District of New Mexico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Convicted Sex Offender from Albuquerque Sentenced to Ten Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Michael Lippke, 71, a previously convicted sex offender residing in Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to ten years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possessing child pornography. Lippke will be required to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence. Lippke was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victims depicted in the child pornography involved in his crimes of conviction.
Lippke was arrested on July 16, 2015, on an indictment charging him with two counts of distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and seven counts of possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment charged Lippke with distributing child pornography on July 20, 2014 and July 22, 2014, and possessing child pornography between Aug. 21, 2010 and Dec. 10, 2014, on several computers and computer-related media. According to the indictment, the nine offenses were committed in Bernalillo County, N.M.
On Jan. 8, 2016, Lippke pled guilty to the seven possession of child pornography charges, and admitted possessing child pornography from Aug. 21, 2010 through Dec. 10, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General, with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. All are members of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease 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/.
The case was brought as a part of the New Mexico ICAC Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 82 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement. This case was investigated by the ATF office in Albuquerque and APD.
The case was also prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Bernalillo County, N.M., under this initiative.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Robbing US Bank Branch in January 2015Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Joshua Hicks, 31, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 46 months in prison for robbing the US Bank Branch located on Carlisle Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, in Jan. 2015. Hicks will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Hicks was arrested Feb. 9, 2015, based on a criminal complaint charging him with robbing the US Bank branch on Jan. 2, 2015. According to the criminal complaint, Hicks robbed the bank on Jan. 2, 2015, by handing the bank teller a crumpled hand written note which included the words “have gun,” “robbed” and “money.” The teller recognized it as a robbery note and handed money over to Hicks who then left the bank.
Hicks was indicted on Feb. 10, 2015, and charged with committing a bank robbery in Bernalillo County, N.M., on Jan 2. 2015. Hicks pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement on Sept. 14, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman Cairns.
Acoma Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Darrell Chino, Jr., 34, an enrolled member of Acoma Pueblo who resides in Acomita, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a domestic assault by a habitual offender charge. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Chino will be sentenced within the range of 33 to 57 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Chino was arrested on Sept. 23, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with domestic assault of an intimate partner by a habitual offender on Aug. 18, 2015, in Cibola County, N.M. According to the complaint, on Aug. 18, 2015, Chino assaulted an Acoma Pueblo woman by placing his hands around the victim’s throat, shoving her to the ground and attempting to kick her. Chino was subsequently indicted on the same charge on Sept. 22, 2015. Court records indicate that Chino had previously been convicted of assault against a household member in 2011 and 2012, in the 2nd Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico.
During today’s proceedings, Chino pled guilty to a felony information charging him with domestic assault by a habitual offender and admitted that on Aug. 18, 2015, he assaulted his intimate partner by grabbing her throat and throwing her to the ground causing her to suffer bodily injury. Chino committed the crime in Acoma Pueblo in Cibola County. Chino also acknowledged that he had at least two prior domestic assault convictions. Chino remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Acoma Pueblo Tribal Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease.
The case was brought pursuant to the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
*****media Advisory*****Read the Press Release
April 10-11, 2016 Events Featuring Sam Quinones, Author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” Hosted by Healing Addiction in our Communities (HAC), Bernalillo County, UNM Health Sciences Center
ALBUQUERQUE – The community is invited to attend a free book signing and keynote address by Sam Quinones, acclaimed author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic” this Monday, April 11, 2016, at the African American Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 5:00 pm at the center, located at 310 San Pedro Drive NE at Expo New Mexico.
New Mexico faces a major public health and public safety crisis, a true epidemic of heroin and opioid addiction that is tearing families apart, draining public resources, creating a new generation of addicts, and leading to an unprecedented number of overdose deaths. Although medical science and law enforcement have key roles in responding to this crisis, treatment and prosecution are not enough. A coalition comprised of Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), Bernalillo County and the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative partnership between the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (collectively, the Coalition) is working to create and implement new strategies for education, prevention and intervention to turn the tide against this epidemic.
The Coalition has come together to provide two days of community education and awareness through a series of events in Albuquerque featuring Sam Quinones, acclaimed author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” a book that recounts the personal journeys of addicts, drug traffickers, doctors, pharmaceutical executives, law enforcement officers, and the many families affected by the disease of addiction. “Dreamland” helps us understand how prescription painkillers spawned a new generation of heroin addicts and how heroin traveled from Mexico to Santa Fe and Española. The book offers hope for a better future.
During the community education and awareness events, which are described below, Sam Quinones will join members of the Coalition and the community as we look back over the past five years in New Mexico, share the journey and results of our efforts, and discuss where we are today and our hopes for the future. Sam Quinones and Coalition members will be participating in the events described below, some of which are open to the media.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Scalo Northern Italian Grill
A “meet and greet” reception for Sam Quinones will be hosted by Scalo Northern Italian Grill. This event is sold-out and is not open to the media.
Monday, April 11, 2016
6:30 am – 8:00 am
KRQE-TV
Sam Quinones, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins will be guests on KRQE This Morning.
9:15 am – 10:00 am
KNME-TV/New Mexico PBS
Sam Quinones will be interviewed by Megan Kamerick for KNME’s New Mexico in Focus program that will air on a date to be announced in the near future.
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center
Sam Quinones and HAC Executive Director Jennifer Weiss-Burke will tour Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center, a sober living facility for adolescents and young adults ages 14-21 who are struggling with addiction. This event is not open to the media.
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
UNM Domenici Auditorium
Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education
1001 Stanford Drive NE
University of New Mexico
Chancellor Paul B. Roth of the UNM Health Sciences Center and Dean Lynda Welage of the UNM College of Pharmacy will host a ceremony during which FBI Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade will present the 2015 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award to the UNM College of Pharmacy for its outstanding contribution to preventing drug abuse through its “Generation Rx” education and community awareness program. Sam Quinones, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins, HAC Executive Director Jennifer Weiss-Burke and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean R. Waite will attend the ceremony.
This event is OPEN PRESS. Inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Frank Fisher at 505-889-1438 (office), 505-681-8906 (cell).
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chancellor Paul B. Roth and the UNM Health Sciences Center, as part of the New Mexico HOPE Initiative, will host Sam Quinones at a luncheon and informal meet and greet to discuss the opioid epidemic afflicting New Mexico. Participants will include U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins, HAC Executive Director Jennifer Weiss-Burke, FBI Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean R. Waite and other representatives from HAC, Bernalillo County, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA and FBI. This event is not open to the media.
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
African American Performing Arts Center
Expo New Mexico
310 San Pedro Drive NE
Sam Quinones will deliver a keynote address at 6:30 p.m., followed by a roundtable discussion that will be moderated by Emmy Award winning documentary producer Chris Schueler. Doors will open at 5:00 pm, with a book signing at 5:30 pm. The event will conclude at 8:30 pm following closing remarks by Bernalillo Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins. Refreshments will be served. THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
The following individuals will participate in the roundtable discussion:
HAC – Executive Director Jennifer Weiss-Burke
APS –Susan McKee, Counseling Manager, Prevention/Intervention
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean R. Waite
UNM Health Sciences Center – Dr. Joanna Katzman, Director, UNM Pain Center
Bernalillo County – Bill Wiese
Dreamland Author – Sam Quinones
This event is OPEN PRESS. Inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Alyssa Ferda at 505-224-1480 or [email protected].
A public service announcement and a GovTV segment of “Conversations with the Commissioner” regarding the main Dreamland event may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lo1RJasPd4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1pFsODGjao.
Healing Addiction in Our Community (HAC) is a non-profit organization that was founded 6 years ago by a group of concerned parents and grandparents. HAC is dedicated to providing education and awareness to our community about the heroin and opiate epidemic that plagues our state. HAC provides the voices for those who have lost their lives to addiction and for those who continue to struggle.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins is proud to sponsor this community outreach effort and promote more awareness of heroin and opioid abuse in New Mexico. Commissioner Hart Stebbins is the driving force behind the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, collective impact strategy working to align the activities of government, nonprofit, healthcare, law enforcement, and community leaders to strengthen systems that address the use and abuse of prescription opioids and heroin.
The New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico and because the consequences of heroin and opioid use affect all New Mexicans by impacting public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at http://www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.
*****media Advisory*****Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and Richard Larson, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of Research for UNM Health Sciences Center, will hold a press conference at 10:00 A.M. on FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016, to announce a new community education program under the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative partnership between the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Attorney and Executive Vice Chancellor will be joined by community stakeholders who are collaborating with the HOPE Initiative partners to develop and implement education, prevention and intervention strategies to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic that is having devastating consequences in New Mexico.
WHO:
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez
Richard Larson, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of Research for UNM Health Sciences Center
Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins, District 3
City Councilor Diane Gibson, District 7
Ryan P. Cangiolosi, Chief Strategic Advisor, Office of Strategy and Engagement at the UNM Health Sciences Center
Asst. Special Agent in Charge Sean R. Waite, DEA Albuquerque District Office
Jennifer Weiss-Burke, Executive Director, Healing Addiction in our Community
Lou Duran, Prevention Specialist/Event Coordinator, Healing Addiction in our Community
WHEN:
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016
10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of New Mexico
201 Third Street NW
10th Floor Multi-Media Room (Reception on Ninth Floor)
Albuquerque, NM 87102
OPEN PRESS
NOTE: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (i.e., driver’s license) and valid media credentials. Media may begin to arrive at 9:45 a.m. MDT. Inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Alyssa Ferda at 505-224-1480 or [email protected].
The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Working in partnership with Bernalillo County, the Albuquerque City Council, DEA, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC) and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico. The Initiative is comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The new community education program is part of the prevention and education component of the HOPE Initiative. Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at http://www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.
Chaves County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge and Possessing Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Richard Gonzales, 30, of Dexter, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to violating federal firearms laws and possession of contraband in prison.
Gonzales was arrested in Feb. 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possessing contraband in prison. According to the complaint, law enforcement officers found Gonzales, who is a convicted felon, in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Nov. 5, 2015, during a routine traffic stop. Thereafter, on Nov. 23, 2015, corrections officers at the Chaves County Detention Center recovered 14.6 grams of methamphetamine from Gonzales during a strip search after he returned to the detention center following his initial appearance in federal court in Roswell, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Gonzales pled guilty to a felony information charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of contraband in prison. In entering his guilty plea, Gonzales admitted that he unlawfully possessed a firearm on Nov. 5, 2015, in Chaves County, N.M. He acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition as a result of his prior convictions for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Gonzales also admitted possessing 14.6 grams of methamphetamine on Nov. 23, 2015, while he was incarcerated at the Chaves County Detention Center. Gonzales further admitted that he was on supervised release for a prior conviction at the time he committed the two crimes charged in the felony information.
At sentencing, Gonzales faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. Gonzales remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force and the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfred J. Perez of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The 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 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. 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.
El Paso, Texas Man Pleads Guilty in New Mexico to Federal Drug Trafficking Charge Arising from Seizure of Almost Six Pounds of HeroinRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Luis Alejandro Escapite Perez, 21, of El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a heroin trafficking charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Perez was arrested on Oct. 13, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of heroin with intent to distribute in Valencia County, N.M. According to the complaint, Perez was arrested after law enforcement officers discovered approximately 2.67 kilograms (5.9 pounds) of heroin concealed inside Perez’s vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 25 near Belen, N.M. Perez was subsequently indicted on the same charge on Dec. 17, 2015. The indictment included forfeiture allegations requiring Perez to forfeit a white 2011 Volkswagen Jetta to the United States.
During today’s proceedings, Perez pled guilty to the indictment. In entering the guilty plea, Perez admitted that on Oct. 13, 2015, he was in the process of transporting 2.67 kilograms of heroin to Albuquerque when he was stopped by law enforcement officers. Perez admitted that he previously delivered heroin from the area of El Paso and Juarez, Mexico to Albuquerque on April 28, 2015 and May 18, 2015. During each of these prior deliveries, Perez was paid to transport the heroin from the El Paso and Juarez, Mexico area to Albuquerque.
At sentencing, Perez faces a statutory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Perez remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen P. Torgoley is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Albuquerque Men Ordered Detained Pending Trial on Federal Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – This morning a U.S. Magistrate Judge sitting in Albuquerque, N.M., found probably cause to support a criminal complaint charging Greg Miera, 50, Martin Huerta, 43, Christian Herrera, 20, Isaiah Gallegos, 20, and Christopher Gallegos, 31, all of Albuquerque, with bank robbery. The Magistrate Judge ordered Miera, Huerta and Christopher Gallegos detained pending trial, and released Herrera and Isaiah Gallegos to a half-way house under pretrial supervision and other conditions of release.
Miera, Huerta, Herrera, Isaiah Gallegos and Christopher Gallegos were arrested on March 30, 2016, by the FBI and Albuquerque Police Department after a source identified the men as the individuals involved in robbing the US Bank located at 5620 Wyoming Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, on March 30, 2016. The complaint alleged that APD officers conducted surveillance as a vehicle with four men pulled up to the US Bank on the afternoon of March 30, 2016. Three of the men remained outside in the vehicle while the fourth entered the US Bank, threatened to shoot the bank employees, and demanded that two bank tellers place cash into a plastic bag.
APD officers continued to conduct surveillance as the fourth man reentered the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to a residence in the North Valley of Albuquerque where the officers later allegedly observed Miera throw a plastic bag containing cash over a fence into a vacant lot. Thereafter, the FBI executed a search warrant at the residence and also retrieved the plastic bag with cash that allegedly was discarded by Miera.
If convicted of the crimes charged in the criminal complaint, Miera, Huerta, Herrera, Isaiah Gallegos and Christopher Gallegos each face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case.
Carlsbad Man Arrested on Federal Arson ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Travis Hayslip, 36, of Carlsbad, N.M., made his initial appearance today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., on a criminal complaint charging him with arson. Hayslip remains in custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing which have yet to be scheduled.
Hayslip was arrested on March 31, 2016, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on a federal arson charge. According to the criminal complaint, on March 9, 2016, a fire was ignited and caused an estimated $2 million in damages to the Quality Inn, a hotel that was under construction at 4106 National Parks Highway in Carlsbad in Eddy County, N.M. The complaint alleges that Hayslip walked through a part of the hotel that was under construction and allegedly lit a piece of debris with a lighter.
If convicted of the crime charged in the criminal complaint, Hayslip faces a maximum of life in federal prison. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Special Agents from the Las Cruces office and the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and members of ATF’s National Response Team worked jointly with the Carlsbad Fire Department, the Carlsbad Police Department, the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, the Office of New Mexico Fire Marshal, the Office of the New Mexico State Fire Investigator, and Gilbert Police Department K9 Handler, to follow leads, investigate the fire scene, interview witnesses and suspects, and analyze available surveillance footage. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Lizarraga of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Marcos Barela, 28, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the federal firearms laws under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Barela was charged by federal indictment on Oct. 7, 2015, with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition on May 4, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the indictment, Barela was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior criminal history which includes felony convictions for embezzlement, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a controlled substance, battery on a peace officer, arson and criminal damage to property.
Barela was arrested on a warrant for a state probation violation on May 4, 2015. He was arrested on the federal indictment Jan. 21, 2016, after he was transferred to federal custody from state custody.
During today’s proceedings, Barela pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on May 4, 2015, he was in possession of a loaded firearm which he handled and placed in in the back pocket of his pants upon his arrest by law enforcement.
At sentencing, Barela faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque offices of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the DEA with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Probation and Parole Division of the New Mexico Corrections Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Walsh is prosecuting the case under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Bernalillo County, N.M., under this initiative.
Navajo Man from Shiprock Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Abuse ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Harrison Cambridge, 56, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Shiprock, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to an abusive sexual contact charge. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Cambridge will be sentenced within the range of 30 to 42 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court. Cambridge will also be required to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence.
Cambridge was arrested in Dec. 2015, on a criminal complaint alleging that he sexually abused a Navajo child under the age of 12 on Dec. 20, 2015, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in San Juan County, N.M.
Cambridge was indicted on Jan. 14, 2016, and charged with abusive sexual contact of a child under the age of 12. During today’s change of plea hearing, Cambridge entered a guilty plea to the indictment. Cambridge remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle 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/.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Misdemeanor Conviction for Misbranding Drugs and Tobacco ProductsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Abdelrhman Barash, 37, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to a year and a day in prison followed by one year of supervised release for misbranding drug or tobacco products.
Barash was charged in a criminal complaint with “spice” trafficking on Sept. 5, 2014, in Bernalillo County, N.M., based on a sale of synthetic cannabinoids to an undercover officer at Barash’s store, Snack & Smoke Shop at 2118 Central Ave. in Albuquerque. Thereafter, Barash was indicted and charged with distributing a controlled substance analogue on Sept. 5, 2014.
On Dec. 28, 2015, Barash pled guilty to a misdemeanor information charging him with two counts of delivering misbranded food, drugs, tobacco products, devices or cosmetics into interstate commerce. In entering the guilty plea, Barash admitted that on Sept. 5, 2014, he owned and worked at Snack & Smoke Shop and that on that date he introduced into interstate commerce at least two packages of a misbranded product.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni.
The controlled substances charged in the complaint and indictment are synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as “spice.” According to the DEA, over the past several years, there has been a growing use of synthetic cannabinoids. Smoke-able herbal blends marketed as being “legal” and providing a marijuana-like high have become increasingly popular because they are easily available and, in many cases, more potent and dangerous than marijuana. These products consist of plant material that has been coated with dangerous psychoactive compounds that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These substances, however, have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human consumption, and there is no oversight of the manufacturing process. Synthetic cannabinoids often are labeled as incense to mask their intended purpose.
Valencia County Man Sentenced to Prison for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Tomas Torres, 31, of Peralta, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 92 months in prison for violating the federal firearms laws. Torres will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Torres was arrested on Sept. 10, 2014, on an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number on Jan. 11, 2014, in Valencia County, N.M. Torres was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of numerous felony offenses including, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin, commercial burglary, criminal damage to property and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.
On Dec. 22, 2015, Torres pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on Jan. 11, 2014, he possessed a handgun with an obliterated serial number which he tried to conceal in his mother’s vehicle when he found out police officers were searching for him. Torres further admitted that on Jan. 13, 2014, officers executed a search warrant on his vehicle and found approximately 20 rounds of ammunition inside the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Peralta Police Department and the Los Lunas Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rumaldo R. Armijo and Edward Han prosecuted the case under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Valencia County, N.M., under this initiative.
Jemez Pueblo Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Federal Felony Murder ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Gavin Yepa, 31, a member and resident of Jemez Pueblo, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to life imprisonment on his felony murder conviction. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division.
Yepa was arrested on Jan. 3, 2012, on a criminal complaint charging him with killing a 38-year-old Navajo woman during a sexual assault that took place at Yepa=s residence on Jemez Pueblo on the night of December 28, 2011. Yepa previously had been arrested on related tribal charges on Dec. 28, 2011, and remained in tribal custody until his arrest on the federal criminal complaint.
In Jan. 2012, a federal grand jury indicted Yepa on a felony murder charge alleging that the victim died as the result of an aggravated sexual assault by Yepa. Trial of the case was delayed by interlocutory appeals. The trial commenced on July 27, 2015, and concluded Aug. 7, 2015, when the jury returned a guilty verdict on the sole count of the indictment.
The evidence at trial established that Yepa met the victim in San Ysidro, N.M., on the evening of Dec. 28, 2011, and took her to his residence. Shortly before midnight, Yepa contacted tribal officials and reported that there was a woman in his home who was not breathing. When Yepa escorted the officials into his residence, they observed a large amount of blood on the floor throughout the house and found the victim’s nude body, which was covered with blood, in a bedroom.
The investigation revealed that the victim had been brutally sexually assaulted with three items, all of which were found at the crime scene. DNA analysis confirmed that the victim’s blood was on all three items.
“Native American women experience violence, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and murder, at rates dramatically higher than other women in this country. This is a cycle of violence that cannot be tolerated and must end,” said U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to improving the safety of women in our tribal communities by working with tribal governments to decrease the number of Native American women who fall victim to violence; to strengthen the capacity of tribal governments to respond to violent crimes and support victims; and to ensure that perpetrators like Gavin Yepa are held accountable for their crimes and are removed from the community.”
“No one in this country deserves to be a victim of violence. Unfortunately, violence in our Native American communities ravages families, harming mothers, daughters and sisters. They and their loved ones depend on us for justice. Today’s sentencing sends a strong message the FBI and our partners will vigorously pursue justice for each and every victim, especially those who suffer unspeakable crimes and can no longer speak for themselves,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade. “The FBI appreciates the U.S. Attorney's Office's aggressive prosecution in this case, and we thank Jemez Pueblo and the New Mexico State Police for their assistance.”
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI with assistance from the Jemez Pueblo Tribal Officials, the Jemez Pueblo Tribal Police Department and the Crime Scene Unit of the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Niki Tapia-Brito and Linda Mott prosecuted the case.
The prosecution of this case was part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Edwin Rodriguez, 34, of Bell Gardens, Calif., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 57 months in prison for his heroin trafficking conviction. Rodriguez will be on supervised release for three years after he completes his prison sentence.
Rodriguez was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with a heroin trafficking offense after the DEA seized 2.3 kilograms (5.07 pounds) of heroin from him during an interdiction investigation at the Greyhound Bus Station in Albuquerque on Feb. 4, 2015. The heroin was concealed in a false compartment in Rodriguez’s baggage. Rodriguez was indicted on Feb. 25, 2015, and charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
On Dec. 16, 2015, Rodriguez pled guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute and admitted that on Feb. 4, 2015, he possessed heroin, which he wrapped in bundles and concealed in his suitcase while traveling through Albuquerque on the Greyhound Bus.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen P. Torgoley.
This case was prosecuted pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to Heroin Trafficking Charges Arising Out of Ten Pound Heroin Seizure in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ignacio Nieblas, Jr., 22, a Mexican national residing in Berino, N.M., and Bryan Gabriel Marquez-Flores Jr., 19, a Mexican national residing in Phoenix, Ariz., pleaded guilty today to heroin trafficking charges in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M.
Nieblas and Marquez-Flores were arrested on a criminal complaint charging them with possession of heroin with intent to distribute after the DEA seized 4.65 kilograms (10.416 pounds) of heroin from them during an interdiction investigation at the Amtrak Train Station in Albuquerque on Feb. 5, 2016. The heroin was concealed inside the men’s luggage.
Nieblas and Marquez-Flores were subsequently indicted on Feb. 24, 2016, and charge with conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of heroin with intent to distribute on Feb. 5, 2016, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Nieblas and Marquez-Flores both pled guilty to felony informations charging them with conspiracy and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Each admitted that on Feb. 5, 2016, they conspired with others to deliver the heroin seized from them to an intended destination.
At sentencing, Nieblas and Marquez-Flores each face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Both men remain in custody pending sentencing hearings which have yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado prosecuted the case pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Jicarilla Apache Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Abuse ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Fawn Lynnstar Vigil, 30, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation who resides in Dulce, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a child abuse charge.
Vigil was charged on Jan. 26, 2016, in a two-count indictment with (1) child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, and (2) child abuse by operating a motor vehicle recklessly on April 13, 2012, in Indian Country in Rio Arriba County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Vigil entered a guilty plea to Count two of the indictment charging her with child abuse. In her plea agreement, Vigil admitted that on April 13, 2012, she negligently operated a motor vehicle recklessly within the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation at an excessive speed, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll-over. Vigil admitted that her actions endangered the life and health of a Jicarilla Apache child who was in the vehicle.
At sentencing, Vigil faces a maximum of three years in federal prison followed by up to one year of supervised release. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Jicarilla Apache Tribal Police Department and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Michael Spindle is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Mail Theft ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – David G. Martin, 29, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to a theft of mail charge.
Martin was arrested on Jan. 20, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with theft of mail. The complaint alleged that on Dec. 30, 2015, Martin unlawfully possessed a large quantity of mail that did not belong to him and a Unite States Postal Service (USPS) Neighborhood Delivery Collection Box Unit (NDCBU). When found in possession of these items, Martin was in a truck that had been reported stolen. A search of the truck revealed that it contained hundreds of pieces of U.S. mail and their content, credit cards and identification that did not belong to Martin.
Martin was subsequently indicted on Feb. 9, 2016, and charged with theft or receipt of stolen mail on Dec. 30, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. During today’s proceedings, Martin pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
At sentencing, Martin faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Albuquerque Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Jon Ganjei.
Mescalero Apache Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Federal Assault ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Christopher Bigmouth, 25, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., was sentenced this morning in Las Cruces, N.M., to 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on an assault charge.
Bigmouth was arrested on Feb. 20, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with assaulting a 14-month-old child on Aug. 22, 2014, by dropping the victim on her head three times. It alleged that the assault occurred on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in Otero County, N.M. The victim was seriously injured and required emergency brain surgery to reduce swelling of the brain.
On Aug. 25, 2015, Bigmouth pled guilty to a felony information charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. In entering the plea, Bigmouth admitted that on Aug. 22, 2014, he intentionally dropped the victim on the floor three times, and that his actions resulted in several injuries to the victim including significant brain swelling requiring emergency surgery and long term cognitive, motor and visual impairment.
This case was investigated by Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Mescalero Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Las Cruces Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Heroin Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Edward Valenciano, 38, of Las Cruces, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to a heroin trafficking charge. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Valenciano will be sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Valenciano was arrested in June 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin on June 11, 2015, in Doña Ana County, N.M. The complaint alleged that Valenciano was involved in the sale of approximately 353.4 grams of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement.
Valenciano was subsequently indicted on Oct. 15, 2015, and charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin from June 3 through 16, 2015, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute on June 16, 2015. The indictment included forfeiture allegations requiring Valenciano to forfeit $6,000, proceeds of the drug trafficking charged, to the United States.
During today’s proceedings, Valenciano pled guilty to conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute and admitted that on June 3, 2015, he directed another individual to provide heroin to a person who unbeknownst to him was working with law enforcement. Valenciano further admitted that on June 11, 2015, he accepted $6,000 from the same person in payment for the heroin provided on June 3, 2015.
Valenciano remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis A. Martinez of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Federal Jury Finds Carlsbad Man Guilty of Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury sitting in Las Cruces, N.M., returned a verdict today finding Mia Coy Campbell guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The guilty verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division and Commander James McCormick of the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force (PVDTF).
Campbell, 32, of Carlsbad, N.M., was arrested on Oct. 8, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm on Sept. 24, 2015, in Eddy County, N.M. Campbell was subsequently indicted on the same charge on Nov. 5, 2015. Campbell was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and escape of a prisoner in custody of a correctional institution or officer.
The trial of Campbell on the indictment began on March 22, 2016 and concluded today when the jury returned a verdict finding Campbell guilty on the sole count of the indictment. The evidence at trial established that on Sept. 24, 2015, PVDTF and FBI agents went to Campbell’s residence and arrested him on an outstanding federal arrest warrant. Campbell was arrested as he was walking away from a canopy that had a partially disassembled go-cart underneath. When arrested, Campbell’s hands were dirty and greasy and it appeared as if he had been working on the go-cart. A smoldering Marlboro cigarette that was near a tool bag by the go-cart drew an officer’s attention to the tool bag where the officer found a firearm. A search of Campbell incident to arrest revealed that he had a pack of Marlboro cigarettes in his pocket containing the same type of cigarette that was smoldering on the ground near the go-cart.
Campbell has been in custody since his arrest in Oct. 2015, and will remain detained pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Campbell faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force with assistance from the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy M. Castellano and John Andrew Balla of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. 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.
Belen Man Sentenced to Five Years for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Darrell Ray Trammell, 66, of Belen, N.M., was sentenced this afternoon in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 60 months in prison for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction. Trammell will be on supervised release for three years after he completes his prison sentence.
Trammell was arrested in Aug. 2014, on an indictment charging him and co-defendant Cynthia Boykin, 49, also of Belen, with participation in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Valencia County, N.M. According to the indictment, the conspiracy continued from Nov. 2013 to Jan. 2014. The indictment also charged Trammell and Boykin with distributing methamphetamine in Valencia County in Dec. 2013, and Trammell alone with distributing methamphetamine in Bernalillo County, N.M., in Jan. 2014.
On Sept. 15, 2015, Trammell pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the plea, Trammell admitted that on Jan. 8, 2014, he distributed methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer in exchange for $1,700.00.
Co-defendant Boykin was arrested in March 2015. On May 20, 2015, Boykin pled guilty to a felony information charging her with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. She admitted that on Dec. 12, 2013, she distributed three grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer. Boykin was sentenced on Sept. 24, 2015, to five months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Walsh and Stephen R. Kotz prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon from Albuquerque Sentenced to Seven Years for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Pete Pasqual Chavez, 36, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chavez will be on supervised release for three years after he completes his prison sentence.
Chavez was arrested on Sept. 16, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Sept. 14, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the complaint, on Sept. 14, 2015, officers of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) responded to the La Quinta Inn on San Antonio Blvd. NW in Albuquerque after Chavez told hotel personnel that he had just shot a person who was breaking into his vehicle. Upon arrival, the APD officers found a firearm under Chavez’s vehicle. Thereafter the officers executed search warrants for Chavez’s hotel room and vehicle. In the vehicle, the officers found a single projectile that was removed from the inside of the passenger door and a box of Perfecta .45 caliber ammunition. In Chavez’s hotel room, the officers found four rounds of Perfecta .45 caliber ammunition. In the bushes outside Chavez’s room, the officers found a firearm loaded with ten rounds of Perfecta .45 caliber ammunition.
Chavez was indicted on Oct. 7, 2015, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chavez was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, because he previously had been convicted of attempting to traffic a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, shooting from or into a vehicle and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. Chavez pled guilty to the indictment on Dec. 23, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and APD.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman Cairns prosecuted the case under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Bernalillo County, N.M., under this initiative.
Federal Jury Finds Mexican National Guilty on Cocaine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury sitting in Albuquerque, N.M., returned a verdict today finding Edgar Solis guilty on a cocaine trafficking charge. The guilty verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in El Paso, Tex., and Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden, Jr.
Solis, 29, a Mexican national currently residing in Albuquerque, and his co-defendant Daniel Solis-Castillo, 33, also a Mexican national, were indicted in Dec. 2013, and charged with cocaine trafficking offenses. The indictment also charged Solis-Castillo with illegal reentry into the United States by a previously removed alien. After Solis-Castillo entered a guilty plea, a five-count superseding indictment against Solis was filed. The superseding indictment charged Solis with conspiracy to distribute cocaine; attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. It alleged that Solis committed the five crimes on Nov. 13, 2013, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
Solis’s trial on the superseding indictment began on March 15, 2016. Before the case was submitted to the jury, the court dismissed four of the five counts. The trial concluded shortly before noon today when the jury returned a verdict finding Solis guilty of attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The evidence at trial established that on Nov. 13, 2013, Solis-Castillo negotiated to buy five kilograms of cocaine from a person who unbeknownst to him was an undercover officer. After Solis-Castillo arrived at the prearranged location to complete the drug deal, he did not like the quality of the cocaine, and made a telephone call to someone else who could “check it out.” Shortly thereafter, Solis arrived at the location, inspected the cocaine, and engaged in a quiet conversation with Solis-Castillo. Solis-Castillo then told the undercover agent they would take one kilogram and if they liked it, they would come back for the remainder. Solis agreed with Solis-Castillo. Solis-Castillo then asked Solis if he had a bag for the cocaine and Solis responded by walking over to his vehicle. At that point, Solis and Solis-Castillo were arrested by HSI agents and APD officers. Solis initially was charged with state charges which were dismissed after he was arrested in Feb. 2014, on the federal charges in this case.
Solis had been on conditions of release while awaiting trial, but was detained after being convicted, pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Solis faces a statutory mandatory minimum of five years and maximum of 40 years in federal prison. Solis will be deported after he completes his prison sentence.
Solis-Castillo pled guilty in July 2014, to cocaine trafficking and immigration charges. He was sentenced on Dec. 30, 2015, to 37 months in federal prison and will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of HSI and the Albuquerque Police Department with assistance from the DEA in Albuquerque, New Mexico Department of Public Safety and the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and Jack E. Burkhead are prosecuting the case.
El Paso, Texas, Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Iveran Dywon Magby, 42, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 151 months in prison for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction. Magby will be on supervised release for five years after completing his prison sentence.
Magby was arrested on Oct. 24, 2014, on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to the criminal complaint, Magby sold approximately 173.2 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent on May 20, 2014, in Doña Ana County, N.M.
On Jan.15, 2015, Magby entered a guilty plea to a felony information charging him with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The guilty plea was entered without the benefit of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfred J. Perez.
Deming Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Robert Steven Elliott, II, 32, of Deming, N.M., entered a guilty plea today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to production of child pornography charges. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Elliott will be sentenced to a prison term within the range of 20 to 45 years followed by a lifetime of supervised release. The plea agreement also indicates that Elliott has agreed to pay $210,012 in restitution to the child he victimized through his criminal conduct. Elliott will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
Elliott’s guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in El Paso, Tex., Luna County Sheriff John Mooradian, and Chief Jaime Montoya of the Las Cruces Police Department.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez commended the efforts of the officers involved in the investigation, “This joint federal, state and local investigation demonstrates the resolve of the law enforcement community to work together to bring those who victimize children to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to work side-by-side with officers who are devoted to protecting our children from predators.”
“Sex crimes against children are among the most heinous crimes HSI special agents investigate,” said Waldemar Rodriguez, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “And we will not relent in our pursuit to catch these malicious predators who traumatize children, leaving them emotionally and physically scarred for life.”
“This is another wonderful example of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to uncover evidence that helped build a strong case,” said Chief Jaime Montoya of the Las Cruces Police Department.
Elliott was arrested on Oct. 30, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with producing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Luna County, N.M. The investigation into Elliott began on Oct. 30, 2015, when a woman reported to law enforcement authorities that she had discovered child pornography images on a cellphone belonging to Elliott and surrendered the cellphone to the authorities. After obtaining a federal search warrant for the cellphone, law enforcement officers found that the cellphone contained multiple images of child pornography, including images of a child under the age of 12.
Elliott was indicted on Jan. 20, 2016, and charged with six counts of production of child pornography. The indictment charged Elliott with producing child pornography on Nov. 23, 2014 and Sept. 28, 2015 in Luna County. Today Elliott pled guilty to two of the six counts of the indictment, and Elliott admitted using his cellphone on Nov. 23, 2014 and Sept. 28, 2015, to take a pornographic visual image of a child whom he knew to be under 12 years of age.
Elliott has been in federal custody since his arrest. He remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Deming and Las Cruces offices of Homeland Security Investigations, the Luna County Sheriff’s Office, the Las Cruces Police Department, the El Paso Police Department, and the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Shapiro of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office 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/.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico ICAC Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 82 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Artesia Man Sentenced to 92 Months for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Victor R. Castillo, 37, of Artesia, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 92 months in prison for violating the federal firearms laws. Castillo will be on supervised release for three years following his incarceration.
Castillo was arrested on Sept. 1, 2015, on an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm on Jan. 28, 2015, in Eddy County, N.M. Castillo was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he previously had been convicted of importation of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, and possession of a controlled substance.
On Dec. 18, 2015, Castillo pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. 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.
This case was prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Eddy County, N.M., under this initiative.
Espanola Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Narcotics Trafficking LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Matthew Martinez, 38, of Espanola, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a heroin trafficking charge.
Martinez was arrested on Dec. 3, 2015, on a three-count indictment charging him with heroin trafficking offenses. The indictment alleged that Martinez distributed heroin in Bernalillo County, N.M., on April 30, 2015. It also charged Martinez with distributing heroin on two occasions in Santa Fe, N.M.; the first time on May 1, 2015 and the second on Sept. 16, 2015.
During today’s proceedings, Martinez pled guilty to distributing heroin on Sept. 16, 2015. In his plea agreement, Martinez admitted selling approximately two ounces of heroin to an undercover FBI agent outside of the Walmart located at 5701 Herrera Drive in Santa Fe.
At sentencing, Martinez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release. Martinez remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Santa Fe office of the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel R. Meyers pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Fabian Baros, 38, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to a bank robbery charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Baros was arrested in Sept. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with robbing the BBVA Compass Bank located at 1201 San Pedro Dr. in Albuquerque, on Sept. 10, 2015. The complaint alleged that Baros robbed the bank by approaching the bank teller and demanding money. Baros was arrested later that day by the Albuquerque Police Department.
Baros was subsequently indicted on Oct. 7, 2015. During today’s proceedings, Baros pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that he robbed the BBVA Compass Bank on Sept. 10, 2015.
At sentencing, Baros faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. Baros remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Kraehe is prosecuting the case.
Navajo Man from Torreon Sentenced to Three Years Probation for Federal Misdemeanor Assault ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Orlando King, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Torreon, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a misdemeanor assault charge. After entering his guilty plea, King was sentenced to three years of probation.
King was arrested on Dec. 29, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. According to the complaint, on Dec. 4, 2015, in Sandoval County, N.M., King and another man allegedly attacked the victim, hitting the victim in the face, kicking his body and face, and hitting the victim in the left arm and back with an ax. The victim sustained an open fracture to the bone between his elbow and shoulder that required two surgeries.
During today’s proceedings, King pled guilty to a misdemeanor information charging him with assault by striking, beating or wounding. In entering the guilty plea, King admitted that on Dec. 4, 2015, he and another man got into a verbal argument with the victim, and the other man began to physically fight the victim. King further admitted that he struck and kicked the victim several times, and the other man involved in the fight then used an ax to strike the victim which caused serious injury. King admitted that he did not participate or encourage the assault with the ax. The assault occurred within the Navajo Indian Reservation. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
The other man referred to by King is Henderson Castillo who is charged in a two-count indictment with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The indictment alleges that Castillo injured the victim by assaulting him with an ax on Dec. 4, 2015. Castillo has entered a not guilty plea to the indictment and remains detained pending trial. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Marquis Pounds, 28, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Pounds will be on supervised release for three years after completing his term of incarceration.
Pounds was arrested in June 2015, on a criminal complaint alleging that he unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition on June 5, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Pounds’ residence in northeast Albuquerque and seized a revolver and ammunition. Subsequent investigation revealed that revolver and ammunition had been reported stolen from a pawn shop in Los Lunas, N.M. Pounds was subsequently indicted on July 14, 2015, on the same charge.
According to court documents, Pounds was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, tampering with evidence, possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, and embezzlement.
On Dec. 17, 2015, Pounds pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on June 5, 2015, he possessed a firearm despite the fact that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Albuquerque Police Department, the Raton Police Department and the Los Lunas Police Department with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano A. Torrez prosecuted the case under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Bernalillo County, N.M., under this initiative.
Navajo Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Involuntary Manslaughter ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Sheiva Dee Joe, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Yahtahey, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning to an indictment charging her with involuntary manslaughter. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Joe will be sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Joe was arrested on July 15, 2015, on an indictment charging her with killing a man on Nov. 18, 2014, while driving under the influence of alcohol on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M.
During today’s hearing, Joe pled guilty to the indictment and admitted killing the victim by driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol. Joe admitted that because of her intoxication, she was incapable of exercising clear judgment and a steady hand in operating a vehicle, and that she operated the vehicle without using due caution and with a reckless disregard that imperiled the lives of others.
Joe remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Nayback.
Mescalero Apache Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alvino L. Saenz, 49, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge.
Saenz was one of 34 individuals charged in December 2015 with federal and tribal drug offenses as the result of an 18-month multi-agency investigation led by the DEA and BIA into methamphetamine trafficking on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Eighteen defendants, including five members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and 13 non-Natives were charged in six federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint. Sixteen other members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe were charged in tribal criminal complaints approved by the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court.
The investigation leading to the federal and tribal charges was initiated in May 2014, in response to an increase in violent crime on the Mescalero Apache Reservation perpetrated by methamphetamine users. The investigation initially targeted a drug trafficking organization that was allegedly distributing methamphetamine within the Reservation, and later expanded to include two other drug trafficking organizations in southeastern New Mexico that allegedly served as sources of supply for the methamphetamine distributed within the Reservation. In Aug. 2014, the investigation was designated as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which 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. The investigation is one of the first OCDETF investigations to utilize electronic surveillance (wiretaps) in Indian Country. More than ten kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the course of the investigation.
Saenz was arrested on Dec. 11, 2015, on an indictment charging him with distributing methamphetamine in Otero County, N.M., on July 14, 2015. During today’s proceedings, Saenz entered a guilty plea to the indictment and admitted that on July 14, 2015, he sold .85 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual who, unbeknownst to him, was an undercover law enforcement agent.
At sentencing, Saenz faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release. Saenz remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
Saenz is the fifth of the 18 federal defendants to enter a guilty plea. The following federal defendants have previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing:
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On March 9, 2016, Robin Lee Lovelace, 56, of Alamogordo, N.M., pled guilty to methamphetamine trafficking charges.Under the terms of her plea agreement, Lovelace will be sentenced to 12 years in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
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On March 3, 2016, Tandee Sheree Bettag, 38, of Alamogordo, pled guilty to methamphetamine trafficking charges.At sentencing, Bettag faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.
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On Feb. 17, 2016, Jerilyn Lee Munoz, 27, of Artesia, N.M., pled guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge.At sentencing, Munoz faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by not more than three years of supervised release.
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Wallace Rice, 23, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., pled guilty to a methamphetamine distribution charge on Feb. 5, 2016. At sentencing, Rice faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.
The remaining 13 federal defendants have entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
The federal and tribal cases were investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA, District IV of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services (Mescalero Agency), BIA’s Division of Drug Enforcement, Mescalero Tribal Police Department, Hatch Police Department, FBI and Lea County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terri J. Abernathy of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the federal cases, and Mescalero Tribal Prosecutor Alta Braham is prosecuting the tribal cases.
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Career Offender from Valencia County Sentenced to 12 Years for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ricky Gallegos, 41, of Jarales, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 12 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEA’s El Paso Division.
Gallegos was arrested in Jan. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Jan. 20, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, Gallegos fled from DEA agents after they observed him participate in a drug transaction. After a brief pursuit, the agents apprehended Gallegos who was in possession of 1.20 kilograms (2.6 pounds) of methamphetamine which he attempted to conceal by burying the drugs under his vehicle.
Gallegos was indicted on the same charge on Feb. 10, 2015. On April 16, 2015, Gallegos pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on Jan. 20, 2015, he was in possession of 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. Gallegos acknowledged that while he was attempting to flee from the officers, he crashed his vehicle into a dirt pile. He further acknowledged that before the officers apprehended him, he buried the methamphetamine and his wallet in the wreckage.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen P. Torgoley is prosecuting the case under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Bernalillo County, N.M., under this initiative.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ricardo Salcido, 29, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 70 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction.
Salcido and his co-defendant Jonathan Benitez-Tirado, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz., were arrested on Oct. 9, 2014, on a criminal complaint charging them with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Sept. 10, 2014, in Luna County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents initiated surveillance of a vehicle driven by Salcido after receiving information that he was helping Benitez-Tirado transport 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine to Deming, N.M. During a traffic stop, HSI agents discovered three bags of crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 1.34 kilograms (three pounds) under the spare tire of the vehicle driven by Salcido.
On April 9, 2015, Salcido pleaded guilty to a felony information charging him with conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Salcido admitted that from Sept. 3 to 10, 2014, he conspired with Benitez-Tirado to transport approximately 1.34 kilograms of methamphetamine to a pre-arranged location and distribute the methamphetamine to another individual.
Benitez-Tirado also pled guilty to the same charges on April 9, 2015. At sentencing, Benitez-Tirado faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Deming and Phoenix offices of HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis A. Martinez of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Anthony, N.M., Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Candelario Ayala, Jr., 40 of Anthony, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to violating the federal firearms laws under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ayala was arrested in Nov. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Oct. 23, 2015, in Doña Ana County, N.M. According to the complaint, on Oct. 23 and 24, 2015, Ayala was allegedly involved in the armed kidnapping of an adult. During a confrontation preceding the kidnapping, Ayala allegedly was armed with a firearm which he discharged into the floor of the residence in which he and the victim were located. At the time, Ayala was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he had previously been convicted of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and bribery of a witness.
During today’s proceedings, Ayala pleaded guilty to a felony information charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm on Nov. 3, 2015. Ayala admitted that on that day in Doña Ana County, he possessed a semi-automatic rifle. Ayala further admitted that he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he of his status as a convicted felon.
At sentencing, Ayala faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. Ayala remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Lizarraga of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography Involving Two ToddlersRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Michael Dameon Blackburn, 30, of Albuquerque, N.M. pleaded guilty today in federal court to producing, distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography involving two toddlers. Blackburn entered his guilty plea under a plea agreement that permits him to appeal from a court order denying his motion to suppress evidence. Blackburn will be permitted to withdraw his guilty plea if he prevails on his appeal.
The guilty plea was announced U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in El Paso, Tex., Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales, III, and Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden, Jr.
Blackburn was arrested in Dec. 2013, by HSI agents on the criminal complaint charging him with producing and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Bernalillo County, N.M., between March 2013 and Dec. 2013. In Jan. 2014, a federal grand jury filed a five-count indictment charging Blackburn was distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, and two counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleged that Blackburn committed all five offenses in Bernalillo County between Jan. 2013 and Dec. 2013.
The investigation leading to the charges against Blackburn began on Nov. 15, 2013, when HSI in Albuquerque received information from the HSI Cyber Crimes Center about a pornographic image of a young child victim who might be in the Albuquerque area. HSI’s investigative efforts identified a residence in northeast Albuquerque as a possible location for the person who may have distributed the pornographic image of the young child victim.
Court filings indicate that on Dec. 17, 2013, law enforcement officers conducted a welfare check at the residence and made contact with Blackburn and two young children, a girl and a boy both two years of age, who apparently were left in Blackburn’s care while their parents were out of town. The officers learned that Blackburn had been sexually molesting the toddlers from at least March 2013 through Dec. 2013, and taking photographs and making videos of the toddlers while he molested them. They also learned that Blackburn emailed the pornographic images and videos of the toddlers to others. The two young victims were immediately removed from the residence and put into protective custody.
During today’s change of plea hearing, Blackburn pled guilty to all five counts of the indictment. In his plea agreement, Blackburn admitted distributing a video of a female toddler being forced to perform a sexual act on an adult male. He also admitted receiving a video of a male toddler being forced to perform a sexual act with an adult male, and possessing a pornographic image of a female toddler. Blackburn also acknowledged producing pornographic images of a female toddler and a male toddler.
At sentencing, Blackburn faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison on each of the production of child pornography charges, and a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the distribution and receipt of child pornography charges. He also faces up to 20 years in prison for the possession of child pornography charges. Additionally, Blackburn will be required to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence and pay restitution to the victims as ordered by the court.
Blackburn has been in custody since his arrest and remains detained pending a sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of HSI, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department, all members of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shammara H. Henderson and Marisa A. Lizarraga 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/.
The Operation also was brought as a part of the New Mexico ICAC Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 82 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Mescalero Apache Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Glen Joel Lester, 38, a member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Lester was one of 34 individuals charged in Dec. 2015 with federal and tribal drug offenses as the result of an 18-month multi-agency investigation led by the DEA and BIA into methamphetamine trafficking on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Eighteen defendants, including five members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and 13 non-Natives were charged in six federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint. Sixteen other members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe were charged in tribal criminal complaints approved by the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court.
The investigation leading to the federal and tribal charges was initiated in May 2014, in response to an increase in violent crime on the Mescalero Apache Reservation perpetrated by methamphetamine users. The investigation initially targeted a drug trafficking organization that was allegedly distributing methamphetamine within the Reservation, and later expanded to include two other drug trafficking organizations in southeastern New Mexico that allegedly served as sources of supply for the methamphetamine distributed within the Reservation. In Aug. 2014, the investigation was designated as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which 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. The investigation is one of the first OCDETF investigations to utilize electronic surveillance (wiretaps) in Indian Country. More than ten kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the course of the investigation.
Lester was arrested on Dec. 15, 2015, on an indictment charging him with two counts of methamphetamine distribution. During today’s change of plea hearing, Lester pled guilty to both counts of the indictment and admitting selling methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent on two occasions. The first drug sale occurred on Aug. 19, 2015, in Mescalero, and involved the sale of $500 worth of methamphetamine. The second drug sale took place in Mescalero on Sept. 10, 2015, and involved the sale of $1,500 worth of methamphetamine.
At sentencing, Lester faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by not more than three years of supervised release. His sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Lester is the fourth of the 18 federal defendants to enter a guilty plea. The following defendants previously entered guilty pleas:
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On March 9, 2016, Robin Lee Lovelace, 56, of Alamogordo, N.M., pled guilty to methamphetamine trafficking charges.Under the terms of her plea agreement, Lovelace will be sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
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On Feb. 17, 2016, Jerilyn Munoz, 28, of Artesia, N.M., pled guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge.At sentencing, Munoz faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by not more than three years of supervised release.
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Wallace Rice, 23, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., pled guilty to a methamphetamine distribution charge on Feb. 5, 2016. At sentencing, Rice faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.
The federal and tribal cases were investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA, District IV of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services (Mescalero Agency), BIA’s Division of Drug Enforcement, Mescalero Tribal Police Department, Hatch Police Department, FBI and Lea County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terri J. Abernathy of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the federal cases, and Mescalero Tribal Prosecutor Alta Braham is prosecuting the tribal cases.
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Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to Federal Cocaine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two Mexican nationals pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to cocaine trafficking charges under plea agreements with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Luzelena Lopez, 41, and Alma Ivonne Chavez-Guevara, 35, both Mexican nationals, were arrested in Nov. 2015, and charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute on Nov. 11, 2015, in Otero County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, Lopez and Chavez-Guevara were arrested after U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Highway 70 in Otero County, found approximately 8.7 kilograms (19.22 pounds) of cocaine wrapped in eight bundles inside a duffel bag in their vehicle.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Lopez and Chavez-Guevara pled guilty to a felony information charging them with conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. Both women admitted that on Nov. 11, 2015, they were stopped at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Highway 70. During an inspection of their vehicle, Chavez Guevara admitted that she was present in the United States without permission. Thereafter, the agents found the cocaine in a duffel bag on the rear passenger floorboard. Lopez and Chavez-Guevara admitted that they previously agreed with each other and others to deliver the cocaine to Kansas in exchange for payment.
At sentencing, Lopez and Chavez-Guevara each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Both women will be deported following their incarceration. Lopez and Chavez-Guevara remain in custody pending sentencing hearings which have yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA and the Alamogordo station of the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Mescalero Apache Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Corinne Delphine Kinzhuma, 30, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to assault charges.
Kinzhuma was arrested on Feb. 26, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging her with assaulting a Mescalero Apache man on Dec. 12, 2014, by stabbing him repeatedly in neck, chest, arm and cheek. The assault occurred on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in Otero County, N.M. As a result of the assault, the victim required a chest tube and admission to the surgical intensive care unit for continuous monitoring of his neck wound; he also suffered a fracture of the left radius.
Kinzhuma was subsequently indicted on June 17, 2015, and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, a knife, with intent to do bodily harm and assault resulting in serious bodily injury on Dec. 12, 2014, in Indian Country in Otero County. During yesterday’s proceedings, Kinzhuma entered a guilty plea to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
At sentencing, Kinzhuma faces a statutory maximum of ten years in federal prison. Kinzhuma remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Mescalero Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Stealing Prescription Painkillers and Brandishing Firearm During Robbery of Retail PharmacyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Eddie Gallegos, 39, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court for his conviction on theft of medical products and firearms charges arising out of the armed robbery of an Albuquerque-area retail pharmacy in June 2013. Gallegos was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Gallegos was arrested in June 2015, on an indictment charging him with violating the Hobbs Act by robbing a business engaged in interstate commerce, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, violating the Safe Doses Act by stealing medical products, and possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute. The charges against Gallegos arose out of the robbery of Phil’s Pills, a retail pharmacy in Albuquerque, on June 21, 2013.
On Dec. 1, 2015, Gallegos pled guilty to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and violating the Safe Doses Act by stealing medical products. In entering his guilty plea, Gallegos admitted that on June 21, 2013, he entered the pharmacy called Phil’s Pills located at 5510 Lomas Blvd. in Albuquerque, pointed a firearm at an employee and the store owner, and demanded they fill his backpack with Oxycodone, OxyContin and Fentanyl. After the store owner complied with his demand, Gallegos fled the scene.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the Tactical Diversion Squad of the DEA in Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel R. Meyers and Shaheen P. Torgoley prosecuted the case.
DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squads combine DEA resources with those of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in an innovative effort to investigate, disrupt and dismantle those suspected of violating the Controlled Substances Act or other appropriate federal, state or local statutes pertaining to the diversion of licit pharmaceutical controlled substances or listed chemicals.
The Controlled Substance Registrant Protection Act was enacted in 1984, to combat the theft of prescription drugs from individuals and businesses registered with the DEA. It created penalties for entering a pharmacy’s premises for the purpose of stealing controlled substances, and includes enhanced punishment for using a dangerous weapon. The Safe Doses Act was enacted in Oct. 2012, to fight medical theft and protect patients from unknowingly using stolen and mishandled drugs. It provides for enhanced sentences for those who rob pharmacies of controlled substances; individuals who steal medical products; and “fences” who knowingly obtain stolen medical products for resale in the supply chain.
This case was prosecuted pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Albuquerque Felon Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms Laws and the Hobbs ActRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Vincent Steven Martinez, 38, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty late yesterday afternoon in federal court to violating the Hobbs Act by robbing a commercial business involved in interstate commerce and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. He also acknowledged violating the terms of his supervised release on a previous felony conviction. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Martinez will be sentenced to 139 months in federal prison followed a term of supervised release to be determine by the court.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales, III.
Martinez was arrested on Dec. 4, 2015, on an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Sept. 15, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. The indictment was subsequently superseded on Jan. 14, 2016, to include charging Martinez with violating the Hobbs Act on Sept. 12, 2015, by robbing a business engaged in interstate commerce in Bernalillo County. At the time, Martinez was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of aggravated battery, armed bank robbery and bank robbery.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Martinez pled guilty to the superseding indictment. Martinez also entered a guilty plea a petition charging him with violating the terms of his supervised release on a prior felony conviction for use of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm. In pleading guilty to the superseding indictment, Martinez admitted robbing three businesses in addition to the business identified in the superseding indictment. To that end, Martinez admitted the following criminal conduct:
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On Aug. 14, 2015, Martinez entered the Valero gas station at 1715 Moon Street in Albuquerque, pointed a gun at and threatened the cashier and stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the store.
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On Sept. 5, 2015, Martinez entered the Holiday Inn at 4501 Alameda Blvd. in Albuquerque, showed the hotel employee a knife and demanded money, stole cash and a camera and fled.
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On Sept. 10, 2015, Martinez entered the La Quinta Inn at 5241 San Antonio Dr. in Albuquerque, pointed a gun at and threatened a hotel employee, took money and fled.
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On Sept. 12, 2015, Martinez entered the Family Dollar at 7900 Second St. in Albuquerque, showed the cashier a gun and demanded money.Martinez admitted that, as he was grabbing money from the cash register at the Family Dollar, he dropped his wallet which had his driver’s license in it.
Martinez was arrested on Sept. 15, 2015, for the Family Dollar robbery. At the time of his arrest, Martinez possessed a firearm and multiple rounds of ammunition. Martinez admitted that prior to his arrest he had been convicted of aggravated battery, armed bank robbery and bank robbery. He admitted violating the conditions of his supervised release by committing the aforementioned robberies and by possessing the firearm and ammunition.
In entering his guilty plea to the supervised release violation, Martinez admitted that on April 28, 2010, he was convicted of armed bank robbery and was sentenced to 71 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release which commenced on June 13, 2014. Martinez admitted that by Jan. 2015, he had failed to submit to drug testing and counseling sessions as required under the conditions of his supervised release and the United States Probation Office filed a petition seeking to revoke his supervised release.
Martinez remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana B. Long is prosecuting the case under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Bernalillo County, N.M., under this initiative.
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Rio Arriba Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Glenn Gene Fernandez, 46, of Alcalde, N.M., pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and U.S. Marshal Conrad E. Candelaria.
SORNA, also known as the Adam Walsh Protection and Safety Act, requires that a convicted sex offender register in each jurisdiction where the offender resides, where the offender is employed, or where the offender is a student, and that the sex offender maintain current registrations.
Fernandez was charged in a criminal complaint on Dec. 1, 2015, with violating SORNA by failing to update his sex offender registration. Fernandez was required to register as a sex offender as a result of a 2004 state conviction in Santa Clara, Calif., for criminal sexual battery involving a restrained person. Fernandez last complied with his sex offender registration requirements in California in Aug. 2011. In Nov. 2015, the U.S. Marshals Service received a request to assist the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office with charging Fernandez with a SORNA violation. The U.S. Marshals Services’ investigation revealed that Fernandez had residing in New Mexico since at least Feb. 2013, and had not registered as a sex offender in New Mexico as required by SORNA.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Fernandez pled guilty to a felony information charging him with failing to update his registration between Feb. 2013 and Dec. 2015 in Rio Arriba County, N.M. Fernandez entered the guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement.
At sentencing, Fernandez faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison followed by a minimum of five years of supervised release. Fernandez will also be required to register as a sex offender following his term of incarceration. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez.
Alamogordo Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Robin Lee Lovelace, 56, of Alamogordo, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Lovelace will be sentenced to 12 years in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Lovelace was one of 34 individuals charged with federal and tribal drug offenses as the result of an 18-month multi-agency investigation led by the DEA and BIA into methamphetamine trafficking on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Eighteen defendants, including five members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and 13 non-Natives were charged in six federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint. Sixteen other members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe were charged in tribal criminal complaints approved by the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court.
The investigation leading to the federal and tribal charges was initiated in May 2014, in response to an increase in violent crime on the Mescalero Apache Reservation perpetrated by methamphetamine users. The investigation initially targeted a drug trafficking organization that was allegedly distributing methamphetamine within the Reservation, and later expanded to include two other drug trafficking organizations in southeastern New Mexico that allegedly served as sources of supply for the methamphetamine distributed within the Reservation. In Aug. 2014, the investigation was designated as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which 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. The investigation is one of the first OCDETF investigations to utilize electronic surveillance (wiretaps) in Indian Country. More than ten kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the course of the investigation.
Lovelace was arrested on Nov. 20, 2015, on an indictment charging her and seven other non-Natives with methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering offenses. The indictment charged Lovelace with participation in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and use of a communication device to facilitate a drug trafficking crime.
During today’s proceedings, Lovelace pled guilty to the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and admitted that between April 9, 2015 and Oct. 16, 2015, she and a co-defendant conspired to sell methamphetamine to another individual who unbeknownst to them was an undercover law enforcement agent. During that same time period, she also sold methamphetamine to other individuals who then distributed methamphetamine to their customers.
Lovelace also admitted selling the following quantities of methamphetamine to an undercover agent as follows:
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27.4 grams on April 9, 2015, in Bent, N.M.
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56 grams on April 17, 2015, in Mescalero
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84 grams on May 8, 2015, in Mescalero
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112 grams on May 15, 2015, in Mescalero
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112 grams on June 8, 2015, in Mescalero
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140 grams on July 1, 2015, in Mescalero
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580 grams on July 24, 2015, in Socorro,
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140 grams on Aug. 6, 2015, in Mescalero,
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140 grams on Sept. 3, 2015, in Tularosa, N.M.
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212 grams on Oct. 9, 2015, in Alamogordo, N.M.
Lovelace also admitted that on Oct. 15, 2015, she facilitated the sale of 364.2 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent.
Lovelace remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled
Lovelace is the fourth of the 18 federal defendants to enter a guilty plea. On March 3, 2016, Tandee Sheree Bettag, 38, of Alamogordo, pled guilty and admitted that from Aug. 2015 through Sept. 2015, a codefendant provided her with methamphetamine which she distributed; she repaid her supplier with proceeds she obtained from selling the drugs. Bettag further admitted that on Aug. 15, 2015, she used text messaging to arrange the delivery of money to a codefendant to cover a drug debt and pick up additional methamphetamine, and on Aug. 17, 2015, she used text messaging to discuss, money for a drug transaction. At sentencing, Bettag faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. She remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
On Feb. 17, 2016, Jerilyn Lee Munoz, 27, of Artesia, N.M., pled guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge. In entering the guilty plea, Munoz admitted that between April 2015 and Oct. 2015, she maintained a bank account that was used by another person to deposit the proceeds of drug trafficking crimes in order to conceal the proceeds. Munoz admitted that the other person deposited approximately $25,000.00 into her bank account during that period. At sentencing, Munoz faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by not more than three years of supervised release. Her sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Wallace Rice, 23, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., pled guilty to a methamphetamine distribution charge on Feb. 5, 2016. At sentencing, Rice faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.
The remaining 14 federal defendants have entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
The federal and tribal cases were investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA, District IV of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services (Mescalero Agency), BIA’s Division of Drug Enforcement, Mescalero Tribal Police Department, Hatch Police Department, FBI and Lea County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terri J. Abernathy of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the federal cases, and Mescalero Tribal Prosecutor Alta Braham is prosecuting the tribal cases.
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Rio Arriba County Man Sentenced to 71 Months for Federal Conspiracy and Mail Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Gerald Archuleta, 45, of Ojo Caliente, N.M., was sentenced this afternoon in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 71 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on conspiracy and mail fraud charges arising out of a scheme to defraud the federal and state unemployment insurance system. Archuleta also was ordered, jointly with his co-defendant, to pay $719,858.73 in restitution.
Archuleta’s co-defendant, Jasonn Gonzales, 43, an accountant from Velarde, N.M., previously was sentenced to 111 months for a conviction arising out of the same scheme in Dec. 2014.
Archuleta and Gonzales were charged in a six-count indictment filed in March 2014. Count 1 charged the two men with conspiracy to commit mail fraud in furtherance of a scheme to defraud the federal and state Unemployment Insurance System in New Mexico, Texas and Colorado of money by false and fraudulent pretenses. Counts 2 through 5 of the indictment charged the men with mail fraud, and Count 6 charges Gonzales alone with aggravated identity theft.
According to court filings, the federal and state Unemployment Insurance System seeks to lessen the effects of unemployment through payments made to claimants (laid-off workers) on a weekly basis while the claimants seek employment. The unemployment insurance program is administered on behalf of the federal government by state workforce agencies in each state. In entering their guilty pleas, Gonzales and Archuleta admitted that between 2009 and 2012, they schemed to defraud the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment of more than $1,356,000 by making false and fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits in the names of real people.
Gonzales and Archuleta perpetuated their unlawful scheme by fraudulently registering numerous non-existent companies with the three state workforce agencies and filing false quarterly reports for the fictitious companies which identified claimed employees. The two men provided the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of the claimed employees to the state agencies without the knowledge or authorization of the claimed employees, who were real people. Gonzales and Archuleta then made false and fraudulent claims for unemployment benefit claims on behalf of the claimed employees of the fictitious companies. The two men opened post office boxes in New Mexico, Texas and Colorado, which they provided to the three state workforce agencies as mailing addresses for the claimed employees. The state agencies mailed debit cards to the claimed employees at the post office boxes and the defendants used the debit cards to withdraw the fraudulently obtained benefits. During the life of the conspiracy, Gonzales and Archuleta submitted fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits in the aggregate amount of $1,356,461, and defrauded the three state workforce agencies of approximately $801,848, in total.
On Oct. 24, 2014, Archuleta entered a guilty plea to Counts 1 through 5 of the indictment; his guilty plea was amended on Feb. 26, 2016. Gonzales entered a guilty plea on Aug. 18, 2014, to all six counts of the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement. In entering his guilty plea, Gonzales also admitted to the forfeiture provisions of the indictment and to the entry of an $801,848.00 money judgment against him.
This case was investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Frauds Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara C. Neda.
Deming Resident Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Kidnapping and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – This morning a U.S. District Court Judge sitting in Las Cruces, N.M., sentenced Jessie Hopper, Jr., 31, of Deming, N.M., to120 months in prison for his conviction on conspiracy, kidnapping and firearms charges. He will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
His co-defendants Jessie Hopper, Sr., 55, and Polly Hopper, 62, of Deming, N.M., previously were sentenced in Oct. 2015, to lengthy prison terms for their convictions on conspiracy, kidnapping and firearms charges. Hopper, Sr. was sentenced to 366 months (30.5 years) in prison followed by five years of supervised release, while Polly Hopper, was sentenced to 292 months (24.3 years) in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
The sentences imposed on the Hoppers were announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, 6th Judicial District Attorney Francesca Martinez-Estevez, Special Agent Terry Wade of the Albuquerque Division of the FBI, Special Agent in Charge Thomas G. Atteberry of the Phoenix Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas and Luna County Sheriff Jonathon Mooradian.
The three Hoppers were arrested in June 2014, on a federal criminal complaint charging them with kidnapping and firearms charges. They subsequently were charged with conspiracy and kidnapping in a six-count indictment filed in May. 2014. The indictment also charged Hopper, Sr., and Hopper Jr., with brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, being felons in possession of firearms, and unlawfully possessing a sawed-off shotgun. Hopper, Jr., entered a guilty plea to the five charges against him on Nov. 21, 2014.
Hopper, Sr., and Polly Hopper elected to go to trial, and on Feb. 27, 2015, a federal jury returned a verdict finding the two guilty on all charges against them after a five-day trial. The evidence at trial established that Hopper, Jr., and Hopper, Sr., kidnapped the victim in Hot Springs, Ark., on May 8, 2014, with the assistance of Polly Hopper. Hopper, Jr., handcuffed the victim and a firearm was brandished at the victim to force her to comply with Hopper, Jr.’s demands, including a demand that she telephone family members to assure them that she was voluntarily leaving Arkansas with Hopper, Jr. On May 8 and 9, 2014, the defendants drove the victim from Arkansas to the defendants’ residence in Deming, where Hopper, Jr., and Hopper Sr., sexually assaulted the victim several times.
The three defendants initially were arrested by the New Mexico State Police on state charges on May 10, 2014. They remained in state custody until they were transferred to federal custody on May 16, 2014, to face the charges in this federal case. The state charges, which were filed by the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the State of New Mexico, were dismissed in favor of federal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI, the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Mexico State Police and the Luna County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the State of New Mexico. The FBI in Little Rock, Ark., the Garland County (Arkansas) Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas also assisted in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy M. Castellano and Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The Hoppers were prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders based primarily on their criminal histories for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rates, on a per capita basis, are amongst the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Luna County under this initiative.
Career Offender from Las Cruces Sentenced to Almost Eleven Years for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jennifer Sanders, 43, of Las Cruces, N.M, was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for her conviction on methamphetamine trafficking charges. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Lt. Bobby Holden, Commander of the HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said that Sanders, a career offender whose criminal history includes three prior drug trafficking convictions, was prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rate, on a per capita basis, is one of the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Doña Ana County, N.M., under this initiative.
Sanders and her co-defendants, Jose Luis Niño, 41, and Aubrey Savage, 36, of Las Cruces, and Matthew Maley, 48, and Candice Marie Carpenter, 36, of Tucson, Ariz., were charged in a 14-count superseding indictment filed in March 2014. The superseding indictment charged Maley, Sanders and Savage with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Doña Ana County from June 2013 through Aug. 2013, and Maley, Niño and Carpenter with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Doña Ana County in Dec. 2013. The superseding indictment also charged the defendants with various substantive methamphetamine trafficking offenses, and Maley and Niño were charged with being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Four of the defendants, including Sanders, entered guilty pleas to various counts of the superseding indictment while Maley elected to exercise his right to a jury trial. On Sept. 25, 2014, a jury returned a verdict of guilty against Maley on four methamphetamine trafficking charges and a firearms charge.
The prosecution of the case revealed that Maley was the head of a drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of methamphetamine in New Mexico and Arizona. During July and Aug. 2013, undercover officers made several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Maley, Sanders and Savage, including the purchase of a pound of methamphetamine on Aug. 21, 2013. From Oct. through Dec. 2013, an informant purchased methamphetamine from Niño, who obtained the methamphetamine from Maley, and on Dec. 4, 2013, officers seized approximately 274 grams of methamphetamine when they executed a search warrant at Niño’s residence in Las Cruces.
On July 18, 2014, Sanders pled guilty to conspiracy and seven counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Maley was sentenced on Jan. 20, 2016, and was sentenced to 262 months (almost 22 years) in prison followed by ten years of supervised release for his conviction on methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges.
On June 11, 2014, Savage pled guilty to a conspiracy count, and was sentenced on Feb. 25, 2015, to 60 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.
On July 16, 2014, Niño pled guilty to conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and felon in possession of ammunition. At sentencing, Niño faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
On Sept. 18, 2014, Carpenter pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of officers from the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, HSI and the New Mexico State Police. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. 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.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Serving as “Lookout” During Armed Robbery of Albuquerque Walmart StoreRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Reyes Lujan, 27, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 71 months in prison for violating the Hobbs Act, by participating in the armed robbery of a Walmart Store in Albuquerque on Oct. 29, 2014. Reyes Lujan will be on supervised release for three years following his incarceration.
Reyes Lujan was arrested on Feb. 9, 2015, on an indictment charging him and five co-defendants with Hobbs Act and firearms charges. Count 1 of the indictment charged Reyes Lujan and five other Albuquerque residents, Raymond Castillo, 26, Daniel Maestas, 35, Johnny Ramirez, 30, Frank Gallegos, 30, and Henry Lujan, 22, with conspiracy to violate the Hobbs Act. Count 2 charged the six men with violating the Hobbs Act by robbing a Wal-Mart Store in Bernalillo County, N.M., that was engaged in interstate commerce on Oct. 29, 2014. Count 3 charged Castillo with brandishing a firearm during the robbery of the Wal-Mart store, and Count 4 charges Maestas with using and carrying a firearm during the robbery. Count 5 charged Ramirez, Gallegos, Reyes Lujan and Henry Lujan with aiding and abetting the use of firearms during the robbery.
The indictment was superseded in May 2015, by adding a new defendant, Reynaldo Marquez, 25, of Albuquerque, and two new counts. The new Count 6 charged Castillo and Marquez with interfering with interstate commerce by robbing a 7-11 convenience store located in Bernalillo County on Dec. 7, 2014. The new Count 7 charged Marquez with discharging a firearm during that robbery.
On Oct. 19, 2015, Reyes Lujan entered a guilty plea to Count 2 of the superseding indictment charging a violation of the Hobbs Act. According to the plea agreement, Reyes Lujan and his co-defendants jointly planned the Oct. 29, 2014, robbery of the Walmart Store located at 400 Eubank NE in Albuquerque. Reyes Lujan, who was not armed, was dropped off outside of the store to act as a “lookout” while two of his co-defendants went inside the Walmart Store and stole a rolling safe.
Reyes Lujan’s six co-defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to the superseding indictment. Charges in indictments are merely accusations, and all criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The United States has agreed to separate trials for Counts 1 through 5 of the superseding indictment, which arise out of the alleged robbery of the Walmart Store, and Counts 6 and 7, which arise out of the alleged robbery of the 7-11 convenience store.
If convicted on Counts 1 and 2, the conspiracy charge and the first Hobbs Act charge, the defendants each face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. On conviction, Counts 4 and 5, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence or aiding and abetting the use of a firearm, each carries a mandatory five-year prison sentence which must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the conspiracy and Hobbs Act charges. If Castillo is found to be a career offender and is convicted after trial on Count 3 of the superseding indictment, he faces an enhanced sentence of prison term of 360 months to life imprisonment.
Castillo and Marquez each face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years if convicted on Count 6 of the superseding indictment. If convicted of discharging a firearm as charged in Count 7, Marquez faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison which must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on him for a conviction on Count 6.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Norman Cairns and Samuel A. Hurtado are prosecuting this case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. In recognition that New Mexico’s violent crime rates, on a per capita basis, are amongst the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community has come together to is collaborating the initiative is significantly exceed the national average.
Santa Fe Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jacob P. Wheeler, 25, of Santa Fe, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to an armed bank robbery charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Wheeler was arrested on May 26, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with robbing the Century Bank located at 498 N. Guadalupe St. in Santa Fe, on May 15, 2015. The complaint alleged that Wheeler robbed the bank by pointing a gun at the bank teller, demanding money, and climbing up onto the teller’s counter to grab money from a cash drawer.
Wheeler became the target of investigation later that day after the FBI received a tip identifying Wheeler as the bank robber.Wheeler was subsequently indicted on June 24, 2015, and charged with armed bank robbery of the Century Bank located at 498 N. Guadalupe St. in Santa Fe County, N.M., on May 15, 2015.
During today’s plea hearing, Wheeler pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on May 15, 2015, he robbed the Century Bank in Santa Fe through force, violence and intimidation. At sentencing, Wheeler faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison followed by up to five years of supervised release. Wheeler remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Santa Fe Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman Cairns.
Two Mexican Nationals Ordered Detained Pending Trial on Federal Heroin Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – This morning a U.S. Magistrate Judge sitting in Albuquerque, N.M., found probable cause to support a criminal complaint charging Francisco Rodriguez-Moreno, 26, and Octavio Lopez-Ramirez, 31, both Mexican nationals, with heroin trafficking offenses. Both men, who are illegally in the United States and residing in Albuquerque, were ordered detained pending trial.
Rodriguez-Moreno and Lopez-Ramirez were arrested on March 2, 2016, by the DEA and the HIDTA Region III Narcotics Task Force after they executed searches on Rodriguez-Moreno’s vehicle and the residence in which both men reside. The agents allegedly seized 425 gross grams of heroin from Rodriguez-Moreno’s vehicle and 1070.6 gross grams of heroin from the residence. The agents also allegedly seized more than $8000 and drug paraphernalia from the residence and more than $7000 from Rodriguez-Moreno.
If convicted of the crimes charged in the criminal complaint, Rodriguez-Moreno and Lopez-Ramirez face a statutory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and the HIDTA Region III Narcotics Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is prosecuting the case as part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
The HIDTA – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area – Program is a program of the White House Office National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) that facilitates cooperation among federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to foster intelligence sharing and to support the execution of effective enforcement operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking organization in critical drug trafficking regions of the United States. The HIDTA Region III Narcotics Task Force is comprised of the New Mexico State Police, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Fe Police Department.