District of New Mexico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bernalillo man faces robbery chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kellam Nichols, 36, of Bernalillo, New Mexico, was charged in federal court on Dec. 10 with Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery. Nichols will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 5, 2017, Nichols allegedly entered a KFC restaurant, demanded money and threatened an employee. Nichols allegedly took money from the register and fled in a blue, two-door car.
Three days later, Nichols allegedly entered a Starbucks, walked behind the counter and grabbed an employee from behind. The startled employee screamed, attracting the attention of another employee, and Nichols allegedly fled the store in a blue, two-door car. Nichols then allegedly proceeded to and entered a Walgreens Pharmacy in the same shopping center. Nichols reportedly jumped the counter and demanded money. Nichols then allegedly left the store with money from the register.
An officer located Nichols’ vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Nichols allegedly fled at a high rate of speed before crashing into a vehicle stopped at an intersection.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Nichols faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case in conjunction with the Bernalillo Police Department and the Santa Ana Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man charged with methamphetamine possessionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Michael Anthony Hernandez, 44, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court for a detention hearing on Dec. 16 on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Hernandez will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 1, agents executed search warrants on two residences occupied by Hernandez. As agents approached Hernandez at one of the residences, Hernandez allegedly retreated inside the house before fleeing through the back door with a duffle bag containing approximately 27 pounds of methamphetamine. In the two residences, agents recovered additional drugs and other items consistent with drug trafficking.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Hernandez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Community Action Team investigated this case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) program’s Operation Atonement. OCDETF is a nationwide Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo, Randy M. Castellano and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man charged with five counts of armed robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Estevan Hernandez, 20, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court on Dec. 9 on five counts of armed robbery.
According to a criminal complaint, Hernandez allegedly robbed five Albuquerque restaurants from Aug. 6 through Nov. 4. During the final robbery, Hernandez allegedly entered a McDonald’s and approached a cash register. Hernandez allegedly pulled a handgun, pointed it at an employee and demanded that the employee get the manager, which she did. Hernandez then allegedly demanded that the manager open the register, and Hernandez took the entire till.
As responding officers converged on the restaurant, an officer spotted Hernandez as he got into a black sedan and fled. An Albuquerque Police air unit tracked the vehicle as a pursuit ensued, and Hernandez was ultimately taken into custody.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Hernandez faces 20 years in prison.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah J. Mease is prosecuting the case.
Ramah Navajo man charged for assault in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ricky Coho, 49, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court today on a charge of assault in Indian Country. Coho remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 18.
According to a criminal complaint, on April 8 on the Navajo Nation, Coho allegedly shook, lifted and dropped the victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, before dragging her into his house and assaulting her with a metal rod. Jane Doe was transported to the Zuni Hospital and then flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital for brain surgery.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Coho faces up to 10 years in prison.
The FBI investigated this case in conjunction with the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.
Man from Albuquerque pleads guilty to federal drug smuggling chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Arturo Gilberto Estrada, 22, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty in federal court on Dec. 7 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
According to his plea agreement, Estrada admitted that he tried to enter the United States at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in Don͂a Ana County, New Mexico, on July 31 with four wrapped bundles of 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl and 1.2 kilograms of heroin hidden in the rear passenger side panel of the vehicle. Estrada intended to distribute the drugs, which he was smuggling into the United States in exchange for $10,000. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspected the vehicle and located the hidden contraband.
Estrada is currently in custody awaiting sentencing. He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
Arizona man sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Maroquez Clah, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Red Valley, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court on Dec. 15 to 37 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Clah was also ordered to pay restitution of $4,500.
Clah previously pleaded guilty to this offense on Sept. 21. In his plea agreement, Clah admitted that on Aug. 30, 2019, he was driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol, which resulted in the death of the passenger in his vehicle. The single-car incident occurred on Navajo Route 13 in Red Valley.
The FBI and the Navajo Division of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson prosecuted the case.
Man from Pojoaque, New Mexico, sentenced for domestic abuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jake Martin Roybal, 43, of Pojoaque, New Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court on a federal domestic violence charge for assaulting his wife.
Roybal pleaded guilty on Sept. 10. In the plea agreement, Roybal admitted to knowingly and recklessly assaulting the victim on the Pueblo of Pojoaque in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, on Oct. 22, 2019. As a result of this conviction, Roybal will be placed on two years of supervised probation, prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol and ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and attend counseling for domestic violence. Roybal will also be prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition and explosives.
The case was originally charged as a citation through the Central Violation Bureau, which processes citations written by federal officers for petty misdemeanor offenses. In certain circumstances, a citation can result in formal criminal charges.
In April of 2019, John C. Anderson, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, implemented a misdemeanor docket through the Central Violations Bureau with the approval of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. The program allows tribal officers to issue federal citations for forty-six misdemeanor offenses occurring on tribal lands, including criminal trespass, simple possession of narcotics, deprivation of property of a household member, criminal damage to property, and certain traffic offenses. Citations also may be issued to non-natives on or passing through tribal lands where the crime directly affects tribal members or tribal interests. These citations include misdemeanor violations of non-native versus native domestic violence.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has been working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services and with local tribal police departments including the Pueblo of Isleta and the Pueblo of Pojoaque to train officers in the process of issuing these citations.
“The goal of this additional CVB docket is to close jurisdictional gaps and thereby improve public safety within Indian Country. In this case, the CVB docket has allowed us to hold a domestic violence offender, accountable in federal court. within Indian Country,” said Anderson.
The Pojoaque Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Indian Affairs Northern Pueblos Agency investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti prosecuted the case.
Man from Albuquerque sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for armed robberiesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jared Barnhill, 29, of Albuquerque, New Mexico was sentenced in federal court on Dec. 1 to 18 years in prison on three counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence and two counts of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
In Barnhill’s plea agreement, he admitted to committing three armed robberies of businesses in Albuquerque. On June 28, 2018, Barnhill robbed a gas station convenience store. He entered the store, brandished a gun, and demanded money and merchandise from an employee. Barnhill robbed another business on July 3, 2018, and a third business on July 5, 2018.
A co-defendant in the case, Jeyden Barnhill, pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2019, to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence. Barnhill was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Another co-defendant, Samuel Perez, was indicted on Apr. 24, 2019 and is still awaiting trial. Charges in an indictment are only accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The FBI investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Outler prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
Espan͂ola man pleads guilty to embezzlement and theft from the Pueblo of San IldefonsoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Thomas McIntosh, 33, of Española, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Dec. 10 to embezzlement and theft from Indian tribal organization.
According to his plea agreement, McIntosh admitted he worked at the Totavi Station on the San Ildefonso Pueblo San Ildefonso Pueblo where his responsibilities included administration of New Mexico State Lottery sales. Between Mar. 19 and April 4, McIntosh intentionally and unlawfully accessed lottery tickets in order to determine the winning tickets, purchased them, and attempted to claim the winnings for himself. McIntosh also admitted he intentionally altered business records and continued to embezzle winnings from cash registers and the New Mexico State Lottery.
McIntosh faces up to one year in prison. His plea agreement calls for restitution, a mandatory fine, and probation.
The Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for armed robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jacob Merkel, 22, of Albuquerque was sentenced in federal court to 13 years in prison for one count of interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence and one count of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to crime of violence, and possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of such crime.
Merkel previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 24. According to his plea agreement, Merkel admitted to traveling to Tobacco Town in Albuquerque with the intention of robbing it on Nov. 29, 2019. Merkel also admitted to wearing a black mask and a black hat and robbing the store at gunpoint. He fired a shot at the clerk while fleeing the building. Merkel and co-defendant, Vicente Perez fled, but were identified and followed by Albuquerque Police. While Perez attempted to evade the police, a tire on his car blew out, disabling it, and Perez and Merkel fled on foot. Perez surrendered after a brief pursuit; Merkel was arrested shortly afterward.
Co-defendant, Vicente Perez was sentenced on Oct. 29 to six years in federal prison for his part in the crime.
In addition to his prison sentence, Merkel will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque man charged for assault on a federal officerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derick Martin Garcia Pacheco, 32, of Albuquerque, has been charged in a criminal complaint with assault on a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Garcia is scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court on Dec. 15 at 9:28 a.m.
According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 11 at 7:20 a.m., Garcia allegedly shot a special agent of the FBI as the agent was in the process of executing a search warrant on the premises. The agent was wearing a marked vest identifying him as an FBI agent, and agents had knocked, identified themselves as FBI, and announced that they had a warrant. The injured agent was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for care.
“On behalf of the Department of Justice, I want to extend to the injured federal agent our best wishes for a speedy and full recovery," said John Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our federal, state and local law enforcement officers face on a daily basis in Albuquerque, and of the pressing need to confront the subculture of violence that is taking root in our city. Officers should be able to perform their duties without fear of becoming victims of potentially deadly gun violence in Albuquerque. We remain committed to prosecuting dangerous crime whenever and wherever it presents itself to make clear that such actions are not acceptable in Albuquerque and the District of New Mexico.”
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said James C. Langenberg, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. “FBI special agents courageously accept the danger as part of their job. Fortunately, our agent who was shot on Friday while performing his duty is out of the hospital and recovering. His bravery is an inspiration to all of us at the FBI who have sworn an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and defend the American people, regardless of the sacrifices that may be asked of us.”
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Garcia faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Holland S. Kastrin and Sarah J. Mease are prosecuting the case.
Mescalero Apache man sentenced to federal prison for chainsaw attackRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Josea Michael Kazhe, 20, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was sentenced on Dec. 8 to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
In his plea agreement, Kazhe admitted to assaulting another man with a chainsaw on the Mescalero Apache Reservation on Dec. 24, 2019. The victim’s injury was so serious he required emergency transportation to University Medical Center in El Paso.
Following his prison term, Kazhe will serve two years of supervised release.
The FBI investigated this case with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan prosecuted the case.
Arizona man sentenced to one year in prison for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Carlton Craig Sandoval, 39, of Window Rock, Arizona, and a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison on Dec. 2 after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Indian Country.
On Jan. 1, police encountered Sandoval after responding to a 911 call from Navajo, New Mexico, reporting a fight outside a group of homes. Officers found Sandoval at the scene sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, where he refused to comply with officers’ inquiries and requests. An officer observed an open beer can and a rifle on the front passenger seat. The officers arrested Sandoval, who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on previous felony convictions.
Sandoval pleaded guilty on June 3. Upon his release from prison, Sandoval will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Window Rock Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores prosecuted the case.
Navajo man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Copey Ferlin Henderson, 27, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque today to sexually abusing a child in Indian Country.
According to the plea agreement, Henderson admitted that on May 16, 2019, he engaged in sexual activity with a child, who at the time of the offense was older than 12 but younger than 16. Henderson, who was 25 at the time, committed the offense in Cibola County on the Navajo Nation.
Henderson is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
The Ramah Navajo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man charged with being a felon in possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jay Bickford, 48, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court for a detention hearing on November 24, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bickford will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 21, Bickford allegedly was driving a motorcycle with no plate or temporary tag, resulting in a traffic stop by law enforcement. A query through the National Crime Information Center revealed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen, leading to a search of Bickford’s backpack in which the investigating officer allegedly found a loaded handgun.
As a previously convicted felon, Bickford cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Bickford faces up to 10 years in prison.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Tierney is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man arraigned on drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Martin Duran, 49, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court on Nov. 25 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Duran will remain in custody pending trail.
According to a criminal complaint, a search of Duran’s home on Oct. 28 revealed individually packaged methamphetamine and heroin, as well as pistol and shotgun ammunition. As a convicted felon, Duran cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Duran faces up to 30 years in prison.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford is prosecuting the case.
Tohajiilee man pleads guilty to murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –Tristian Cadman, of Tohajilee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder and using a firearm in a crime of violence.
A grand jury indicted Cadman on Sept. 11, 2019. In his plea agreement, Cadman admitted that early in the morning of Aug. 21, 2019, he and an associate armed themselves and attempted to rob the victim and the victim’s companion. Following a scuffle, Cadman shot and killed the victim. The murder took place on the Navajo Nation. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Cadman faces 10 years to life in prison.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.
Shiprock man pleads guilty to murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –Tavor Tom, a resident of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court today to the second-degree murder of a tribal member.
In the plea agreement, Tom admitted to committing this offense on July 1, 2019, in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation. Tom repeatedly stabbed the victim in her home. After the murder, Tom stole the victim’s car and fled the scene, eventually crashing into a fence on the side of a highway. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Tom faces up to life in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.
San Felipe man charged with assault with a dangerous weaponRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Emery Garcia, 36, of San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of San Felipe, appeared in federal court on Nov. 9 on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. On Nov. 12 Garcia was ordered detained pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Oct. 8, Garcia allegedly attempted to enter a home through a window and attacked one of the residents, a child, with a board when the resident tried to stop him. Garcia then allegedly struck a second resident who attempted to intervene. The alleged incident occurred on San Felipe Pueblo.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Garcia faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and up to life in prison.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.
Member of Navajo Nation sentenced to two years in federal prison for burglary in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kari Johnson, 33, of Gallup, New Mexico was sentenced on Nov. 2 in federal court in Albuquerque to two years and three months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for residential burglary.
Johnson pleaded guilty to this offense on Sept. 11, 2019. According to court documents, on Feb. 19, 2016, Johnson and her co-defendant, Eric Martinez, forcibly broke into the home of the victims, who are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, and stole an array of their personal items worth more than $60,000 dollars. The crime occurred on the Navajo Nation and Johnson and Martinez are both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
Martinez, 33, of Mentmore, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to an indictment on Nov. 13, 2019, and was sentenced on Aug. 27 to two years and 3 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release.
The Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations services investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Cowen prosecuted the case.
Las Cruces man sentenced to seven years in federal prison for methamphetamine possessionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ramon Gomez, 41, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was sentenced on Nov. 4 in federal court to seven years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Gomez pleaded guilty on Jan. 30. In his plea agreement, Gomez admitted to possessing 111.836 grams of methamphetamine on April 17, 2019, that he intended to sell to other individuals. The methamphetamine was found in Gomez’s residence during execution of a search warrant.
Upon release from prison, Gomez will serve five years of supervised release.
The FBI and Las Cruces/Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics agents investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley H. Bartlett prosecuted the case.
Interagency operation nets indictments in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson today announced the federal indictments of 18 individuals in the Roswell, New Mexico, area on charges ranging from distribution of methamphetamine to money laundering. The charges are contained three separate indictments totaling 66 counts.
According to the indictments and other court records, the defendants allegedly conspired to traffic large amounts of methamphetamine in and around Roswell. The investigation began in 2019 when the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force began an investigation of a Roswell resident who was selling significant quantities of methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine is a persistent scourge on our state, and southeastern New Mexico has been substantially impacted by methamphetamine trafficking and use,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “This investigation prevented over 100 pounds of methamphetamine from reaching our streets and stopped that methamphetamine from further damaging our communities. This operation is yet another example of our federal agencies working collaboratively with state and local law enforcement partners to reduce dangerous crime in this district. My office is prosecuting 18 individuals on a variety of drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges, and putting others on notice that if you traffic methamphetamine in New Mexico, you will be found and prosecuted.”
Investigators executed four search warrants at locations in Roswell and Dexter, New Mexico. As of today, 17 defendants have been arrested, while one defendant is not yet in custody.
The investigation included agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force.
“A year ago, we established a Post of Duty in Roswell to quickly and efficiently respond to requests for DEA assistance from local law enforcement, and to further investigative efforts throughout the southeastern region of the state of New Mexico,” said Kyle W. Williamson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “This is one of the successful operations as a result of this post of duty. DEA will continue to work with other federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to leverage and strengthen our respective resources to pursue those who would threaten our communities.”
“This joint effort is a direct reflection of the incredible cooperation between our law enforcement partners and will provide these communities with peace of mind and a stronger sense of community security,” said Sonya K. Chavez, United States Marshal for the District of New Mexico.
“HSI remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking in Southeast New Mexico,” said Erik P. Breitzke, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI El Paso. “I commend the hard work of all involved to successfully plan and execute an operation of this magnitude, especially during an unprecedented pandemic, to ensure that dangerous drugs are kept off our streets.”
“It takes a significant amount of coordination, cooperation, and hard work from numerous agencies to investigate a case of this scale,” stated Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez, Jr., of the Phoenix Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI is fully committed to investigating money laundering by transnational drug trafficking organizations.”
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Roswell Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the Chaves County Sherriff’s Office. The HIDTA Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department. Both are part of the New Mexico HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
The Las Cruces branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting this case.
Albuquerque man sentenced to 10 years in prison for downloading child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A federal judge on Nov. 16 sentenced Alexander Balding, 25, of Albuquerque, to 10 years in prison for accessing and downloading child pornography. In addition to his prison sentence, Balding also will be subject to 20 years of supervised release.
Balding pleaded guilty on Aug. 5. In his plea agreement, Balding admitted to using uTorrent computer software to download more than 300 images of child pornography in March and April of 2019.
The FBI and the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque man charged with aggravated sexual abuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Thomas Wabnum, 70, of Albuquerque, and a member of the Potawatomi Tribe (Kansas), made his initial appearance today in federal court on an indictment of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country.
According to the indictment, on July 6, 2019, Wabnum allegedly engaged in a sexual act with the victim, who was incapacitated at the time, by using force. The alleged incident occurred on the Jicarilla Apache Nation.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Wabnum faces up to life in prison.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.
Joint law enforcement operation results in major eradication in northwest New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies last week teamed together in the Shiprock, New Mexico, area to conduct a marijuana eradication operation that yielded tremendous results.
From Nov. 9 to Nov. 11, the FBI led hundreds of officers in a large-scale, multi-agency law enforcement operation that took place at 21 farms and two residences on the Navajo Nation near Shiprock. The marijuana was housed in 1,107 grow houses, though dozens more were under construction.
During the court-authorized operation, agents eradicated approximately 260,000 live plants and processed an estimated 60,000 pounds (30 tons) of evidence. Additionally, agents found 19 trash bags filled with fully processed marijuana - 1,000 pounds - in baggies, ready for distribution, hidden under a tarp in a grow house.
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate all the agencies involved in this operation, and especially those agents on the scene,” said John C. Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. “The numbers are astounding, and that could not have been achieved without a high level of interagency cooperation and coordination. I am consistently impressed by the professionalism displayed by law enforcement agents in the District of New Mexico. What they accomplished over the past week is remarkable. We are proud stand with the Navajo Nation in upholding and enforcing tribal and federal law.”
“I'm not sure what is more amazing: the amount of high-grade marijuana we kept off America's streets, or all the federal, state, local, and tribal agencies who tirelessly worked together to overcome numerous challenges and get the job done,” said James Langenberg, Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque FBI Division. “One thing I know for certain: We made a huge difference not only on the Navajo Nation, but in countless other communities. The FBI is extremely proud to have been a part of this significant operation and thanks the many partners who contributed to its success.”
“The top priority is the safety and well-being of our Navajo citizens and law enforcement officers,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process as the Navajo Nation, federal, state, and counties worked together. It took a lot of time, coordination, and resources to execute this operation over the last few days. On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I thank the Navajo Police Department, Department of Justice, FBI, U.S. Attorneys, and many others who dedicated their time to help our communities eradicate these illegal activities.”
"The coordinated efforts and tireless work of all involved has brought the much-needed resolution to the marijuana operations and has given the Navajo Nation citizens, as well as the surrounding communities, peace of mind,” said Chief of Police Philip Francisco of the Navajo Police Department. “This operation is a testament to the professionalism of law enforcement, who have worked diligently to ensure the safety of our communities."
“Tackling the scourge of illicit drugs in tribal communities has been a top priority for the Trump Administration with Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs helping lead the way,” said Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt. “I want to thank our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their tremendous efforts in taking down this major operation and making these communities safer.”
“Through the cooperative efforts of federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners, we have put a stop to a massive marijuana grow operation, which was being carried out under the guise of hemp farming,” said Kyle W. Williamson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “The persons running this marijuana operation were doing so in disregard of tribal law, the health and well-being of tribal members, and the natural resources of the Navajo Nation. We thank community members for saying something when they saw something.”
“Large-scale growing operations, such as this one, can pose a serious risk to human health and the environment,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Brooks of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division in New Mexico “Today’s action sends a clear signal that EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to enforcing environmental laws that protect our communities.”
“I am proud of the hard work and dedication contributed to this operation by my officers and agents.” said Robert Thornton, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “The result of this unprecedented effort serves to strengthen the cooperation between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners”
“This case had many jurisdictional hurdles. Thanks to the longstanding partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement, we came together to stop a significant criminal enterprise in our community,” said San Juan County Sheriff R. Shane Ferrari. “San Juan County is truly blessed to have these dedicated professionals to keep our communities safe.”
Federal agencies involved in the effort were the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigations Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribal, state and local agencies included the Navajo Police Department, the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, the New Mexico State Police, the Region II Narcotics Task Force, the New Mexico Army National Guard, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, the Farmington Police Department, the Aztec Police Department, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Anyone who has additional information they wish to report relating to this eradication effort may do so by contacting the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
Las Vegas tax preparer pleads guilty to false returnsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Carlos Perea, 44, of Las Vegas, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque today to two counts of aiding and abetting the preparation of false income tax returns.
Perea owned and operated Perea Fast Tax in Las Vegas where he prepared income tax returns for clients and filed them with the IRS electronically and by mail. In the plea agreement, Perea admitted to reporting false information to decrease tax liabilities and increase refunds. Among the deceptive practices employed by Perea were deducting bogus business expenses, falsely reporting head of household status to increase the standard deduction and improperly claiming dependents to increase exemptions.
He faces up to three years in prison on each count.
The IRS investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Christenson is prosecuting the case.
Shiprock man pleads guilty to assaulting a federal officerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derrick Begay, 33, of Shiprock, New Mexico, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Nov. 6 to assault on a federal officer involving physical contact.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Jan. 22, a federal special agent with the a Bureau of Indian Affairs made contact with Begay on the side of a road in Shiprock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. The special agent requested that Begay get out of the vehicle, but Begay did not comply. At one point Begay lunged out of his vehicle and hit the special agent in the face. Begay got back into his vehicle and fled the scene with law enforcement in pursuit. Begay reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. The weather was poor and there were school buses on the roadway, so law enforcement called off the pursuit. Begay was later arrested on May 1.
Begay is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to eight years in prison.
The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case along with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Cowen is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man arraigned for unregistered firearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Wayne Velasquez, 30, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court on Oct. 28 for possession of an unregistered firearm. Velasquez will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Sept. 7, Albuquerque Police officers responding to a shooting incident encountered Velasquez sitting outside his residence with a gunshot wound to his foot. The officers allegedly observed a firearm lying on the floor of the residence. The firearm allegedly discharged when it fell to the floor, striking Velasquez in the foot.
The National Firearms Act mandates the registration of a firearm with the dimensions and characteristics of the firearm allegedly possessed by Velasquez in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record. A search of the Record yielded no results for the firearm.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Velasquez faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rumaldo Armijo is prosecuting the case.
Member of Santo Domingo Pueblo pleads guilty to assault on federal officersRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Stephen Reano, 22, of Santo Domingo, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of Santo Domingo Pueblo, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 in federal court to an indictment charging him with two counts of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
According to his plea agreement, Reano acknowledged that on June 11 he was carrying a rifle in the village area of Santo Domingo Pueblo. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) patrol officers, responding to calls about an armed individual in the village, located Reano standing near a utility pole beneath a street light. Reano admitted that he pointed his shouldered rifle at one of the officers. Reano then pointed his weapon at the second officer when the officer used the patrol unit’s public address system to order Reano to put down his weapon.
Reano remains in custody pending sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the two counts of assault.
The Albuquerque office of the FBI and the BIA investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.
Navajo man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Wilson Davis, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Nov. 2 to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.
A grand jury indicted Davis on July 10, 2018. According to the indictment and other court records, on or about Oct. 22, 2016, Davis engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual activity with a child, who at the time of the offense was older than 12 but younger than 16. Davis committed the offense in McKinley County on the Navajo Nation.
Davis is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Gallup Police Department and McKinley County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.
Navajo man pleads guilty to abusive sexual contact with a minorRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE,N.M. – Nathan Thomas, 44, of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Nov. 4 to abusive sexual contact with a minor in Indian Country.
A grand jury indicted Thomas on June 12, 2019. According to the indictment and other court records, Thomas committed the offense at his family home in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation between Aug. 1, 2007, and July 21, 2010. On more than one occasion over this period, Thomas knowingly engaged in and caused sexual contact with a child under the age of twelve.
Thomas will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to 18 years in prison.
The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man sentenced to six years in prison for robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Vicente Perez, 22, of Albuquerque, was sentenced on Oct. 29 in federal court to six years and three months in prison for robbery. Perez pleaded guilty on July 10. His accomplice, Jacob Merkel, pleaded guilty on Aug. 24 for his part in the crime.
According to his plea agreement, Perez admitted to driving Merkel to Tobacco Town, a business in Albuquerque, on Nov. 20, 2019, with the intent of robbing the business. Merkel robbed the store at gunpoint and fired a shot at the clerk while exiting the building. Perez and Merkel fled, but were identified and followed by Albuquerque Police. While Perez attempted to evade the police, a tire on his car blew out, disabling it, and Perez and Merkel fled on foot. Perez surrendered after a brief pursuit.
In addition to his prison sentence, Perez will be subject to three years of supervised release. Merkel remains in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson announces $500,000 to combat violent crime in the District of New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson today announced a $500,000 Department of Justice grant to fight and prevent violent crime in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”
The funding announced today continues the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety. In the two years before President Trump took office, America had experienced a precipitous rise in crime, particularly in serious violent crime. The President elevated community safety to the top of his domestic agenda and crime rates have fallen steadily since. Recent data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2019 show a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third year in a row. However, a number of cities are experiencing conspicuous countertrends. Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in those communities and in jurisdictions throughout the United States.
“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”
“I am pleased to announce this additional funding awarded to Bernalillo County as part of Operation Legend,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Sheriff Gonzales and his department have been integral partners in identifying and apprehending perpetrators of dangerous crimes in our community. This funding helps to ensure that our efforts are sustainable over the long term.”
Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.
OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Bernalillo County will receive $500,000 to assist in continuing efforts as part of Operation Legend. Operation Legend is an ongoing, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across federal law enforcement agencies work with state and local law enforcement officials to fight the current surge of violent crime in American cities.
“The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is grateful for our federal law enforcement partners supporting our office in the removal of career criminals from the streets and combating Albuquerque's out-of-control crime crisis. This additional funding proves we have the federal government's full support to make Bernalillo County a safer place to live.”
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Albuquerque man charged with bank robberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Calvin Whiteside, 27, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court on Oct. 29 on two counts of bank robbery. Whiteside will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Oct. 23, Whiteside allegedly entered and robbed Bank of the West on Menaul Blvd. in Albuquerque. Moments after leaving Bank of the West, Whiteside allegedly entered and robbed First Financial Credit Union on San Mateo Blvd. Albuquerque Police identified and apprehended Whiteside a short time later.
If convicted, Whiteside faces up to 20 years in prison for each count. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crime Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen A. White is prosecuting the case.
Member of Navajo Nation sentenced to five years in prison for abusive sexual contact in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE N.M. – Garrith Bitsilly, 33, of Newcomb, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on Oct. 29 in federal court in Albuquerque to five years and three months in prison for abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.
Bitsilly pleaded guilty to this offense on June 1. In his plea agreement, he admitted committing this crime on the Navajo Reservation in San Juan County between Feb. 1, 2014, and Aug. 31, 2014. Bitsilly acknowledged that he caused sexual contact with a child under the age of 12 at a family member’s residence.
In addition to his prison sentence, Bitsilly will be subject to nine years of supervised release.
The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa C. Dimas is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man arraigned on gun charge under Operation LegendRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christopher Leyba, 34, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court in on Oct. 28 on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Leyba will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Sept. 7, Leyba allegedly drove a stolen vehicle to a motel in Albuquerque and exited the vehicle with a holstered gun on his hip. Law enforcement officers searched Leyba’s vehicle on Sept. 8 and found two handguns. As a previously convicted felon, Leyba cannot legally possess as firearm or ammunition.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Leyba faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez is prosecuting the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime.
Sheep Springs man pleads guilty to second degree murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Garrett Neal, 27, of Sheep Springs, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty today to an indictment charging him with second degree murder in Indian Country.
According to his plea agreement, on July 12, 2015, Neal and an accomplice engaged in a fight with a man in Sheep Springs on the Navajo Nation. During the fight, Neal punched and kicked the man while he was on the ground. Neal also hit the victim with rocks and brass knuckles to his head and throat, causing fatal injuries. Neal admitted that he was aware the victim was trying to breathe, had attempted to run away and did not fight back. The victim died at the scene as a result of the beating.
Neal remains in custody awaiting sentencing. By the terms of the plea agreement, he faces five to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
The FBI and the Navajo Division of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque man pleads guilty to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Nicholous Phillips, 41, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty in federal court on Oct. 27 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In the plea agreement, Phillips admitted that on Nov. 15, 2019, he was in possession of ammunition, 561.73 grams of methamphetamine and two partially destroyed pieces of a Glock handgun. Prior to this offense, Phillips had been convicted of eight felonies. As a convicted felon, Phillips cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. Phillips possessed these items at his home when probation officers inspected the location as part of his supervision following a previous conviction.
By the terms of the plea agreement, Phillips faces 15 years in prison and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie Roybal is prosecuting the case.
Española man sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for robbery, assault, and firearms crimesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Michael Duran, 33, of Española, New Mexico, and a member of the Ohkay Owingeh tribe, was sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque on Oct. 21 to 16 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court records, on two separate occasions Duran entered a business with the intent to rob it with a firearm. On Oct. 1, 2017, Duran entered the San Pedro Shell gas station and store located near Española on the Santa Clara Pueblo, pointed a firearm at the store clerk and demanded money from the cash register. Duran got away with $50 in cash and several boxes of cigarettes. On Oct. 16, 2017, Duran approached the walk-up order window at the El Parasol Restaurant in Española, also on the Santa Clara Pueblo, and demanded money while pointing a firearm at a restaurant employee. Duran fired his weapon into the business and fled the scene. No one was injured.
Upon his release from prison, Duran will serve three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs – Northern Pueblo Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Española Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David P. Cowen and Jennifer M. Rozzoni prosecuted the case.
Doña Ana County inmate sentenced to six years in federal prison for attempt to possess contrabandRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Aaron Reed, 30, of Grants, New Mexico, was sentenced Oct. 22 to six years and four months in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempting to possess contraband in prison.
Reed was one of seven defendants charged in a conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and buprenorphine, inside of the Doña Ana County Detention Center in January 2019. Reed pleaded guilty on April 2. In the plea agreement, Reed admitted to attempting to obtain methamphetamine and buprenorphine from another inmate in January 2019. According to an indictment, Reed told an associate he knew a corrections officer willing to bring contraband into the detention center and directed her to pay the corrections officer between $200 and $250.
Upon his release from prison, Reed will serve three years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Jose Ignacio Caro pleaded guilty on May 21 to conspiracy to provide contraband in prison and on Sept. 29 was sentenced to seven years in prison. Co-defendant Joe Anthony Garcia pleaded guilty on March 11 to attempt to provide contraband in prison and is awaiting sentencing. Co-defendants Ashley Silva, Angel Destiny Ortega and Marie Cadney pleaded guilty in March and Dominic Garcia on April 1 to Conspiracy to provide contraband in prison and are awaiting sentencing.
The FBI investigated this case in conjunction with the Southern New Mexico Public Corruption Task Force, the Office of Security Threat Intelligence, the Doña Ana County Detention Center, Las Cruces-Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Matthew R. Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Mescalero Apache man sentenced to 22 years in prison for abusive sexual contactRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – David Joe Melendrez, 56, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque today to 22 years in prison for abusive sexual contact.
In the plea agreement, Melendrez acknowledged sexually abusing multiple children, ranging in age from seven to 14, over the course of several years. The abuse took place on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and all of the victims were members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
Upon his release from prison, Melendrez will be subject to 10 years of supervised release.
The FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque man charged with illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Devan Andrew Martinez, 33, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court on Oct. 23 for arraignment on an indictment charging him with illegal possession of a firearm. Martinez has previously been convicted of a felony crime.
A federal grand jury indicted Martinez on Sept. 10. According to the indictment, Martinez allegedly committed the offense on July 18, 2018, on the Laguna Pueblo in Cibola County.
Martinez is currently in custody pending a trial, which has yet to be scheduled. Martinez faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charged offense. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Laguna Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.
Two Navajo men charged with sexual abuse of a minor in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jeremiah Elijah Jim, 40, of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, was arraigned in federal court on Oct. 6 on an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country. His co-defendant, Bryan Bull, 39, of Shiprock, New Mexico, appeared in federal court on Sept. 21 for arraignment on the same charges. Both men are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
A federal grand jury charged Jim and Bull on Sept. 10 with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and two counts of abusive sexual contact of a minor. The men are further charged in each count with aiding and abetting in the abuse.
According to the indictment, between June 3 and June 4, 2019, Jim and Bull allegedly threatened the then-14-year-old victim with serious bodily injury and sexually assaulted him. The charged offenses took place in Shiprock, New Mexico, in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation.
Bull and Jim are currently in custody pending trial. If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in prison. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Farmington Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.
Navajo man charged in shooting incident in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ferlando Wadsworth, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court today on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Wadsworth will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Oct. 14, Wadsworth allegedly arrived with two associates at a meeting to purchase food stamps from the victims. When the first victim refused to get into a vehicle with Wadsworth and his associates, Wadsworth allegedly exited the vehicle with a shotgun and followed her to the vehicle driven by the second victim. Wadsworth allegedly pointed the shotgun at the victims and demanded that they get out of their vehicle. When the second victim put the car into drive, Wadsworth allegedly attempted to open the door and then fired the shotgun into the vehicle as it began to drive away.
Navajo Police located the vehicle in which Wadsworth fled and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Wadsworth allegedly got out of the vehicle and was caught as he attempted to flee on foot. Officers located a shotgun with the serial number obliterated.
The incident took place on the Navajo Nation. As a felon previously convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery on a peace officer, Wadsworth cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Wadsworth faces up to 10 years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 10 years for assault with a dangerous weapon and a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick T. Mendenhall is prosecuting the case.
Mescalero man charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a childRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Troy Douglas Blaylock, Sr., 57, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was charged in federal court on Sept. 22 with aggravated sexual abuse of a child and sexual abuse of a minor. The Court ordered Blaylock detained pending trial.
A criminal complaint alleges that from late 2019 until Aug. 2020 Blaylock repeatedly sexually abused a minor victim, who is also an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and was eight- and nine-years old during the time of the abuse. The alleged abuse took place in the defendant’s residence within the external borders of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.
If convicted, Blaylock faces up to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor and a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a child. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.
Lordsburg man charged with producing and possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Gilbert Gallegos, 44, of Lordsburg, New Mexico, was arraigned in federal court on Sept. 24 on charges of production and possession of child pornography. Gallegos will remain detained pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on April 15, Gallegos allegedly was in possession of pornographic videos on his cellphone from July 2, 2019, depicting a minor victim who is nude from the waist down. Gallegos allegedly is identified as participating in the videos. Other videos recovered from Gallegos’ phone allegedly contain child pornography.
If convicted, Gallegos faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography and up to 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Lordsburg Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson appoints Election Officer for the District of New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – United States Attorney John C. Anderson announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jeremy Peña will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Peña has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of New Mexico, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Our system of government rests on the premise that elections are decided by eligible American citizens exercising their right to vote,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “The federal government is committed to doing its part to ensure that our elections are both free and fair.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
To respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Anderson stated that AUSA/DEO Peña will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 505-224-1451 and 505-269-2038.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 505-889-1300.
"The American people expect and deserve fair, open, and honest elections that are free of interference," said Special Agent in Charge James Langenberg. "The FBI has jurisdiction over federal election crimes like voter and ballot fraud, civil rights violations and campaign finance offenses, as well as computer intrusions. We are ready to quickly respond if required."
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, voters should call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
“Citizens can help us protect the integrity of our elections by reporting illegal actions,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “I encourage those who have specific information about such activities to make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson announces $278,460 in Justice Department grants to support gun prosecutions in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson today announced $278,460 in Department of Justice funding to hire a special prosecutor to try federal firearms cases. The award supports violence reduction efforts as part of Operation Legend and other Department-led initiatives in cities across the country. An additional $500,000 is available to support a Real Time Crime Center that will provide police with rapid intelligence and instant information to help identify emerging crime patterns.
“Keeping its citizens safe is the primary responsibility of government,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Cities plagued by violent crime need the resources to tackle it, and these grant awards will help do that. On the enforcement side, Real Time Crime Centers will make policing more efficient and targeted; and on the prosecution side, Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys will help bring more federal firearms cases to justice.”
Attorney General Barr announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is making up to $5.3 million available in grants to support Operation Legend sites nationwide. More than $1.3 million will fund special prosecutors who have been cross-designated to try federal firearms cases originating in: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, these and other Legend cities will be eligible for grant funding to support Real Time Crime Centers. These centers are a considerable financial investment for any law enforcement agency. The funding being made available to each Legend city can assist police departments in purchasing critical equipment and paying for the overtime to keep these centers staffed around the clock.
“We are pleased to support the outstanding work being undertaken through Operation Legend to reduce violent crime by focusing on cases involving illegal firearms,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to make these resources available to support the brave crime-fighters who work so hard to deter violence and keep our communities safe.”
“Operation Legend affords us the additional resources we need to address the persistently high rate of violent crimes in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Time and again, we see cases involving guns used to commit crimes in communities across New Mexico. Having a prosecutor dedicated specifically to these cases is a key advancement in our efforts to reduce these crimes over the long term.”
A grant to the 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office for the State of New Mexico will support the hiring of a full-time local prosecutor who will be empowered to try firearms cases in federal court.
“State prosecutors in New Mexico face significant challenges in both holding and obtaining adequate punishments against the most dangerous offenders in the state criminal justice system,” said 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel L. Martinez. “The prospect of increased federal prosecutions is a major incentive for our state and local law enforcement counterparts to work with the United States Attorney’s Office. The special prosecutor funded through this grant will help us prevent these offenders from continuing their criminal acts.”
Prosecuting gun crimes is central to the Justice Department’s strategy under Operation Legend and other violence reduction initiatives led by the Department. These efforts follow a sustained, systematic and coordinated approach to gun violence in which federal law enforcement agencies work closely with state and local officials to fight violent crime. Funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
The Department of Justice launched Operation Legend in July, following the murder of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept in his Kansas City home. The initiative was subsequently expanded from Kansas City to Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Since the summer launch, officials in Operation Legend sites have made more than 5,500 arrests, including approximately 276 for homicide, and seized more than 2,000 firearms. Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses. More than 600 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses.
More information about OJP and its components is available at www.ojp.gov.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
Navajo man sentenced to three years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injuryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derwin Williams, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on Oct. 21 in federal court in Albuquerque to three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.
Williams pleaded guilty on June 5. In his plea, Williams admitted to committing the assault on April 23, 2017, on the Navajo Nation. According to a grand jury indictment, Williams and two defendants, Marty Manuelito, 45, and Joelson Talk, 44, who are also members of the Navajo Nation, allegedly went to the victim’s home to retrieve a firearm when they began hitting and kicking the victim, resulting in multiple cuts to his body and face, a broken tooth, fractures to his nose and spine and a concussion.
Talk pleaded guilty on July 24 and his sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18. Manuelito entered a plea of not guilty on Aug. 8, 2019, and is awaiting trial.
The FBI and Navajo Nation Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall prosecuted the case.
Santa Fe man pleads guilty to possession of firearms stolen from the Bureau of Indian AffairsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derek Padilla, 29, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Oct. 16 to a charge of possession of stolen firearms.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, Padilla committed the offense in Santa Fe County on or about May 20, 2020. Padilla stole firearms, drug evidence, Meals Ready-to-Eat, and a utility truck, from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Padilla stole the property from a Bureau of Indian Affairs complex located on Nambe Pueblo.
Padilla faces up to 10 years in prison and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Protective Service investigated this case with assistance from the Pojoaque Police Department, the New Mexico State Police, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.