted ammunition, body armor and firearms accessories. Investigators also found another pistol in Aldredge’s vehicle, and two rifles in the closet of another bedroom in the residence.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Aldredge faces a potential mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and a minimum of five years and up to life in prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Southern New Mexico Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
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Man from Las Cruces pleads guilty to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injuryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Jesus Manuel Castaneda-Villa pleaded guilty on Nov. 29 to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury. Castaneda-Villa, 32, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Dec. 3, 2021, the victim allegedly met with Castaneda-Villa, her ex-boyfriend, in a La Quinta hotel in Las Cruces. After the two began to argue, Castaneda-Villa threw a toolbox at the victim. He demanded her car keys, threatened to put a “bullet through your head,” then pointed a firearm at her and took her purse and cell phone. As Castaneda-Villa was going through her purse, the victim jumped from an open window to escape. Castaneda-Villa then fled in the victim’s vehicle.
During her escape, the victim broke her right wrist, which caused her extreme physical pain and resulted in the protracted impairment of her ability to use her right hand.
By the terms of the plea agreement, Castaneda-Villa faces 11 years and eight months in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police and District Attorney's Office for the 3rd Judicial District of New Mexico. Assistant United States Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Matilda McCarthy Villalobos are prosecuting the case.
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Virginia man pleads guilty to defrauding the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Jerry Shrock, 47, of Meadowview, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Nov. 28 to conspiracy to defraud the United States. Shrock will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, beginning in January 2005, David Wellington, 62, of Albuquerque, and his business partner Stacy Underwood, 51, of Albuquerque, operated National Business Services, which promoted, sold and created Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) under New Mexico State Law. For many clients, National Business Services would open bank accounts under the names and IRS employer identification numbers (EINs) of the LLCs, and the clients – whose names were not associated with the bank accounts - would have access to the funds in those accounts. Clients received debit cards, online bank access information and pre-signed checks with Underwood’s signature, which clients could use to access the money despite the bank never associating the client with the account.
In his plea agreement, Shrock admitted that he contacted National Business Services in 2006 for help avoiding federal taxes by incorporating a business in New Mexico. Shrock spoke with Underwood and Wellington, and became a client of National Business Services.
Wellington and Underwood created three LLCs in New Mexico for Shrock: White Top Enterprise LLC; Poultry Enterprises LLC; and TALC Properties LLC. Shrock was not listed on the Articles of Organization. Instead, Underwood was listed as the “Organizer,” and National Business Services was the initial registered agent for each of the three LLCs.
On May 9, 2011, Underwood opened a bank account in the business name of White Top Enterprise, LLC, utilizing the company EIN. Shrock’s name was not on the signature card for the account. Underwood provided Shrock with online access to the bank account and a book of pre-signed checks with her signature. Between May 9, 2011, and June 30, 2015, Shrock caused approximately $4,875,940 to be deposited into the White Top Enterprise LLC bank account, and over the same time period, Shrock and his wife withdrew or caused the withdrawal of approximately $4,875,940. Among the withdrawals was a wire transfer of approximately $352,216 for the purchase of a home.
Prior to his indictment in this case on June 23, 2021, Shrock did not file a personal or business tax return with the IRS reporting the White Top Enterprises LLC income. At the time of the deposits and withdrawals, Shrock had a large outstanding IRS assessment for unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. Because it was not opened in his personal name, the White Top Enterprises LLC bank account enabled Shrock to generate and deposit income while evading the outstanding assessment and avoiding personal and business taxes on the income.
Wellington was arraigned on July 9, 2021, charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. Wellington remains on conditions of release pending trial, which is scheduled for June 12, 2023. If convicted, Wellington faces up to 10 years in prison.
On Oct. 23, Underwood pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. Underwood is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 30, 2023.
Underwood and Shrock face up to five years in prison.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Peña is prosecuting the case.
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Fruitland man faces federal assault chargeRead 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 Anderson Buck made an initial appearance in federal court on Nov. 25 where he was charged by criminal complaint with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Buck, 39, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 29.
According to a criminal complaint, on Nov. 17, Buck allegedly beat his girlfriend, identified in court records as Jane Doe, so badly she needed immediate medical care at San Juan Regional Medical Center. Jane Doe’s injuries included a blowout of fractured bones around her left eye, with the possibility of losing function in the eye. Jane Doe also suffered significant blunt force trauma to the face including a broken nose, brain bleeding, and blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Jane Doe was later transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.
The assault allegedly occurred in Nenahnezad, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Buck faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque defendant back in court after absconding while on pre-trial releaseRead 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 a federal court has revoked the conditions of pre-trial release for Jason Smeltzer, 40, of Albuquerque.
Smeltzer originally was arrested for and charged with five bank robberies. From Jan. 20 to Feb. 23, Smeltzer allegedly robbed four Albuquerque banks, one of which was robbed twice. On Jan. 21, the FBI received a tip through the National Threat Operation Center identifying Smeltzer as a possible suspect. Smeltzer was taken into custody on Feb. 23. A federal grand jury indicted Smeltzer on April 12.
Smeltzer was conditionally released to La Pasada Halfway House pending trial. Among the conditions of his release was his submission to location monitoring by a GPS device. However, on May 6, Smeltzer removed his GPS device and absconded from La Pasada. He was arrested on Nov. 18.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Smeltzer faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Nelson and Niki Tapia-Brito are prosecuting the case.
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Duo sentenced to 40 years in prison for carjacking resulting in deathRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Stetson Shane Barnes, 30, of Loving, New Mexico, and Donald Alfred Busch, 34, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, were each sentenced to 40 years in prison following a conviction for their parts in a carjacking resulting in death.
On Nov. 12, 2021, after a nearly two-week trial, a federal jury convicted Barnes and Busch of conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking resulting in death, and being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. Busch was also found guilty of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On the night of May 27, 2019, Barnes, Busch and Tyson Lee Terrell traveled to the victim’s home in Loving with an accomplice, Jehra Lynn Hedgecock, 33, of Carlsbad. The group had conspired to steal a motorcycle from the victim, identified in court records as J.S.
Upon the group arriving at the victim’s residence in Hedgecock’s truck, Hedgecock knocked at the front door in an attempt to lure J.S. outside. Meanwhile, Busch located the motorcycle he wanted to steal under the victim’s carport and began pushing it away. As the victim emerged from his home, Barnes, Busch and Hedgecock all pointed firearms at him. Jurors heard testimony that Busch ordered J.S. back into his home while holding him at gunpoint.
While Busch continued to push the motorcycle off the victim’s property, Hedgecock and Barnes got into Hedgecock’s truck. As they began to drive away, Barnes fired twelve shots from the truck into the residence, the last of which struck and killed J.S. The victim’s father testified that J.S. called him to ask for help, and that he was on the phone with J.S. when he heard gunshots ring out. According to courtroom testimony, J.S. was taking cover in the back room of his home when he was struck by the last bullet fired by Barnes.
After the shooting, Hedgecock stopped the truck on the side of the road where Barnes helped Busch to load the motorcycle in the back of the truck, and the conspirators fled. Hedgecock’s truck was found burning in a ravine outside Carlsbad the following day and J.S.’s motorcycle was later recovered from Barnes’ property.
Hedgecock pleaded guilty on July 22, 2021, to one count of conspiracy, one count of carjacking resulting in death and one count of using, brandishing and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of such crime. Sentencing for Hedgecock is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023.
Terrell pleaded guilty on Jan. 20 to one count of conspiracy. On July 22, Terrell was sentenced to four years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from New Mexico State Police and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting this case.
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Española man sentenced to nine years in prison for child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Christopher Baca, 35, of Española, New Mexico, was sentenced on Nov. 16 to nine years and one month in prison for possession of child pornography. Baca pleaded guilty on March 11.
In August 2020, Baca, under the username “C B” within a Kik group, shared more than a dozen videos of young children, some as young as one to three years of age, being sexually abused.
On Jan. 13, 2021, the FBI served a search warrant at Baca’s home, seizing his electronic devices. A forensic examination of four of the electronic devices, including an Asus laptop, a Patriot flash drive, a Samsung Galaxy cellphone and a Samsung hard drive, revealed a total of 730 files containing child pornography. The majority of the files were videos, many of which portrayed sexual abuse of infants, toddlers, or pre-pubescent children. In his plea, Baca admitted that he had previously shared material containing child pornography within Kik Messenger groups.
Upon his release from prison, Baca will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Baca must also pay $36,000 in restitution and $22,000 in fines.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children.
Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal prosecuted 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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Guatemalan nationals charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliensRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Andres Toj and Hugo Leonel Panjoj-Leon were arraigned in federal court on an indictment charging them with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Toj, 32, and Panjoj-Leon, 28, both citizens of Guatemala, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaints that preceded the indictment, on Aug. 19, in response to information about possible human smuggling, U.S. Border Patrol agents investigated two rooms at a Las Cruces, New Mexico, hotel. During a search of the rooms, agents located a total of nine undocumented non-citizens. Among them was Toj, who allegedly drove the others to Las Cruces and housed them at the hotel as they awaited transportation to be provided by another person.
On Sept. 7, Border Patrol agents again responded to information regarding possible human smuggling at a hotel in Las Cruces. During a search of three rooms, agents located a total of 12 undocumented non-citizens, including Panjoj-Leon. Like Toj, Panjoj-Leon allegedly transported the others to Las Cruces and housed them at the hotel as they awaited further transportation.
“Transnational criminal organizations thrive when federal law enforcement efforts are siloed and uncoordinated,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Through partnership, common vision and mutual efforts, Joint Task Force Alpha will bring the full weight of the federal government to bear on those who profit off of the desperation of migrants.”
"These events highlight our commitment to protect our community against the illicit actions of Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said El Paso Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez. “We could not be as effective as we have been at targeting these individuals without the cooperation of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, who have assisted us in bringing these ruthless smugglers to justice.”
“Human smugglers conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws for their own profit with complete disregard for human life as they treat people like commodities,” said Frank Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “Thanks to the outstanding teamwork between HSI and BP, along with the U.S. Attorney’s office, smugglers will be held accountable for their actions as we work to dismantle the transnational criminal originations that are involved.”
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Toj and Panjoj-Leon face up to 10 years in prison.
These charges resulted from the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, District of New Mexico, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the Task Force.
U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kristopher D. Jarvis and Matt Ramirez are prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque man sentenced to prison for child pornography, false claims act violationsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Bobby Peña was sentenced on Nov. 14 to three years and seven months in prison. Peña, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on Feb. 10 to possession of child pornography and false claims against the government.
Peña was the owner and sole operator of De La Peña LLC. From May 2008 to June 2017, Peña worked as a subcontractor to Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, and entered into a contract with SNL and the United States Department of Energy to provide specialized cleaning services, including air particle count monitoring and cleanroom cleaning services, for three buildings at SNL.
Between July 1, 2015, and Feb. 28, 2017, Peña fraudulently submitted invoices totaling $47,025 for air particle count monitoring and $6,000 for cleanroom cleaning services that had not been performed. In the plea agreement, Peña admitted to fraudulently submitting invoices for an additional $14,850 for air particle count monitoring and $2,250 for cleanroom cleaning services. Peña received a total of $70,125 from the Department of Energy for services for which he had fraudulently invoiced SNL but had not performed.
In connection with the investigation into Peña’s illegal activities, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the De La Peña business address on Dec. 13, 2017. During the search, investigators seized several electronic devices, including three external hard drives. Forensic analysis of the devices revealed approximately 3,972 images and 58 videos of child pornography, material that included depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Upon his release from prison, Peña will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The Department of Energy Office of the Inspector General investigated this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted 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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Tse Bonito man indicted for sexual abuseRead 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 Tom Tso was arraigned on Nov. 15 on an indictment charging him with sexual abuse. Tso, 84, of Tse Bonito, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain at a halfway house on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Tso on Nov. 9. According to the indictment, between Aug. 4, 1998, and Oct. 11, 2000, Tso allegedly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with a victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was physically incapable of declining to participate in, and communicating unwillingness to engage in, that sexual act. Jane Doe is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and the alleged assault occurred on the Navajo Nation.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Tso faces up to 20 years in prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is 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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San Felipe man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a minorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Kyle Aguilar pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country. Aguilar, 40, of San Felipe, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, between Oct. 2, 2016, and Feb. 13, 2017, Aguilar engaged in abusive sexual contact with a victim who was between 12 and 16 years old. The abuse occurred on the San Felipe Pueblo.
By the terms of the plea agreement, Aguilar faces up to four years in prison, and he must register as a sex offender.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Marshall and Brittany DuChaussee 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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Previously convicted man from Shiprock sentenced to eight months for escaping custodyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Thomas Navaho, 29, of Shiprock New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced to eight months in prison. Navaho pleaded guilty on June 13 to escape from custody.
On March 28, 2019, Navaho was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a man on the Navajo Nation. On Oct. 20, 2021, Navaho was placed at the Dismas Charities Diersen Residential Reentry Center (Diersen RRC) in Albuquerque to serve the last six months of his custodial sentence.
In his plea agreement, Navaho admitted that on March 15, he packed his belongings and left Diersen RRC without permission. U.S. Marshals arrested Navaho on April 1.
The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall prosecuted the case.
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Previously convicted felon pleads guilty to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Lionel Vallo, 39, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on Nov. 14 to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and failure to update his sex offender registration. Vallo will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, Vallo, who previously was convicted of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country in 2003, failed to update his sex offender registration after moving to a new address in Albuquerque. Vallo also failed to update his quarterly registration on July 1, 2020.
On July 26 in Albuquerque, members of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) Task Force initiated a traffic stop on Vallo, who was subject to an arrest warrant for absconding from supervised release. Vallo did not stop immediately, and once stopped, initially was non-compliant with commands to exit the vehicle. After Vallo eventually exited the vehicle and was taken into custody, SWIFT members located loaded firearms in the vehicle.
On August 1, 2020, Vallo was arrested for and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, for which he was on pretrial conditions of release at the time of the July 26 arrest. As a previously convicted felon, Vallo cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Vallo faces up to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and 10 years for failing to update his sex offender registration.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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Man from Pueblo of Jemez sentenced to three years in prison for sexual abuse of a minorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Edward Ray Loretto was sentenced on Nov. 14 to three years and one month in prison for sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country. Loretto, 41, of Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Jemez, pleaded guilty on Aug. 12.
On July 27, 2020, at his girlfriend’s house on the Pueblo of Jemez, Loretto, engaged in sexual intercourse with his girlfriend’s younger sister, who was 15 years old. According to a criminal complaint, Loretto and another individual provided alcohol to the victim prior to the sexual assault.
Upon his release from prison, Loretto will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Pueblo of Jemez Police Department investigated this case. The United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
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Shiprock man charged with assault with a dangerous weaponRead 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 Deon Joe Bidtah was arraigned on Nov. 10 on a three-count 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, 23, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Bidtah on Nov. 9. According to the indictment and other court records, on Oct. 11, Bidtah approached a vehicle near his residence and fired two rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the vehicle. A victim, identified as Jane Doe, was struck and injured by the gunfire. Three of Jane Doe’s family members were in the vehicle at the time. All four occupants of the vehicle are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Jane Doe was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Navajo Police 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. Bidtah ignored the commands, and officers fired two rounds at Bidtah. Bidtah was struck, and was later transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.
Both incidents occurred on the Navajo Nation.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Bidtah faces up to 10 years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon, up to 20 years in prison for assault on a federal officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon, and a consecutive mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Novaline Wilson is prosecuting the case.
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Española man sentenced to two years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Douglas Smith, 71, of Española, New Mexico, was sentenced on Nov. 10 to two years and three months in prison. On June 18, 2021, a federal jury convicted Smith of involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country.
In the early morning hours of May 5, 2018, Smith shot a woman he believed was trying to break into his mother’s camper trailer. Smith walked outside his residence to investigate a motion sensor alarm, armed with a .22 caliber handgun. When he saw someone at the door of the camper trailer, he fired multiple rounds, one of which struck the victim in the upper left temple, killing her. No weapons or burglary tools were located near the victim.
The incident occurred on the Pueblo of Santa Clara and the victim was an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo. Smith is non-Indian.
Upon his release from prison, Smith will be subject to two years of supervised release.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Española Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Novaline Wilson and Kyle Nayback prosecuted the case.
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Anthony man indicted for kidnappingRead 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 today that a federal grand jury indicted Jeffrey Steven Clay on one count each of kidnapping and transportation for illegal sexual activity. Clay, 50, of Anthony, New Mexico, was arrested today and will remain in custody pending his initial appearance and detention hearing.
Clay is employed as the Executive Director of Analytics, Strategy, and Assessment and Public Education Information Management Systems for the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). Clay previously worked for EPISD in various roles including as a school principal.
According to the indictment and other court records, on Aug. 4, 2021, Clay allegedly offered a ride to Jane Doe near Yandell Drive in El Paso, Texas. Jane Doe asked Clay to take her to a friend’s residence at a specific address in El Paso. Clay agreed to take Jane Doe to her friend’s residence, but rather than driving Jane Doe to the friend’s house, Clay allegedly drove Jane Doe out of El Paso and to his residence in Anthony, New Mexico. Clay never asked Jane Doe if she wanted to go to his residence, and Jane Doe never agreed to go anywhere with Clay besides her friend’s house in El Paso.
After arriving at his home, Clay allegedly attempted to kiss Jane Doe. When she rebuffed him, Clay allegedly struck Jane Doe in the face and handcuffed her as Jane Doe attempted to resist. Clay then allegedly took Jane Doe to a bedroom in the house where he punched her in the face multiple times and sexually assaulted Jane Doe while she remained handcuffed, crying, and repeatedly pleading with Clay to stop.
Afterward, Clay allegedly drove Jane Doe away from his residence toward El Paso. While the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, Jane Doe escaped from the vehicle. She ran to a nearby convenience store where she asked for help. A store clerk assisted her in calling 911.
In addition to the charges in the indictment, according to court records, Clay is alleged to have previously sexually abused a minor to whom he had close access from about 2012-2014.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Clay faces up to life in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso Police Department, and the Third Judicial District of New Mexico District Attorney's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
The FBI is seeking other potential victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or go online to tips.fbi.gov.
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Previously convicted felon sentenced to 15 years in prison for federal drug trafficking, firearms offensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Gabriel “Karma” Blea was sentenced on Nov. 8 to a term of 15 years in prison. Blea, 25, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on July 13 to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
In May of 2021, Blea set up a deal to trade approximately half a pound of methamphetamine for five firearms. Unbeknownst to Blea at the time, the other parties in the transaction were undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On May 5, 2021, in Albuquerque, Blea, driven by his co-defendant, Gabriel Villasenor, arrived at the arranged meeting location with the methamphetamine in a backpack and a loaded .45 caliber pistol in his waistband. Agents took Blea into custody, and apprehended Villasenor after a brief chase.
In his plea agreement, Blea admitted that on June 4, 2021, he fled from federal custody in an effort to avoid prosecution and sentencing in this case.
On Sept. 2, Villasenor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Villasenor cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. By the terms of his plea agreement, Villasenor faces 92 to 115 months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2023.
Upon his release from prison, Blea will be subject to five years of supervised release.
ATF and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal prosecuted the case.
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Naschitti man charged with involuntary manslaughter in Indian CountryRead 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 today that Donavan Henry made an initial appearance in federal court on Nov. 8 facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country. Henry, 39, of Naschitti, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 14.
According to a criminal complaint, on Nov. 2, Henry allegedly was driving east on Route 134 in Sheep Springs, New Mexico, with two passengers when he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle went off the road into shrubs, rocks and boulders. The vehicle flipped when it hit a boulder, and all three passengers were ejected from the vehicle. A Navajo Police officer arrived to find Henry underneath the vehicle and his passengers lying on the ground near the vehicle.
Henry was airlifted to San Juna Regional Medical Center. The passenger from the front seat, John Doe 1, who is also a member of the Navajo Nation, was placed in an ambulance bound for Northern Navajo Medical Center. The passenger from the back seat, John Doe 2, was placed in an ambulance going to Gallup Indian Medical Center. John Doe 1 died of his injuries while in the back of the ambulance before it left the scene.
Henry’s blood alcohol content allegedly was .16.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Henry faces up to eight years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.
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Mexican Springs man sentenced to six and a half years in prison for manslaughterRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Quinten Smith, 22, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on Nov. 7 to six years and six months in prison for manslaughter in Indian Country. Smith pleaded guilty on May 16.
On Sept. 24, 2021, Smith and other family members went to the home of the victim, identified as John Doe, to confront him for allegedly assaulting Smith’s mother. When they arrived at the home, a physical altercation ensued. During the fight, Smith stabbed the victim multiple times in the back with a pocketknife. Smith and the others fled the home immediately.
John Doe, who was also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was found deceased in his home later that day. The killing occurred on the Navajo Nation.
Upon his release from prison, Smith will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall prosecuted the case.
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Convicted felon sentenced to three and a half years in prison for escapeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Paul Lujan was sentenced on Nov. 2 to three years and six months in prison for escape. Lujan, 27, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on June 22.
On April 11, 2018, Lujan was convicted of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and was sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On June 29, 2020, the Bureau of Prison placed Lujan at the Diersen Charities, Diersen Residential Reentry Center in Albuquerque. Less than a month later on July 24, 2020, resident monitors discovered that Lujan was not in his assigned dorm, and securities videos showed Lujan leaving the facility without permission on July 23, 2020. Lujan did not return to the facility.
Upon completion of his prison term, Lujan will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Prisons. The Albuquerque Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
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Mexican national sentenced to four years, nine months in prison for carjackingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Gael Rodriguez was sentenced on Nov. 1 to four years and nine months in prison for carjacking. Rodriguez, 20, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty on March 23.
On Jan. 16, Rodriguez approached an elderly victim in northwest Albuquerque outside her apartment complex and asked her for a cigarette. The victim responded that she had no cigarettes and Rodriguez then demanded her purse and the keys for her vehicle. When the victim resisted, Rodriguez stabbed her hand with a knife, causing her to drop the keys. Rodriguez grabbed the keys and fled in the victim’s vehicle.
An Albuquerque Police Officer was dispatched to the scene and relayed a description of the vehicle and Rodriguez to the Rio Rancho and Corrales police departments. Police were able to locate the vehicle in Corrales. After a pursuit on foot, police subdued and arrested Rodriguez.
Upon his release from prison, Rodriguez will be subject to three years of supervised release and will be subject to deportation.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Corrales Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal prosecuted the case.
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Juárez Cartel leader sentenced to prison for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Luis Carlos Vásquez-Barragán, 51, of Nicolás Bravo, Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to prison for possession with intent to distribute at least 50 kilograms but less than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Vásquez-Barragán was arrested in Mexico in 2010 and extradited to the United States in 2020. He pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022. In his plea agreement, Vásquez-Barragán admitted that between March 2005 and September 2008 he imported at least 50 kilograms of marijuana into the United States on several occasions, totaling over 1,000 kilograms. Six of those shipments were seized by law enforcement in the District of New Mexico, totaling over 965 kilograms, as well as $302,507 in U.S. currency.
On Oct. 17, the court sentenced Vásquez-Barragán to 17 years and one month in prison. On Oct. 27, an addendum to the plea agreement was filed acknowledging that Vásquez-Barragán already had served nine years, five months and seven days of incarceration in Mexico on a related case while awaiting extradition to the United States. Pursuant to the addendum to the plea agreement, the Court imposed a sentence of seven years and seven months in prison, beginning from the date of his extradition to the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Green Reaper investigation with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Mexican Federal Police. 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.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with USMS and law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Vásquez-Barragán to the United States. Assistant United States Attorneys Elaine Ramirez, Steve Kotz and Sean Sullivan and U.S. Attorney Uballez prosecuted the case.
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Albuquerque man charged with federal firearms violationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Maurice Lacey made an initial appearance on Oct. 31 in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Lacey, 64, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 2.
As alleged in the complaint, on Oct. 21, Lacey shot a family member at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Cutler Avenue NE in Albuquerque. Lacey allegedly walked into the breakroom, pulled a 9mm pistol from his waistband and shot the victim in the back of the head. Lacey then allegedly walked to the customer service area and placed the firearm on the counter.
Albuquerque Police officers responding to the scene took Lacey into custody without further incident. The victim was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
On Oct. 17, the victim had been granted a temporary restraining order against Lacey, who was served with a copy of the order on Oct. 18.
Previously, Lacey had been convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and was twice convicted of trafficking controlled substances with intent to distribute. As a previously convicted felon, Lacey cannot possess a firearm or ammunition.
“Gun violence will not be tolerated in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Federal agents and prosecutors are working hand-in-hand and case-by-case with state prosecutors and local law enforcement to bring justice to those who resort to violence. Together, we will hold shooters and murderers responsible and restore safety to our streets.”
“ATF is committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to remove violent criminals from the general public and help make our communities a safer place to live and work,” said Brenden Iber, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of this charge, Lacey faces up to 15 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Trembley is prosecuting the case.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who knows someone experiencing domestic violence can reach an advocate at the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). In New Mexico, the Domestic Violence Resource Center is available by telephone at (505) 843-9123 or online at https://dvrcnm.org/.
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Man charged with assault for Sundance stabbingRead 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 Larry Gene Charley made an initial appearance on Oct. 28 in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Charley, 60, of Sundance, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for November 1, 2022.
According to the complaint, Charley allegedly arrived at the victim’s home on Roadrunner Road in Sundance early on Oct. 21. Charley allegedly knocked at the door and entered, then walked to a bedroom where he found the victim lying in bed. Charley allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest before two other residents in the home heard the scuffle and forced Charley from the house.
During the struggle, the victim grabbed the knife, which caused cuts to his hands. The victim also suffered a collapsed lung as a result of the stabbing. The victim was transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for care.
The incident occurred on the Navajo Nation, and the victim is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Charley faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation and the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case.
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Fruitland resident sentenced to two years, three months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Perfinna King was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. King, 43, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on May 25 to assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.
On Nov. 2, 2020, King swerved into the lane of another vehicle. The other driver pulled over, believing it was a relative playing a joke on him. Instead, it was King, who began cursing and threatening him. When the other driver took a photo of King’s license plate, King attempted to hit the driver with his vehicle. King then shot out the rear driver side window and the rear window with an air pistol.
The incident occurred in San Juan County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.
Upon release from prison, King 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. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall prosecuted the case.
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New Laguna woman arraigned for assault on a federal officerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Lynnette Chavez was arraigned on Oct. 25 on an indictment charging her with assault on a federal officer. Chavez, 26, of New Laguna, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A federal grand jury indicted Chavez on April 22, 2021. According to the indictment, on Dec. 18, 2018, Chavez allegedly assaulted a Laguna Police officer, who is a federal officer by virtue of his Special Law Enforcement Commission from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The alleged assault occurred on the Pueblo of Laguna.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chavez faces up to eight years in prison.
The BIA investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.
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Isleta man sentenced to two years in prison for domestic violenceRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Jonathan Jojola was sentenced on Oct. 26 to two years in prison. Jojola, 34, of Isleta, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Isleta Pueblo, pleaded guilty on May 6 to assault of an intimate partner by strangling.
On March 19, 2021, Jojola assaulted his intimate partner, identified as Jane Doe, at his home on the Isleta Pueblo. In his plea agreement, Jojola admitted that he strangled Jane Doe during the assault.
Upon his release from prison, Jojola will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Van Deventer prosecuted the case.
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Shiprock woman charged with murder in Indian CountryRead 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 today that Maylene John made an initial appearance in federal court on a criminal complaint charging her with murder in Indian Country. John, 32, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for October 31.
As alleged in the complaint, in the early morning hours of Oct. 24, John stabbed her child in the chest. Another family member heard the child scream for help and rushed to John’s bedroom. The door was locked, so the family member kicked it open. They found the child, identified as Jane Doe, lying on the floor with a stab wound to the torso, and saw John allegedly sitting at the foot of her bed holding a knife. As the family member provided a blanket to Jane Doe to apply pressure to the wound, John allegedly put the knife to her neck, at which point the family member forced her to drop it, and the family member threw the knife out of the room.
The family member went to a neighbor’s house for help. The neighbor called for assistance while the family member returned to John’s house. John was in the bedroom with Jane Doe and would not allow the family member to enter.
When Navajo Police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived, John was taken into custody while EMS attempted to revive Jane Doe. At 3:42am, Jane Doe was declared dead.
The alleged murder was committed on the Navajo Nation and Jane Doe was an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, John faces up to life in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
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La Mesa man charged for threatening to burn public water utility buildingRead 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 Shane Watkins was charged by criminal complaint with making interstate threats. Watkins, 36, of La Mesa, New Mexico, made an initial appearance in court on Oct. 26 and will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for Oct. 31.
According to the complaint, Watkins allegedly made telephone calls on Sept. 16, 2021, and June 29, 2022, to the Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority (LRGPWWA) threatening to burn the LRGPWWA. On Sept. 17, 2021, LRGPWWA received a message from an email account associated with Watkins. The email message contained threats similar to those Watkins allegedly made by telephone.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Watkins faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Standridge is prosecuting the case.
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