District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man with a lengthy history of retail thefts and assaults was federally charged under the Hobbs Act after the Las Cruces Police Department publicly condemned the state judicial system for failing to prosecute more than 70 offenses allegedly committed by the defendant since 2022.

According to court documents, between November 2022 and April 2025, Neal Wesley Garcia, 43, allegedly committed multiple robberies and assaults at retail stores throughout Las Cruces, New Mexico. Garcia’s offenses involved violence or threats against employees when they attempted to prevent him from leaving stores with unpaid merchandise.

Court documents allege that:

• On November 21, 2022, Garcia stole a Sony backpack from GameStop after pushing an employee who confronted him.
• On April 24, 2023, Garcia assaulted two employees at Lowes Fiesta Foods after attempting to leave with cleaning products without paying.
• On June 30, 2023, Garcia threatened a Savers employee with a stolen baseball bat and broke a window while fleeing with merchandise.
• On July 7, 2023, Garcia punched a Murphy’s Express employee and damaged the employee’s vehicle after shoplifting.
• On August 24, 2023, Garcia struck an Albertson’s worker while taking grocery items without payment.
• On April 5, 2025, Garcia punched a Walmart employee after concealing items in his waistband and attempting to leave without paying.

Each incident involved goods that were manufactured and shipped from outside New Mexico and Garcia’s criminal conduct impacted the stores’ ability to conduct business and thereby affected interstate commerce.

Garcia is charged with six counts of interference with commerce by threats or violence and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Garcia faces 20 years in prison as to each count.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man was sentenced to 30 months prison for assaulting a man without provocation and causing severe injuries.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on February 2, 2025, James William Julian, 26, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe, inserted himself into an argument between two other men and repeatedly punched John Doe in the face, causing severe injuries including a nasal fracture, orbit fracture, a fractured rib and lacerations.

Julian pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Julian will be subject to two years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was arrested after attempting to sell 10,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent.

According to court documents, in September 2025, an undercover agent from the Isleta Police Department began communicating with Daron Andrey Holmes, Jr., 35, of Arizona, via Facebook regarding the purchase of 10,000 fentanyl pills. Holmes and the agent agreed to meet at the Isleta Resort and casino on the Isleta Pueblo on the evening of October 29, 2025, to effectuate the sale. When Holmes arrived, he was arrested by a team of agents and officers from the Isleta Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, U.S. Marshal Service, New Mexico State Police and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.

After Holmes was taken into custody, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office K9 Zara performed an open-air sniff of Holmes’ vehicle and alerted to the presence of the odor of narcotics. Agents and officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. Inside they located a large amount of U.S. currency and approximately 4,102 grams of fentanyl pills.

Holmes is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Holmes faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Shawn Stallo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

The Homeland Security Investigations El Paso investigated this case with assistance from Isleta Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, U.S. Marshal Service, New Mexico State Police and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man is facing an agreed-upon 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to the federal felonies of assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence and discharging that firearm.

According to court documents, at about 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, Cody Laweka, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, drove with another person to a home on the Pueblo of Zuni. The person with whom Laweka drove had a shotgun in his truck bed. On the way to this residence, Laweka asked to use this shotgun. When Laweka arrived at the residence, he exited the vehicle with the shotgun and shot at least twice at a car occupied by John Doe. After this shooting, Laweka got back into the truck with the other person and left the scene. No one was hit by Laweka’s gunshots.

At the time Laweka committed these crimes crime, he was on supervised release for committing a prior federal crime. Sentencing in this case is not yet scheduled.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones and Nicholas Marshall are prosecuting this case.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man admitted to stabbing another man without provocation, causing serious injuries

According to court documents, on June 16, 2025, Adrian Cheama, 37, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, stabbed John Doe in the abdomen with a sharp metal object, causing serious bodily injury to Doe.

Cheama pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Cheama faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Cheama will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been indicted on federal charges in connection with the deaths of three individuals on July 4.

According to court documents, on July 4, 2025, Willis Kylestewa, 41, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, killed John Doe, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2.

Kylestewa is charged with three counts of second-degree murder and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Kylestewa faces any number of years up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department and Zuni Open Space. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas J. Marshall and Amy Mondragon are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged after he opened fire in a residential area, seriously wounding the victim, then lied to police about his involvement.

According to court documents, on March 20, 2025, Shane Austin Loretto, 31, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, discharged a shotgun from the front seat of a vehicle, hitting the victim, who was seated in another vehicle across the street, in the face and neck with buckshot. A witness drove the victim to a local hospital where he was treated.

During a subsequent interview, Loretto claimed he had heard about the gunshots but did not know where where they came from. Law enforcement located the shotgun and ammunition in a safe inside a shed adjacent to Loretto's residence.

Loretto is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charges, Loretto faces 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – Two Las Cruces men have been charged with possession of a firearm in a school zone after being arrested with weapons near an elementary school.

According to court documents, on the night of September 6, 2025, Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) responded to reports of shots fired at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico. There, officers recovered numerous shell casings from the parking lot.

Shortly after the shooting, police received reports of two males walking through a neighborhood near Hermosa Heights Elementary School carrying firearms. An LCPD sergeant made contact with John Anthony Orta, 24, and Steven Mendoza, 21, directly across from the school. At the time, Orta had a handgun in his waistband and Mendoza was concealing a partially disassembled AR-15 style pistol in his pants. Both men were intoxicated and were initially arrested for Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon under state law.

During subsequent interviews, Orta admitted carrying the handgun for protection but denied involvement in the shooting. Mendoza acknowledged being at the park and later walking near Hermosa Heights Elementary School with the AR-15 style pistol.

Young Park displays posted signage indicating it is a Safe School Zone where firearms are prohibited. The shooting scene was approximately 540 feet from Lynn Middle School, and the arrest location was approximately 100 feet from Hermosa Heights Elementary School grounds. Ballistic analysis determined the shell casings recovered from Young Park did not match either firearm possessed by Orta or Mendoza.

Orta and Mendoza are charged with possession of a firearm in a school zone. If convicted of the current charges, each faces up to five years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting both cases.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Tohatchi man has been indicted on federal charges in connection with a violent assault.

According to court documents, on June 23, 2025, Jeremy Yazzie, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted the victim with a knife. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered serious bodily injury.

Yazzie is charged with assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Yazzie faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman was sentenced to five years of probation after failing to seek medical care for her injured son.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, Avondale Johnson, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arrested after Navajo Nation Police responded to a concerned citizen's report that Johnson's minor son was living in a disabled car without heating or cooling and was left unattended for hours at a time. When officers arrived, they found the minor in the car wearing a soiled diaper and complaining of arm pain. Medical examination revealed the minor had a displaced spiral fracture in his upper arm that was approximately one week old. Johnson admitted she knew her son was injured but did not seek medical care. Johnson pled guilty to recklessly permitting the abandonment or abuse of a child, with no death or great bodily harm.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to five years of probation for slashing another man’s throat.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on September 10, 2022, Darron Smith, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was attending a small gathering at an apartment within the Navajo Nation reservation. Shortly after midnight, without warning or provocation, Smith removed a 7.5-inch blade from a knife block and sliced the throat of John Doe.

John Doe was rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized. He suffered a 5 ½ inch laceration on his neck which required 13 sutures.

Smith pled guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Smith will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 37 months in prison after a drunk driving crash critically injured his passenger.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on January 11, 2018, Philbert Wayne Mark, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving at high rates of speed while highly intoxicated when he failed to navigate a turn. The vehicle flipped and rolled for 174 feet, ejecting and critically injuring his passenger. At the hospital, Mark had a blood alcohol content of .396.

Mark pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Mark will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man admitted in court to stabbing two men after a day of heavy drinking on the Navajo Nation in 2022.

According to court documents, on Sunday, October 9, 2022, Harley Etcitty, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stabbed two people following a day of heavy drinking. Etcitty stabbed one victim in his back and chest; he stabbed the other victim (who was asleep at the time) in his head.

Etcitty pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. At sentencing, Etcitty faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Etcitty will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency pf the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting this case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man admitted to breaking into a home and killing a man who tried to stop him from attacking another resident.

According to court documents, on June 27, 2025, Armondo Paul, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went to a home in Shiprock, New Mexico. He shut off the electricity to the home, then kicked open the back door and assaulted one of the occupants. When a second occupant, John Doe, attempted to intervene on behalf of the first occupant, Paul stabbed Doe in the neck with a kitchen knife Paul had brought from his own home. John Doe died at the scene from the injury Paul caused.

Paul pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. At sentencing, Paul faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Paul will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Feder-al Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon admitted to stealing and attempting to sell a loaded firearm.

According to court documents, on August 10, 2022, Crandall Craig Martin, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stole a loaded firearm with the intention of trading it for alcohol or money to buy alcohol. As both a previously convicted felon and person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Martin pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Martin faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martin will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been indicted on federal charges for sexually abusing a minor over a five-year period.

According to court documents, between December 2014 and December 2019, Brian Begay, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in or attempted to engage in sexual act with a minor.

Begay is charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces up no less than 30 years and up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Roswell woman was sentenced to 60 months in prison for orchestrating multiple fraud schemes involving COVID-19 unemployment benefits and federal tax returns that defrauded federal and state agencies and individual taxpayers of more than $312,000.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between June 2020 and April 2021, Melanie Willis, aka Melanie Vallejos, 50, submitted fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) in her own name, assisted others in submitting fraudulent claims, and filed applications in others' names without their knowledge. Willis obtained $29,788 through fraudulent unemployment claims in her own name and caused losses of at least $183,420 from NMDWS, much of which she kept for herself. Investigators linked Willis to over 150 NMDWS accounts through internet activity.

Further, between at least 2017 and 2022, Willis also filed at least 34 false tax returns in the names of at least 15 victim taxpayers in the Roswell area while posing as a community tax return preparer or accountant. All returns contained false information designed to fraudulently inflate tax refunds and were filed without the victims' knowledge or consent. The tax fraud scheme resulted in losses of at least $137,062 in tax credits and refunds issued to the victim taxpayers, but most of which Willis redirected to addresses and bank accounts that she controlled.

Finally, between April 15, 2020, and June 30, 2021, Willis diverted and stole at least $27,200 in COVID-19 economic relief and impact payments from taxpayers by similarly using addresses she controlled and forging victim taxpayers’ signatures to deposit checks into her personal bank account.

The case originated in February 2022 following a referral from the Roswell Police Department, which had been investigating Willis for a separate state tax refund fraud scheme. In September 2021, search warrants executed at addresses used by Willis uncovered individual tax returns in others' names, notebooks full of personally identifying information, numerous debit cards and identification documents in victim taxpayers' names, and letters from NMDWS and the IRS addressed to identity theft victims.

In December 2024, Willispled guilty to four counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, three counts of filing false, fictitious or fraudulent claims and eleven counts of theft of public money. Upon her release from prison, Willis will be subject to three years of supervised release. Willis was also ordered to pay $312,468.66 in restitution to individual victim taxpayers, the State of New Mexico, and the United States.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Unit investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tavo Hall prosecuted the case with assistance from Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney Matthew Hicks.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Romanian national pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent scheme that used fake business websites and false identities to steal more than $1.18 million from consumers across the country.

According to court documents, from May 26, 2023, through June 25, 2024, Claudiu Pesteleu, a Romanian national illegally present in the United States, and his co-conspirators devised a scheme in which certain co-conspirators would create fake websites that appeared to represent legitimate businesses selling vehicles and equipment. When consumers inquired about making purchases, the conspirators instructed them to wire payment to bank accounts that Pesteleu had opened using false identity documents and sham business names. After receiving the payments, the conspirators stopped communicating with the consumers and never delivered any products.

To help conceal the scheme, Pesteleu obtained false identity documents, including foreign passports, and opened multiple bank accounts in those names. Pesteleu admitted that at least one victim was located in New Mexico and that the scheme caused a total loss of approximately $1,800,000. Pesteleu also admitted to conducting numerous financial transactions with the stolen funds, including cash withdrawals and transfers exceeding $10,000, to disguise the source and ownership of the money.

Pesteleu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. At sentencing, Pesteleu faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pesteleu will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Ryan G. McRae, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

The Homeland Security Investigations Deming investigated this case with assistance from the Gainesville, Florida Police Department. Las Cruces Criminal Chief Richard Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Gardner are prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Pueblo Pintado man admitted to fatally shooting another man after a night of heavy drinking and a physical altercation.

According to court documents, on March 17, 2025, in McKinley County, Thurman Curley, 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot and killed John Doe following a physical altercation after a night of heavy drinking.

Curley pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At sentencing, Curley faces up to eight years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Curley will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man was sentenced to 13 years prison for engaging in non-consensual sexual acts with a minor.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024, Patrick Wayne Platero, 47, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in a sexual act with the minor victim without their consent.

Platero pled guilty to one count of sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Platero will be subject to three years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Morgan Lake man has been charged with assaulting an officer using his vehicle.

According to court documents, on September 28, 2025, officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to a report of a suspected drunk driver. When they arrive in the area, the driver, Kendall Benally, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, refused to obey commands and attempted to flee in his vehicle, striking and injuring an officer and a marked unit in the process. Benally then exited the vehicle and fled on foot and attempted to hide from officers. Benally was found and arrested a short time later.

Benally is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charges, Benally faces five years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack E. Burkhead is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man admitted to assaulting and strangling a victim, leaving them with serious injuries.

According to court documents, on March 13, 2025, Philman Sam Pike, 24, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim by punching, strangling and suffocating them, causing them to lose consciousness and causing them extreme physical pain.

Pike pleaded guilty to assault by strangling. At sentencing, Pike faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pike will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man has been charged with child abuse after firing a weapon near his two young children and placing them in a situation that endangered their lives. 

According to court documents, on August 26, 2025, Emilio Morales, 24, a non-Indian, went to a residence located within the exterior boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. Upon arrival, Morales fired a weapon into the air multiple times and forced entry into the home. Once inside, he took his two-year-old son from his crib while armed and threatened to harm himself in front of the child. Morales then seized his four-year-old daughter and continued making threats of self-harm. When officers arrived on scene, Morales demanded that they shot him while he was holding his daughter. The children’s safety was secured after a brief standoff.

Both children are enrolled members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

Morales is charged with child abuse and will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted of the current charges, Morales faces up to three years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man has been charged for allegedly assaulting a woman by dragging her beneath a moving vehicle, causing serious bodily injuries.

According to court documents, on September 14, 2024, Thurman Allen Paz, 46, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and Jane Doe were in a vehicle when Paz began to strike her in the face and head. Jane Doe attempted to get out of the vehicle while it was moving and was dragged underneath. As a result, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injuries.

Paz is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the current charge, Paz faces up to 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A man was charged with assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer who responded to a report of property damage on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

According to court documents, on May 29, 2025, Dominic James Isaac Sandoval Peralta, 23, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted and resisted an officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services when the officer arrived at a residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in response to reports of a male breaking windows. When the officer approached Peralta, he was acting erratic and yelling. Peralta then advanced on the officer, leading to a physical confrontation during which Peralta punched the officer in the head several times, forcing the officer to stun Peralta with a taser in order to place him under arrest.

Peralta is charged with assault, resistance and opposition of an officer of the U.S. resulting in physical contact and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Peralta faces eight years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for violent assault.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on August 18, 2023, Kenzie Alonzo, 26, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, physically assaulted Jane Doe during a verbal altercation. As a result, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injury, including a concussion, severe bruising, and bite marks, requiring emergency medical transport and hospitalization.

Alonzo pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Alonzo will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Zia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A La Jara man was sentenced to 180 months in prison for a decades-long pattern of sexually abusing minors.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between 1992 and 2016, Ronald Mescal, 62, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, sexually assaulted three minors. The crimes occurred during three separate time periods: from July 1992 to August 1996, from May 1995 to August 1995, and from September 2009 to September 2016.

Mescal pled guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Mescal will be subject to twenty years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Hobbs man was sentenced to 180 months in prison following the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and weapons during two traffic stops in July 2023.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, during a traffic stop on July 4, 2023, Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Mark Liges, 34, on an outstanding warrant. A police canine alerted deputies to narcotics in the vehicle which was then towed pending a search warrant.

The following day, the LCSO and Lea County Drug Task Force executed the warrant on the vehicle. Inside, officers found 679.4 net grams of fentanyl and 199 net grams of pure methamphetamine. Authorities also found loaded two handguns, along with a digital scale and empty baggies. Further investigation using a search warrant for Liges' cellphone revealed text messages corroborating his drug distribution activities.

Just eight days after his initial arrest on July 12, 2023, Liges was arrested again in Hobbs, NM, this time for driving with a suspended license. During this arrest, Liges informed officers he was carrying another firearm, stating he knew it was illegal but claimed he needed it for protection. Liges has a history of felony offenses, including distribution of marijuana in 2010 and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2013, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.

Liges subsequently pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon his release from prison, Liges will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The DEA’s El Paso Division investigated this case with assistance from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the Lea County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland man pleaded guilty to a federal crime after a fatal car crash involving drugs that resulted in the death of a baby.

According to court documents, on April 3, 2024, Dewayne Earl Blackie, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving on a two-lane highway near Shiprock, New Mexico, when he collided with two other cars that were pulled over on the right-hand side of the road. A 16-month-old child was ejected from his vehicle. The child died from blunt-force injuries. After the wreck, methamphetamines and marijuana were found in Blackie’s system.

Blackie pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. At sentencing, Blackie is subject to a prison sentence of up to eight years. Upon his release from prison, Blackie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – Five Albuquerque men have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a firearms and drug trafficking conspiracy that involved selling machine gun conversion devices and cocaine.

According to court records, between February 2024 and July 2024, Micah Maestas, 20, Dominic Ramirez, 22, Daniel Garcia, 19, Oscar Ruiz Salmeron, 20, and his brother, Jesus Ruiz Salmeron, 20, sold firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as "Glock switches," along with cocaine. During the investigation, the defendants sold modified firearms and distributed controlled substances to an undercover law enforcement officer in multiple transactions.

Law enforcement linked firearms sold by the defendants to multiple shooting incidents in the Albuquerque area through ballistics evidence. Jesus Ruiz Salmeron was captured on video firing a fully automatic weapon near Albuquerque High School.

Maestas pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine, using firearms in drug trafficking crimes, trafficking firearms, dealing firearms without a license and using firearms in drug trafficking crimes and possession and transfer of a machinegun. Ramirez and Garcia pleaded guilty to dealing firearms without a license, distribution of cocaine and using a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. Oscar Ruiz Salmeron pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms. Jesus Ruiz Salmeron pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun.

Under the terms of their plea agreements, Maestas, Ramirez, and Garcia each face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and up to 20 years. Oscar Ruiz Salmeron and Jesus Ruiz Salmeron faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Maestas is scheduled to be sentenced November 6, 2025. Sentencing hearings for the remaining defendants have not been scheduled.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Shawn Stallo, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jack E. Burkhead is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for engaging in sexual acts with a 14-year-old child.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, in February 2019, Daniel Washburn, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in sexual act with a 14-year-old minor when he was 24 years old.

Washburn pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. Upon his release from prison, Washburn will be subject to ten years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Jesse Pecoraro and Mia Ulibarri-Rubin are prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man was sentenced to 46 months in prison, while his wife received probation for aiding and abetting in connection with a violent assault in 2023.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on July 28, 2023, during an argument, Renauldo Sandoval, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, slammed Jane Doe into a wall and strangled her, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. Lisa Sandoval, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, then pinned Jane Doe to the ground.

Upon his release from prison, Renauldo Sandoval will be subject to three years of supervised release. Lisa Sandoval received a sentence of five years of probation at sentencing.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a 2022 crime spree that left one person dead.

According to court documents, on August 9, 2022, Ricky Eddie Martinez, Jr., 34, robbed the Dandy Burger restaurant, taking over $100. The next day, Martinez robbed a Shell gas station and took $352. On August 11, 2022, Martinez robbed a Walgreens, firing his weapon toward liquor cabinets when the cashier could not open the register, then forcibly took the register and its contents.

On August 16, 2022, Martinez attempted to rob a Blake's Lotaburger, jumped over the counter, struggled with cashier John Doe 2, and shot and killed him. Martinez also struck John Doe 3, another employee and brother of John Doe 2, with his firearm and shot at him but missed. As a previously convicted felon, Martinez is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Martinez pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery, using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and, as part of a global plea agreement with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, also agreed to plead guilty in state court to offenses related to the murder of John Doe 2 and other crimes against John Doe 3.

Additional robberies committed during the crime spree, including incidents at a Chevron Gas Station, 420 Emporia Smoke Shop, Chalupp's Pizza, Family Dollar, and Dollar General, were not charged federally but are being considered for restitution.

At sentencing, Martinez faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison on the federal charges.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Española Police Department, Taos Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint man pleaded guilty to federal charges after a fatal crash involving alcohol and prescription opioids.

According to court documents, on July 3, 2024, Joey Martin, 55, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving on State Highway 371 in Crownpoint, New Mexico, when he swerved to avoid a semitruck and lost control. His passenger was killed in the crash. After the crash, Martin admitted to taking opioid pain medication an hour or two prior.

Martin pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. At sentencing, Martin is subject to a sentence of up to eight years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martin will be subject to up to three years to life of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pahl is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Casamero Lake woman pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after striking and killing a pedestrian on a dirt road while driving drunk.

According to court documents, on or about August 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack, 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, hit and killed John Doe on a dirt road after drinking a 6-pack of beer the day of the incident. John Doe’s body was found on the side of the road four days later. The cause of death is listed as blunt force trauma. Investigators located car parts in the area of John Doe’s body which later came back to a vehicle owned by Rojack.

On October 4, 2024, Special Agents spoke to Rojack again, who stated that she had heard that someone was killed in the same canyon where her accident had occurred and confirmed that she was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Rojack pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. At sentencing, Rojack faces up to eight years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Rojack will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man was sentenced to 208 months prison for sexually abusing an incapacitated minor victim.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between February 26 and February 27 of 2016, Donovan Pete, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a sleeping minor victim.

Pete pled guilty to sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, Pete will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Belen man pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges after submitting 21 fraudulent unemployment insurance applications using stolen identities during the pandemic.

According to court documents, between June 18, 2020, to October 15, 2021, Joseph Anthony Martinez, 44, submitted 21 fraudulent unemployment insurance claim applications through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions using his own name, variations of his name, and the stolen identities of others. To that end, Martinez provided false employment information and opened bank accounts in other individuals' names without authorization to receive the fraudulent payments totaling more than $50,000.

Martinez pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government property. At sentencing, Martinez faces up to 20 years in prison.  Upon his release from prison, Martinez will be subject to one year of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case with assistance from NM Workforce Solutions and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.  Deputy U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Artesia man was sentenced to 240 months in prison for selling pure methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to an undercover agent.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on April 3, 2024, Sammie Joe Peralta, 49, sold 859 grams of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent at a gas station in Artesia, New Mexico. When Peralta was arrested, he was found with three handguns and an additional 126 grams of pure methamphetamine.

Peralta pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Upon his release from prison, Peralta will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, and the Eddy County Sherrif’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with federal drug and weapons offenses after U.S. Marshals arrested him on a supervised release violation last month.

According to court documents, on September 8, 2025, Orlando Mario Jude Serrano, 44, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on an active federal warrant for violating his supervised release. During the arrest in Albuquerque, agents recovered approximately 1,283 grams of fentanyl pills, 364 grams of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and a Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device inside a camera bag and lunch bag Serrano was carrying and inside his vehicle.

Serrano was previously convicted in 2015 for drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm.

Serrano is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the current charges, Serrano faces no less than 10 years and up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oliver Stephanz is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

ALBUQUERQUE – On October 22, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico filed a Notice of Intent to seek the death penalty against Zachary Babitz.

Babitz, 39, is charged in a 13-count Indictment as follows:

• Count 1 – Interference with Commerce by Robbery (July 30, 2024)
• Count 2 – Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Such Crime (July 30, 2024)
• Count 3 – Bank Robbery (July 31, 2024)
• Count 4 – Interference with Commerce by Robbery (August 3, 2024)
• Count 5 – Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possessing and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of Such Crime (August 3, 2024)
• Count 6 – Carjacking Resulting in Death (August 6, 2024)
• Count 7 – Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Such Crime, Discharging Said Firearm, and Causing Death Through Use and Possession of a Firearm (August 6, 2024)
• Count 8 – Carjacking (August 9, 2024)
• Count 9 – Interference with Commerce by Robbery (August 10, 2024)
• Count 10 – Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possessing and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of Such Crime (August 10, 2024)
• Count 11 – Carjacking (August 10, 2024)
• Count 12 – Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possessing and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of Such Crime (August 10, 2024)
• Count 13 – Felon in Possession of a Firearm (July 30, 2024 – August 10, 2024)

The maximum penalty for Counts 6 and 7 is death, and Attorney General Bondi has authorized and directed the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Babitz.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Fe Police Department, Albuquerque Police Department and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBUQUERQUE – Two Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States were sentenced to 17 and 22 years in federal prison following a multi-agency drug investigation that uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and multiple loaded firearms at an Albuquerque residence.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between August 2022 and December 2023, Martin Aispuro-Lopez, 27, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to an undercover DEA agent on three occasions. On December 12, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lopez's residence in southwest Albuquerque and arrested him. Agents recovered four loaded firearms and large quantities of narcotics throughout the residence, including cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

At the same residence, agents encountered Victor Manuel Felix-Ramirez, 24, a Mexican national who was illegally present in the United States following two prior removals in 2019.  Agents located Ramirez's two firearms, one of which was loaded and equipped with a machine gun conversion device, and fentanyl pills. Ramirez admitted participating in Lopez's drug trafficking activities. At sentencing, the Government introduced evidence of Ramirez's ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, including items that identified him as a "veteran" of the "Culiacanazo" (a.k.a. "Black Thursday") battle between the Sinaloa Cartel and Mexican authorities.

Lopez pled guilty to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Ramirez, who the sentencing judge to referred to as a "trusted soldier" for the organization, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison. Upon their release from prison, both men will be subject to deportation.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division investigated this case with from Homeland Security Investigations El Paso and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Nichols is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – Claudiu Pesteleu is set to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on October 16, 2025, at 1:30 pm.

Pesteleu, 43, a Romanian national illegally present in the United States, participated in a nationwide fraud scheme involving businesses that were impersonated through false websites.  These fake websites would cause victims to wire money—believing they were purchasing real products, such as cars and equipment.  The funds would then be wired to the bank accounts of shell companies, which had been organized with fake foreign passports and identity documents.

Pesteleu's participation in this scheme lasted from May 2023 through June 2024.  His specific role was to assist co-conspirators in obtaining and then concealing these fraudulently obtained funds. For example, Pesteleu obtained false identity documents and then organized businesses under the names of these false identities. The shell companies and alias that Pesteleu used in this scheme included Zammer Equipment LLC (under the alias Matthias Zammer), Super Exotic Deals LLC (Samuel Der Saar), Premier E. Liquidators LLC (Fred Laport), Adler Pre Owned LLC (Boris Adler), and Bittman Motors LLC (Fritz Bittman). Pesteleu also used the additional alias of Thomas Muller. After creating these shell companies, Pesteleu then opened bank accounts using the names of these shell companies and his false identities. Consumers would then be instructed to wire funds to these accounts—mistakenly believing they were making real purchases. A total of approximately $1,800,000.00 in fraudulently obtained funds was sent by various consumers to bank accounts that Pesteleu controlled. Once these funds entered these bank accounts, Pesteleu then engaged in numerous financial transactions with these funds in order to make it difficult for law enforcement officials to discover this scheme and to seize these funds.

If you believe you were a victim of Pesteleu, please contact the Homeland Security Investigations tipline at 866-347-2423.

If you are a victim or potential victim and would like to attend the plea hearing on October 16, 2025, at 1:30 pm or have questions, please contact Victim Specialist Jacquie Gutierrez at (575) 522-2304 before the date of the hearing for more information.

The Homeland Security Investigations Deming investigated this case with assistance from the Gainesville, Florida Police Department. Las Cruces Criminal Chief Richard Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Gardner are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Venezuelan national and suspected member of a transnational criminal organization has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms and conspiring to destroy evidence after posting photos and videos of himself with weapons on social media.

According to court documents, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, a Venezuelan national, illegally entered the United States on December 15, 2023, and was released pending removal proceedings. In January 2025, Homeland Security Investigations received an anonymous tip that Ortega-Lopez, a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization and U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, was living in Las Cruces and in possession of firearms.

Ortega-Lopez posted numerous photos and videos to his Facebook and TikTok accounts showing him handling, displaying, and shooting various firearms at a Las Cruces shooting range and other locations. On December 24, 2024, Ortega-Lopez posted photos and videos of himself at the residence of April Cano, a social media influencer and gun enthusiast, holding a rifle with tactical equipment while wearing a ballistic helmet with night vision goggles. In the videos, Ortega-Lopez referred to April Cano's parents, Nancy and Jose Cano, as "Patron" and "Patrona," and told an informant he had received a firearm as a Christmas gift from the Cano family.

Ortega-Lopez worked for the Cano family and received housing in return.  Additionally, the Cano family took Ortega-Lopez to the shooting range to fire weapons and allowed him access to firearms.

On February 28, 2025, agents executed search warrants and seized four firearms from April Cano's residence. During a post-Miranda interview, Ortega-Lopez admitted he recognized all four firearms and knew it was illegal for him to possess them. On April 20, 2025, Ortega-Lopez conspired with another person to destroy his Facebook account to avoid the contents being used against him at trial.

Nancy and Jose Cano were indicted this week on charges related to tampering with evidence. Nancy Cano faces charges of conspiracy to tamper with evidence, while Jose Cano is charged with both conspiracy to tamper with evidence and tampering with evidence. Both remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

Ortega-Lopez pleaded guilty to alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to tamper with evidence. At sentencing, Ortega-Lopez faces up to 20 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Senior Litigation Counsel Maria Y. Armijo, Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Castellano and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Tonkin are prosecuting the case part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. [use if applicable] Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man is facing federal charges after aiming his assault-style rifle at a minor and other witnesses during a fight that left the minor-victim hospitalized.

According to court documents, on September 21, 2025, Azariah Arnold Cleveland, 18, an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, drove himself and several accomplices to the minor’s home to confront the minor. Once Cleveland spotted the minor walking along the road, the occupants of Cleveland’s car got out and assaulted the minor. During this fight, Cleveland got out of his car and pointed his assault-style rifle at the minor, the minor’s parents, and other witnesses, firing seven to eight shots in the air. The minor was later treated at a local hospital for injuries.

Cleveland is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Trial in this case has not yet been set. If convicted, Cleveland a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man is facing federal charges after allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a minor.

According to court documents, following a report made to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in February 2021, an investigation was initiated into Deverne Torres, Jr., 45, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The complaint arose after a witness claimed to have seen Torres kissing and touching a minor and reportedly threatened the witness to keep quiet.

During a subsequent interview, the victim disclosed that Torres had engaged in sexual acts with them beginning when they were under the age of 12 and continuing for years.

Torres is charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Torres faces up t0 life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson Dering is prosecuting the case.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeking other potential victims of Torres. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs at (575) 464-4479.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland man has been indicted on federal charges in connection with the murder of a woman.

According to court documents, on December 9, 2024, Timothy Begay, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, intentionally killed Jane Doe.

Begay is charged with second degree murder and will be released third-party to a halfway house pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBUQUERQUE – Federal authorities have charged five men for their roles in a large-scale conspiracy to steal and sell crude oil from pipelines in New Mexico and West Texas.

According to court documents, in June 2025 Special Agents with the Bureau of Land Management opened an investigation after receiving information that Maxwell Jensen, Thomas Rees, Christopher Ortega, German Ortiz-Santillano and Christian Jesus Contreras Varela were engaged in a scheme to steal crude oil from Plains All American Pipeline facilities in New Mexico, store it at a yard in Carlsbad, and transport it into West Texas for resale. Surveillance operations, tracking devices, and recorded conversations documented more than 20 theft runs over approximately four weeks, siphoning hundreds of barrels per day. Each load was valued at tens of thousands of dollars, and the stolen crude was delivered to facilities operated in West Texas.

As alleged, Rees managed the Carlsbad yard through his company, Hound Dog Energy, where he received and sold stolen oil while producing fraudulent load tickets to disguise the thefts. Ortega directed truck drivers, prepared false documentation, and recruited additional participants to expand the conspiracy. Ortiz-Santillano, an employee of Plains All American Pipeline, abused his position to provide the conspirators access to pigging stations where the thefts occurred. Contreras Varela drove to the pipeline to connect a vacuum truck and steal the oil before returning to Rees’s yard. Jensen coordinated the scheme as the leader and organizer.

The defendants are charged with interstate transportation of stolen property and aiding and abetting. In addition to the oil theft charges, Contreras Varela, a Mexican national, faces a firearms-related offense for being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jensen and Contreras Varela will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Jensen, Rees, Ortega and Ortiz-Santillano face 10 years in prison. If convicted of the current charges, Contreras Varela faces 15 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Josiah Andrews of the Bureau of Land Management made the announcement today.

Special Agents with the Bureau of Land Management investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting this case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man is facing federal charges after allegedly trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine from Albuquerque and Phoenix into San Juan County.

According to court documents, the Region II Narcotics Task Force initiated an investigation into Joseph Stevens, 41, in early 2025 for suspected drug trafficking in San Juan County from Albuquerque and Phoenix. On September 24, 2025, deputies from the San Juan Sheriff’s Office executed a high-risk felony traffic stop on Stevens in reference to an arrest warrant issued the day before. Stevens was detained and a K9 officer from the Farmington Police Department was deployed to perform a free air scent pass of Stevens’ vehicle. The Police Service Dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances and the vehicle was impounded.

Later that day, deputies executed a search warrant on Stevens’ vehicle. Inside, they located and seized 19 firearms (two of which were reported stolen), 329.89 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, 10.89 grams of suspected fentanyl powder, 59.34 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Stevens is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Stevens and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Stevens faces 45 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and Farmington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

The Region II Narcotics Enforcement Task Force is a multi-agency, multijurisdictional taskforce whose purpose is to investigate, apprehend and prosecute violators of the New Mexico Controlled Substances Act and related offenses.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Egyptian man pleaded guilty to federal firearms offenses for threatening a victim with a gun at a Las Cruces gas station.

According to court documents, on the morning of May 12, 2025, Moustafa Mahmoud Abdelnabi Salem, a citizen and national of Egypt, threatened an individual at a gas station by pulling a handgun, chambering a round, and pointing it at the victim. After the incident, the victim flagged down an officer from the Las Cruces Police Department and reported the assault.

When the officer questioned Salem, who was still at the location, he alleged that the victim had assaulted him with a large knife and denied pointing a handgun at the victim. Salem refused to allow the officer to retrieve the handgun from his vehicle, leading the officer to believe that there was an issue with the firearm.

Upon further investigation, the officer determined that Salem was an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States after overstaying his visitor visa. The incident was captured by CCTV footage from the gas station in which Salem appears to be the aggressor.

Salem pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession a firearm and ammunition. At sentencing, Salem faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Salem will be subject to deportation as an aggravated felon.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Tonkin is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Pigeon Springs man was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for his role in a fatal drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a passenger.

According to court documents, on September 22, 2024, Irvin Virgil Wauneka, Jr., 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol after consuming alcohol and falling asleep at the wheel. Jane Doe was a passenger in the vehicle. Wauneka’s impaired driving resulted in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Jane Doe suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The passengers in the other vehicle survived with injuries and will receive restitution.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting this case.