District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was sentenced to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $24,065,636.20 in forfeiture following his conviction for orchestrating a Ponzi-style investment fraud scheme that defrauded more than 100 victims, many of whom were Northern New Mexican residents, out of millions of dollars.  A restitution order remains pending.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, from 2014 to 2022, John Lopez, 74, solicited investments through his company, Personal Money Management Company (PMMCO), falsely claiming to have developed a proprietary algorithm that generated above-market returns. He guaranteed returns ranging from 10 to 42 percent annually and assured clients their money was invested in stocks and bonds. In reality, he used client funds to purchase precious metals and to make Ponzi-style payouts to earlier investors, disbursing $6.1 million to maintain the illusion of legitimate investment returns.

Lopez collected approximately $24 million from investors and used about $16 million to acquire precious metals, which he stockpiled in his home basement, office, a rented storage unit, and even buried underground.

When federal agents seized PMMCO’s assets in November 2021, they recovered less than $15 million, far short of the $39 million Lopez falsely claimed was under management.

Despite the seizure, Lopez continued to solicit new investors and issue fake account statements. He lived comfortably on a self-assigned six-figure salary while portraying himself as a successful investor with assets rivaling major financial institutions. Trial evidence revealed that he failed to segregate or track individual investments, lied about account balances, and actively discouraged large withdrawals to keep the scheme afloat.

After his indictment, Lopez violated his court-ordered release conditions at least five times—two before his conviction and three afterward—including committing additional fraud, making unauthorized financial transactions, refusing to turn over financial documents, and having prohibited contact with victims and witnesses.

Prior to sentencing, federal agents executed another search warrant on Lopez’s home and recovered additional precious metals he had purchased with client funds. Specifically, the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service discovered approximately 19 boxes of silver coins, worth approximately $350,000, hidden in the crawl space under Lopez’s home. To this day, however, the location of approximately $3 million in additional precious metals remains unknown.

Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

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

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office brought a separate civil forfeiture action on April 15, 2022, seeking to forfeit assets seized in November 2021. Litigation in the civil proceeding is ongoing. 

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.

In the one-week period ending August 8, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 67 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 4 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 35 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 40 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.

Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for drug trafficking and illegal reentry.

In one significant case, Andrew Michael Dillehay was charged with fleeing at high speed from an immigration checkpoint. On August 4, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Dillehay at the checkpoint west of Alamogordo, New Mexico. When referred for secondary inspection, he instead sped away from the checkpoint. Agents pursued and apprehended him near Organ, New Mexico.

These cases are 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.

These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.

The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Hobbs woman involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses uncovered during an investigation into a significant fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution operation.

According to court records, on October 19, 2023, agents with the Lea County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) received information that a vehicle traveling in Hobbs, New Mexico, contained fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. Agents located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Amber Dawn Rogers Johnson, 39, was identified as the passenger. The vehicle was registered to both Johnson and the driver.

During the traffic stop, agents observed a handgun in the front passenger seat near Johnson. A canine unit alerted to the odor of narcotics, and the vehicle was towed pending a search warrant.

On October 20, 2023, a search warrant was executed, revealing approximately 425 grams of fentanyl pills, 98 net grams of pure methamphetamine and three firearms.

On November 9, 2023, LCDTF agents tracked a vehicle, Johnson’s was a passenger in, to Tatum, New Mexico and attempted a second traffic stop, however the driver fled from officers over the Texas border. Deputies from the Yoakum County Sheriff's Office located the vehicle and began to pursue from Yoakum County into Gaines County where the Gaines County Sheriff's Office joined the pursuit.

During the pursuit, Johnson shot at Yoakum County Sheriff’s Deputies and threw a backpack containing narcotics and firearms from the vehicle before fleeing back over the state border into Hobbs, New Mexico where they were located by LCDTF agents after Johnson and the driver crashed the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers pursued and arrested them a short time later.

Yoakum County Sheriff’s Deputies located the backpack Johnson threw out of the vehicle. Inside the back was 1,129 grams of fentanyl pills and 814 grams of methamphetamine. Deputies also located two firearms nearby.

When LCDTF agents searched the vehicle, they located another 13 grams of methamphetamine, 616.6 grams of liquid fentanyl, multiple loaded rifles, magazines and ammunition, including hollow point bullets. In total, approximately 827 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, and five firearms were seized on November 9, 2023.

On April 7, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Upon her release from prison, Johnson will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement today.

The DEA’s El Paso Division investigated this case with the assistance of the Lea County Drug Task Force, Yoakum County Sheriff's Office and the Gaines County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting this case.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man pleaded guilty to federal assault charges for attacking a woman in 2023, causing her serious bodily injuries.

According to court records, in the early morning hours of September 21, 2023, Isiah Gutierrez-Arquero, 29, an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, punched and kicked Jane Doe. He threw her against a wall, sat on her chest, and strangled her with both hands. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injuries.

Gutierrez-Arquero pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Gutierrez-Arquero faces up to 10 years in prison for each felony charge. Upon his release from prison, Gutierrez-Arquero will be subject to three years of supervised release.

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

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to assaulting a man and causing severe injuries.

According to court records, on February 2, 2025, James William Julian, 25, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe, assaulted John Doe by repeatedly punching him the face. As a result of the assault, John Doe suffered serious bodily injury.

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

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni woman has been indicted on federal charges for her alleged role in the death of a minor child.

According to court documents, on January 26, 2025, Miranda Cachini, 26, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, allowed a minor child to be placed in a dangerous situation which resulted in the child’s death. 

Cachini is charged with abuse of a child resulting in death and will remain in third-party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Cachini faces up to 18 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon 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 – A federal jury convicted an Albuquerque man for his role in a multi-state fentanyl trafficking organization, following an operation that resulted in the largest single fentanyl pill seizure in DEA history. The verdict came after a six-day trial and approximately eight hours of deliberation.

The conviction of Alex Anthony Martinez, 38, represents the first trial victory in the ongoing federal case against the multi-state fentanyl trafficking network led by Heriberto Salazar Amaya.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Martinez served as a “regional manager” within a multi-state drug trafficking organization led by Salazar Amaya, directing and supplying local distributors in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Hobbs between July 2024 and April 2025.

The investigation into Martinez and Bruce Sedillo, another regional manager for Salazar Amaya, included coordinated enforcement actions between the DEA and the Lea County Drug Task Force. Those efforts also took down a high-volume fentanyl dealer operating in Hobbs and southern New Mexico, Jose Marquez.

In November 2024, agents executed a search warrant at a stash house in northeast Albuquerque connected to both Sedillo and Martinez. During the search, approximately 150,000 fentanyl pills, $72,000 in U.S. currency, and multiple firearms were seized.

Sedillo was subsequently arrested and charged with drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

Following Sedillo’s arrest, Martinez took over operations and attempted to expand them to introduce narcotics into the Cibola County Correctional Center.

On July 16, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging Martinez and 15 co-defendants with drug trafficking and firearms offenses, charges that violated the terms of his pretrial release from a separate case in which he was charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.

On May 2, 2025, federal agents arrested Martinez at his residence in northwest Albuquerque during a coordinated, multi-state operation that resulted in the largest single seizure of fentanyl pills in DEA’s history.

“This conviction marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal organizations responsible for poisoning our communities with fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Thanks to outstanding collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, we are taking apart the network that brought addiction and violence to New Mexico and neighboring states. We will not stop until every member is held fully accountable.”

“Drug trafficking networks are going to find the long arm of the DEA wherever they attempt to venture,” said Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “This successful outcome is one of many more to come in this historic, record, multi-state operation. Stay tuned for more.”

Martinez was convicted of Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Martinez remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Martinez faces up to life in prison.

On July 1, 2025, Jose Marquez pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit a Drug Trafficking Offense and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. At sentencing, Marquez faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison.

On July 2, 2025, Bruce Sedillo pled guilty to Conspiracy, Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug trafficking Crime. At sentencing, Sedillo also faces not less than 15 years and up to life in prison.

To date, five other co-defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges. They are David Anesi, Cesar Acuna Moreno, Francisco Garcia, Phillip Lovato, and Brian Sanchez. The remaining defendants, including Heriberto Salazar Amaya, are scheduled for trial on October 21, 2025.

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 IRS Criminal Investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine Ramirez and Matthew McGinley, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Blake Nichols and Raquel Ruiz-Velez are prosecuting the case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. 

ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man was sentenced to more than 154 months in federal prison for robbing an ATM technician at gunpoint.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on January 15, 2022, Michael Cobb, 42, approached an ATM technician who was loading cash outside a Century Bank in Española, New Mexico. Cobb pointed a handgun at the technician and demanded the cash canisters. After the technician backed away, Cobb took the canisters, fired a round near the ATM, returned to grab two more canisters, and drove away.

Española Police used license plate reader technology to identify the red Chevrolet Sonic used in the robbery. The vehicle was registered to Cobb’s family residence in Ohkay Owingeh. Investigators matched surveillance footage to Cobb. On January 19, 2022, Pojoaque Tribal Police located the vehicle at Buffalo Thunder Casino. Cobb attempted to flee but was arrested following a brief pursuit. Officers recovered cash consistent with the stolen denominations from Cobb’s person at the time of his arrest.

On November 26, 2024, Cobb pled guilty to bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Upon his release from prison, Cobb will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 and Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Bell prosecuted the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman by strangulation.

According to court records, between April 7 and April 8, 2024, Kayiliab Haines, 34, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her.

Haines pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation. He will remain in custody pending sentencing.  At sentencing, Haines faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Haines will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

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

The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man is facing federal charges for a violent assault that left two people seriously injured.

According to court documents, on August 5, 2025, Joshua Black, 20, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, became violent during an argument at the home. Black assaulted another man by slamming his head into a fireplace and striking him repeatedly with a shovel and a wooden board. The man sustained life-threatening head injuries and was later airlifted to a local hospital. During the same incident, Black also assaulted a woman, kicking her and taking her mobility aids, and pushed another man to the ground.

During a search of the residence, officers located Black hiding inside a box spring and took him into custody. Investigators recovered bloodied objects at the scene, including a broken shovel, a wooden board, and a crutch.

Black is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in third-party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Black faces up to 10 years in prison per count.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 as part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country.

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 pleaded guilty to federal charges for assaulting a woman and causing severe injuries.

According to court records, on June 27, 2024, Myron Edward Blake, Jr., 40, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe with a cinder block and a 2x6 board, causing substantial bodily injury.

Blake pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. At sentencing, Blake faces up to 5 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Blake will be subject to three years of supervised release.

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

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man is facing federal charges following the discovery of methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition during a search of his residence while he was on supervised release for a prior federal firearms conviction.

According to court documents, on June 13, 2025, Stephen Dye, 43, was arrested after agents from the Region Two Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence in Farmington, New Mexico. During the search, agents seized approximately 177 grams of methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl pills, digital scales, packaging materials, $816 in cash, and multiple firearms and ammunition—including a loaded handgun reported stolen and a modified rifle with high-capacity magazines.

Dye has multiple felony convictions in New Mexico and Texas for firearm and drug trafficking offenses. As a result, Dye was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. At the time of his arrest, Dye was on federal supervised release for a 2019 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On July 22, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Dye with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of fentanyl, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Dye will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Dye faces 10 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case as part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country.

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

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty to federal charges involving the exploitation of minors using social media platforms.

According to court records, between June 2021 and March 2023, Adrian Puentes, 25, used Instagram and Snapchat to coerce and entice two minors under the age of 18 to engage in illegal sexual activity. Puentes admitted that he threatened one victim, demanding sexually explicit photographs and stating he would share them publicly if she did not comply. He used Snapchat to persuade the second victim to meet in person for sexual activity, including sending her money for transportation. Puentes knew both victims were minors at the time of the offenses.

Puentes pleaded guilty to two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor. At sentencing, Puentes faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Puentes will be subject to not less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

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

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Thoreau woman has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter for driving while intoxicated and fatally striking John Doe with her vehicle following an altercation.

According to court records, on the morning of May 28, 2023, Nora Abeita, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and several others, including John Doe, consumed alcohol together. After an altercation with John Doe, Abeita attempted to leave the residence with a friend. While driving away, Abeita struck John Doe with her vehicle and did not immediately realize she had run over him until alerted by others. John Doe died from his injuries.

Abeita’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at .19 approximately five hours after the incident, more than double the legal limit in both New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

Upon her release, Abeita will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

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

The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing and distributing heroin and methamphetamine while illegally possessing firearms.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, the early morning hours of July 8, 2020, officers from the Española Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a suspicious vehicle parked outside a residence. Officers found Antonio Quintana-Pena, 40, unconscious behind the wheel of a gray Nissan. In his lap was a silver and black box containing a baseball-sized bundle of heroin. Officers also recovered a loaded, stolen pistol from beneath the driver's seat, along with methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and more than $2,000 in cash.

Later that year, on November 19, 2020, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Quintana-Pena’s residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Inside his bedroom, agents found over 190 grams of methamphetamine and nearly 100 grams of heroin stored in safes, along with multiple loaded firearms. Ammunition, cash, and additional narcotics were also recovered from the room.

Quintana-Pena, a previously convicted felon, admitted to knowingly possessing the drugs with intent to distribute and to carrying the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. He also acknowledged knowing he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. Upon his release from prison, Quintana-Pena will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Hirsch prosecuted the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man has been charged in federal court for allegedly shooting a minor during an argument inside a vehicle.

According to court documents, on July 21, 2025, the minor victim was in a vehicle with another person when they picked up Leandrew Cody Velarde, 21, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, who appeared intoxicated. During a subsequent argument, a gun discharged, striking the victim in the buttocks. When the victim attempted to call 911, Velarde reportedly threw their phone and fled the scene.

The victim was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators later recovered a Glock handgun and a spent shell casing near the scene. Velarde was arrested nearby and found in possession of marijuana, liquor, and a cell phone.

Velarde is charged with abandonment and abuse of a child, recklessly caused, resulting in great bodily harm. He will remain in third-party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Velarde faces 18 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall 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 – An Albuquerque man was sentenced today to 199 days in prison for assisting in the cover-up of the kidnapping and murder of Thomas Anthony Brown in the To’Hajiilee area of the Navajo Nation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on or about June 24, 2020, Antonio Chaco assaulted Thomas Brown outside Chaco’s trailer home. Chaco then rolled Brown in a square of carpet and transported him to a remote desert location. There, Chaco continued his violent assault and ultimately abandoned Brown without water, food, or shelter.

Brown’s decayed remains were discovered on July 4, 2020. The Office of the Medical Investigator determined Brown’s cause of death to be homicidal violence, including blunt-force head trauma.

After the assault and kidnapping, Peter Paul Sandoval, 60, knowingly took steps to help Chaco conceal his criminality. Specifically, Sandoval cleaned blood from the car used to transport Brown, thus destroying potential evidence, doing so with the intent of preventing Chaco’s arrest, prosecution, and punishment.

Sandoval pled guilty to being an accessory after the fact to kidnapping. Upon his release from prison, Sandoval will be subject to three years of supervised release. He must also pay restitution to Brown’s family.

Chaco pled guilty earlier this month to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 17 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones and Brittany DuChaussee prosecuted these cases. 

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.

In the one-week period ending August 1, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 35 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 4 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 36 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 33 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.

Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for drug trafficking, DUI, and human smuggling.

These cases are 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.

These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.

The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Hogback man is facing federal charges after an argument escalated into violence in front of multiple witnesses

According to court documents, on June 19, 2025, Renaldo Descheny, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her and striking her in the face with a firearm. The assault resulted in a laceration requiring hospital treatment. During the altercation, Descheny also pointed the firearm at multiple individuals and discharged the weapon several times, including firing towards the vehicle as the victims attempted to flee.

Descheny is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Descheny faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Amy Mondragon 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 Peñasco man has pleaded guilty to second degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of another man.

According to court records, on December 25, 2022, Byron Sanchez, 48, an enrolled member of the Picuris Pueblo, was involved in an altercation with John Doe at his residence in Peñasco, New Mexico, within the exterior boundaries of the Picuris Pueblo. During the altercation, which occurred while both individuals were under the influence of alcohol, Sanchez stabbed John Doe, killing him. Law enforcement officials discovered John Doe’s body at the residence on January 11, 2023.

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

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.

ALBUQUERQUE – A police officer from Deming has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to court records, between March and November 2024, Jesus Lopez, Jr., 35, a Deming Police Department officer, engaged in illegal sexual conduct with a minor, Jane Doe. Despite knowing Jane Doe was under the age of 18, Lopez participated in and recorded sexually explicit acts with her on multiple occasions. The investigation revealed that Lopez received more than ten images and videos of child pornography from Jane Doe.

Lopez pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography. At sentencing, Lopez faces between five and 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to not less than five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

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

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man pleaded guilty to federal charges for engaging in sexual acts with a 14-year-old child.

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 pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor. At sentencing, Washburn faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Washburn will be subject to not less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with carrying out five armed bank robberies across Albuquerque and Rio Rancho between January 2024 and July 2025.

According to court documents, between January 2024 and July 2025, federal investigators linked Daniel Ray Guliford, 39, to a series of five armed bank robberies in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, New Mexico. In each robbery, Guliford allegedly entered a bank wearing dark clothing and a mask, brandished a handgun, and stole large sums of cash, totaling more than $140,000.

• January 4, 2024 – U.S. Bank (Albuquerque): Approximately $9,250 stolen. Guliford’s fingerprints were later found on a note left at the bank.
• March 21, 2024 – U.S. Bank (Albuquerque): Approximately $26,650 stolen. A witness saw the suspect flee in a black BMW tied to Guliford.
• July 3, 2024 – Bank of Albuquerque (Albuquerque): Approximately $1,500 stolen.
• July 5, 2024 – New Mexico Bank & Trust (Rio Rancho): Approximately $72,043 stolen. The suspect fled in a black BMW matching Guliford’s vehicle.
• July 24, 2025 – First Financial Credit Union (Albuquerque): Approximately $31,261 stolen. Surveillance footage showed a dark blue BMW matching Guliford’s car near the scene.

Guliford is charged with bank robbery. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for August 1, 2025. If convicted of the current charges, Guliford faces up to 25 years in prison for each charge.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Albuquerque Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, Sandia Pueblo Police Department and Pueblo of Isleta Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler 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 – An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after he illegally possessed a firearm during a 2020 vehicle breaking and entering in Santa Fe.

According to court records, on June 29, 2020, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported vehicle breaking and entering at a residence in Santa Fe and found Michael Matthew Martinez, 31, asleep in the backseat of the car. When deputies instructed Martinez to exit the vehicle, he reached toward his jacket pocket, where deputies observed what appeared to be a firearm. Martinez was immediately removed from the vehicle, restrained, and searched, and deputies recovered the firearm from his pocket.

The vehicle owner told deputies he had interacted with Martinez earlier in the afternoon and later noticed his car keys were missing and became suspicious. After spotting Martinez inside the vehicle later that night, the owner contacted law enforcement.

Martinez pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to his plea agreement, Martinez admitted that he had previously been convicted of residential burglary, and he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Upon his release, Martinez will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Santa Fe woman has been charged by federal authorities in connection with a drug distribution case that resulted in a fatality.

According to court documents, on October 6, 2023, Aimee Lamar, 34, distributed a mixture containing fentanyl and methamphetamine to an individual who died as a result of using the substance.

Lamar is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and one count of distribution of methamphetamine resulting in death and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Lamar faces no less than 20 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Fe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Louis Mattei 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 – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.

In the one-week period ending July 25, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 40 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 4 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 37 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 35 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.

Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for robbery, alien smuggling, DUI, assault, and illegal reentry.

In one significant case, Jose Luis Ramirez-Montoya, a Mexican national illegally in the U.S., was charged with providing a false statement to a firearms dealer by falsely claiming on an ATF form that he was a U.S. citizen. At the time of the false statement, Ramirez-Montoya was attempting to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop in Deming, NM.  The sale was denied, and HSI agents located Ramirez-Montoya at a residence in Deming, NM where he was arrested.     

Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border security. During this time period, two Guatemalan nationals were charged with assault of a federal officer. On July 17, 2025, a group was spotted crossing the border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. When a Border Patrol agent arrived at the location, the group was spotted hiding in some brush. When the agent attempted to apprehend one of the subjects, Sarbelio Garcia-Ramo, “threw elbows” and was able to break free for a short time.  The agent then attempted to arrest Juan Gutierrez-Gutierrez who began wrestling with the agent. As the agent was wrestling with Gutierrez-Gutierrez, Garcia-Ramo approached them and grabbed the agent by her duty belt and started to pull her away. A second agent arrived, and both defendants were subsequently subdued and arrested.

From the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025 through June 2025, 50 El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents have been assaulted, following 103 assaults in Fiscal Year 2024. U.S. Border Patrol is collaborating closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that those who assault federal officers are brought to justice. This interagency cooperation is crucial in protecting the men and women who serve on the frontlines of our nation's border security efforts and in deterring future attacks on law enforcement personnel.

These cases are 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.

These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.

The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for orchestrating a bid-rigging and money laundering scheme that defrauded a federally funded Native American educational institution of approximately $1.5 million over several years.

According to court documents, William Badoni, 62, conspired with an employee of Kinteel Residential Campus, Inc. (KRCI), from April 2018 to June 2019 to obtain confidential information about construction projects and the bidding process, which was used to ensure Badoni’s company secured KRCI contracts. Badoni also caused the creation of falsified or fictitious bids from other companies to evade KRCI's contracting policies. The contracts and related change orders brought in about $1.5 million in revenue for Badoni’s company between 2016 and 2019.

In return, Badoni paid kickbacks of approximately $50,000 in cash and checks, funds largely derived from the fraudulent contracts. Badoni additionally admitted to conducting financial transactions designed to conceal the proceeds by depositing portions of contract payments into bank accounts and taking other portions in cash to avoid creating records of fraudulently obtained funds.

“This wasn’t just a financial crime, it was a betrayal of a community and its children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Badoni exploited federal funds meant to support Native students and eroded trust in an institution working to serve them. This sentence brings accountability and reinforces our commitment to protecting these communities from abuse and corruption.”

“The sentencing should serve as a deterrent to those who consider defrauding Federal programs that support Native American educational institutions,” said Special Agent in Charge Jamie DePaepe. “The Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable individuals who violate the public’s trust and misuse funding intended for Native American students."

“Mr. Bodoni took corrupt actions to defraud a Native American institution, aiming only to enrich himself.” said Amanda Prestegard, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Denver Field Office. “Our special agents will continue to work to find, investigate and prosecute those who steal money from essential government programs.”

Badoni pleaded guilty earlier to a 10-count Indictment charging conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and money laundering. Upon his release, Badoni will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. At sentencing, the Court heard testimony and victim impact statements from members of the community affected by the crime and who have attempted to ensure quality education for children in New Mexico despite the prolific fraud of tax-dollars caused by Badoni’s criminal conduct.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General and the IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office made the announcement today.

The U.S Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for causing a deadly drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation reservation that resulted in two deaths and serious injuries.

According to court documents, on December 1, 2023, Brian Gonnie, 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol on Highway 64 in Shiprock, New Mexico. He was traveling at approximately 86 mph in a 35-mph zone when he crossed into the oncoming lane and struck another vehicle head-on. The crash claimed the lives of Gonnie’s passenger and the driver of the other vehicle. A passenger in the struck vehicle sustained life-altering injuries, including multiple fractures and required extensive surgery.

Gonnie’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at .267%, with numerous empty alcohol containers found in his vehicle. During an interview with FBI agents, Gonnie admitted to drinking and driving the night of the crash.

Gonnie subsequently pled to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault. Upon his release, Gonnie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

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

This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Little Water man has been charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury following an incident in 2024.

According to court documents, on July 29, 2024, Anthony Sandoval, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo nation, assaulted the victim with a rifle and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

Sandoval is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Sandoval will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Sandoval faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 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 – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to federal charges after a 2018 drunk driving crash seriously injured his passenger.

According to court records, January 11, 2018, Philbert Mark, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving on Navajo Route 13 while extremely intoxicated and consequently crashed his car. Mark’s passenger sustained permanent and life-threatening serious bodily injuries as a result of the crash.

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

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man faces up to life in prison after admitting in federal court to sexually abusing an incapacitated victim.

According to court records, 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 an incapacitated victim.

Pete pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. At sentencing, Pete faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pete will be subject to not less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Phoenix man faces up to life in prison after admitting in federal court to sexually abusing a minor.

According to court records, in 2019, Jeremy Blueeyes, 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in sexual contact with a minor who had not yet attained the age of 12.

Blueeyes pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact of a minor. At sentencing, Blueeyes faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Blueeyes will be subject to not less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged in federal court for allegedly stabbing another man without provocation, causing serious injuries.

According to court documents, on the night of June 16, 2025, Adrian Cheama, 36, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, allegedly approached the victim while he was walking with a friend along a residential street in Zuni, New Mexico. Without provocation, Cheama stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a weapon described as either a circular metal pole or a knife, then walked away laughing. The victim sustained serious injuries as a result.

Multiple witnesses placed Cheama at the scene and described him carrying a backpack and a baton-like object before and during the attack. The investigation revealed that Cheama had previously made statements suggesting he was looking for the victim.

Cheama is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Cheama faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Silver City man is facing federal charges after a series of increasingly violent incidents involving firearms, robbery, and carjacking, all while prohibited from possessing a gun due to a prior felony conviction.

According to court documents, on June 25, 2024, Silver City police officers responded to a residence following reports that Dominic Carbajal, 25, was possibly armed. Carbajal was detained and during a subsequent search, officers found a loaded magazine in Carbajal’s pocket and recovered a stolen pistol loaded with a 32-round magazine. Carbajal reportedly admitted he was aware he could not lawfully possess a firearm due to his status as a convicted felon.

Roughly a year later, on January 22, 2025, officers responded to an armed robbery at a local nutrition store. Surveillance video showed Carbajal walking through the store with various items before fleeing without paying. When the store owner followed him outside, Carbajal allegedly turned and pointed a black handgun at the owner before escaping in a car.

On March 23, 2025, Carbajal allegedly committed a carjacking in a parking lot. The victim reported that Carbajal approached him while he was parked, demanded his keys, and began striking him with his fists and a metal pipe. Carbajal allegedly threatened to shoot the victim if he didn’t comply, then stole the man’s wallet, phone, and jewelry before fleeing in the victim’s SUV.

Officers later tracked the stolen vehicle to a residence where Carbajal was reportedly seen. As officers attempted to arrest him, Carbajal allegedly released two pit bulls to attack law enforcement and fled on foot, discarding his clothing as he ran. He was ultimately subdued with a Taser and taken into custody. Officers reported signs of opioid intoxication, and Carbajal allegedly admitted that he had used “powder” when asked if he had taken fentanyl.

Carbajal is charged with interference with commerce by robbery, carjacking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Carbajal faces up to 27 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Silver City Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Department. 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 47 months in prison following two separate jury convictions in less than six months.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on October 26, 2021, Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert and multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and a man brandishing a weapon outside an apartment complex in southeast Albuquerque. Upon arrival, officers located Anthony Hernandez, 32, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, attempting to hide behind a wall. A search of the area led to the recovery of a stolen 9mm pistol. Witnesses identified Hernandez as the individual seen with the firearm and spent shell casings were recovered at the scene.

Hernandez was federally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and, following a jury trial in October 2024, was convicted on that charge.

While in pretrial detention, Hernandez committed multiple violent assaults. On November 15, 2022, he attacked a CoreCivic security contractor, causing serious injuries including a concussion and a nasal fracture. Hernandez was subsequently indicted for assaulting a federal officer resulting in bodily injury.

Further investigation revealed Hernandez’s involvement in additional assaults on fellow inmates and correctional officers, including an incident involving a homemade weapon. Contraband, including a sharpened weapon and methamphetamine, was also found in his possession during his time in custody.

In January 2025, following a three-day trial, a federal jury found Hernandez guilty of assaulting a federal officer causing bodily injury—his second jury conviction in six months.

Upon his release from prison, Hernandez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and United States Marshal David Barnett made the announcement today.

The Albuquerque Police Department investigated the felon in possession case and the United States Marshals Service investigated the assault on the officer. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Kimberly Bell are prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.

In the one-week period ending June 18, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 42 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 4 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 31 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 31 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.

Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for assault, drug trafficking, and illegal reentry.

In one significant case, James Casady Cangro, a key figure in a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug and firearms trafficking ring tied to white supremacist gangs, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegal firearms in Albuquerque.

In another case Kervin Castellanos-Buroz was charged by criminal complaint with escape from custody. On July 11, Customs and Border Protection agents apprehended Castellanos-Buroz for illegal reentry near Mount Cristo Rey and placed him in the back of a CBP vehicle. A short time later, when an agent opened the vehicle door, Castellanos-Buroz jumped out and ran toward the river in an attempt to return to Mexico. Agents pursued him into the water, where an altercation ensued before they were able to detain him. 

These cases are 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.

These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.

The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 48 months in prison for attacking his ex-girlfriend with a knife, causing serious injuries.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on November 2, 2024, Jane Doe, and her sister were stopped at a road construction zone when her ex-boyfriend, Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached their vehicle. Johnson physically attacked Jane Doe, striking her head, stabbing her abdomen with a knife, and striking her with his vehicle as he fled the scene. Jane Doe sustained injuries, including an abdominal wound, bruises, and abrasions.

Navajo Police located Johnson’s vehicle in Cudei, New Mexico, identified by its damaged front bumper, and apprehended him after a brief pursuit. Officers recovered a black folding knife from Johnson’s possession and confirmed he had no alcohol in his system during processing.

Upon his release from prison, Johnson will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Sanostee woman is facing multiple federal charges after allegedly using a rifle to seriously injure one individual and threaten another during an August 2022 incident.

According to court documents, on August 20, 2022, Leticia Washburn, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 with a rifle, causing serious bodily injury to John Doe 1.

Washburn is charged with two counts each of assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Washburn faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 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 – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced today the recovery of $4.9 million for victims of the Ayudando Guardians fraud scheme. The U.S. Department of Justice has retained a third-party administrator to assist with disbursing the funds to victims of the decade-long embezzlement scheme that exploited vulnerable individuals under guardianship.

The U.S. Marshals Servicedemanded coverage from Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America (Travelers) under a "Wrap + Crime" policy for the losses sustained due to the criminal acts of Ayudando employees. Travelers Insurance denied coverage under the policy, so on March 31, 2022, the United States filed a civil action against Travelers in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (“Civil Action”). The United States pursued claims against Travelers for coverage under the policy, bad faith, and violation of the New Mexico Unfair Insurance Practices Act and the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act, alleging that Travelers' denial of the United States' claim was unfounded and frivolous, and that Travelers misrepresented the coverage afforded.

On September 20, 2024, the parties participated in a settlement conference before the Honorable Gregory J. Fouratt, resulting in a settlement of the Civil Action. Travelers has agreed to pay the United States the amount of $4.9 million.

On July 17, 2025, the U.S. District Court entered a final order of forfeiture in the related criminal case, awarding $4.9 million in funds obtained through the settlement with Travelers. The recovered funds satisfy a portion of the $6.8 million money judgment against Harris.

In relation to the original criminal case, Harris, the former president and 95% owner of Ayudando, was sentenced to 47 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Her husband, William S. Harris, who worked as a guardian, received a 15-year prison sentence, also followed by three years of supervised release. Sharon A. Moore, former chief financial officer and 5% owner, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Craig M. Young, Susan Harris' son, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison.

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

The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI and the Phoenix Field Office of IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the criminal investigation with the assistance of the Complex Assets Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service, the Criminal Investigations Division of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the Dallas Field Division of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The original criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Peña. The Civil Action and settlement were led by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Keegan and Jesse Hale, with assistance from Clifford Krieger, forfeiture counsel for the U.S. Marshals Service and several attorneys from the Social Security Administration. The asset forfeiture proceedings were overseen by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kotz. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man is facing federal charges after allegedly assaulting and strangling a woman, leaving her with serious injuries.

According to court documents, on March 13, 2025, officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs responded to a 911 call reporting a violent assault at a residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Upon arrival, officers found a victim suffering from extensive injuries, including a fractured orbital bone, swelling, and multiple bruises consistent with repeated physical assault and strangulation.

The investigation revealed that over a two-day period, Philman Sam Pike, 24, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, allegedly physically assaulted and strangled the victim multiple times to the point of near unconsciousness. The victim was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and transported to a hospital for further care. Medical examinations confirmed significant injuries and evidence of strangulation.

Officers located Pike hiding in a nearby residence and arrested him without incident. Pike is charged with assault by strangling and or suffocating and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Pike faces up to 10 years in prison.

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.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been charged in federal court for allegedly carrying out a series of violent assaults and a kidnapping that resulted in serious injuries to the victim.

According to court documents, on or about June 30, 2025, Darrin Begay, 33, allegedly assaulted the victim at a residence in within the exterior boundaries of Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The assault included punching, kicking, and strangulation, resulting in visible injuries to the victim’s face, neck, and arms.

On or about July 2, 2025, Begay allegedly returned to the victim’s home, threatened to harm the victim’s family members, and forced the victim into a vehicle. Begay then drove the victim away from her residence. He reportedly assaulted the victim again before pushing her out of the vehicle and leaving her on the roadside.

Begay is charged with assault on an intimate partner by strangling, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Begay faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson 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 key figure in a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug and firearms trafficking ring tied to white supremacist gangs was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegal firearms in Albuquerque.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, an 18-month FBI investigation initiated in 2021 targeted a drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and racially motivated violent extremist groups in Albuquerque, New Mexico. James Casady Cangro, 45, a former member of the Soldiers of Aryan Culture prison gang, was previously identified as a key figure in the white supremacist network before dropping out of the gang. The investigation revealed Cangro’s involvement in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl sourced from Arizona, as well as illegal firearms possession and trafficking.

In September 2021, a search of Cangro’s residence in southeast Albuquerque by U.S. Probation Officers uncovered a ballistic vest, methamphetamine pipes, anabolic steroids and handcuffs. Cell phone evidence further corroborated his drug and firearms activities. In April 2022, the FBI executed multiple search warrants, seizing over 35,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, nine firearms, and other contraband, though Cangro evaded an initial warrant by relocating. Surveillance later tracked him to northeast Albuquerque, where he continued to offer firearms and fentanyl for sale.

On April 19, 2022, Cangro was arrested in California, where corrections officials discovered 45 fentanyl pills and methamphetamine in his possession during a strip search. A subsequent search of his Albuquerque residence uncovered 11 firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, additional drugs, and a ballistic vest. Cangro was subsequently charged with and pled guilty to two counts of possession of body armor by a violent felon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of possession of unregistered firearms, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Upon his release from prison, Cangro will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Mysliwiec prosecuted the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – Berg Companies, Inc., of Spokane, Washington, has agreed to pay $3,300,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by engaging in a bid rigging conspiracy with a government prime vendor and two sub-vendors – including Albuquerque-based Improve Group, Inc. – that caused fraudulent, non-competitive bids to be submitted to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). As a result, Department of Defense (DoD) customers were overcharged for rigid wall shelters manufactured by Berg.

Berg manufactures rigid wall shelters and sells them directly and indirectly to the federal government, including through various prime vendor programs. In September 2019, Berg was acquired by Hunter Defense Technologies, Inc. (HDT), which is a defense contractor based in Solon, Ohio.  HDT manufactures integrated expeditionary products and solutions.

The DLA oversees several prime vendor contracts that it makes available to military customers to acquire a variety of products and services.  At issue here are DLA’s Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) prime vendor contracts for the European Command. These contracts were operated by a prime vendor based in Boston, Massachusetts. Through these contracts, military customers in Europe could purchase supplies and equipment such as chemicals, electrical supplies, hardware, HVAC/refrigeration, prefabricated structures, and a variety of small tools. The goals of the MRO program are to achieve favorable product pricing through leveraged buying, infrastructure savings, and inventory cost reductions. To obtain the best price, the MRO contracts require the prime vendor, which is paid per transaction, to engage in a competitive bidding process, soliciting bids from at least two independently competing vendors for transactions below $25,000 and from at least three independently competing vendors for transactions at or above $25,000.

The United States alleged that from 2019 to 2021, Berg conspired with the prime vendor and two sub-vendors to rig bids on the MRO contracts for the European Command for the sale of its rigid wall shelters. More specifically, Berg admitted that it coordinated with the prime vendor and sub-vendors and submitted inflated quotes for Berg-made rigid wall shelters so that the sub-vendors would win the awards at inflated prices.

In the first scheme, Berg admitted that it coordinated and submitted inflated quotes on two solicitations for the sale of 10 Berg-made rigid wall shelters that were awarded to Albuquerque-based sub-vendor Improve Group.

In the second scheme, Berg admitted that it coordinated and submitted inflated quotes on 26 solicitations for the purchase of 29 Berg-made rigid wall shelters that were awarded to a sub-vendor that operated out of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. As a result of these bid rigging schemes, the United States contends that the prime vendor did not engage in a competitive bidding process, that bids were not submitted by independently competing vendors, and that the collusion caused the prime vendor, sub-vendors, and Berg to overcharge the military customers.

Berg received cooperation credit under the Department of Justice’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in FCA cases.  Berg cooperated with the government in this matter, conducted internal investigation, and voluntarily self-disclosed one issue that was not known to the government before.

“Collusion in government contracting erodes public trust, distorts fair competition, and drives up costs for taxpayers and service members,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “Such conduct undermines the integrity of the procurement process and betrays the public’s expectation that government funds will be used responsibly. This resolution demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring a level playing field for all businesses, and holding accountable those who seek to profit by manipulating federal contracting. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to defend the integrity of government procurement and safeguard the interests of the American people.”

“Bid rigging of this type inhibits competition on the products and on prices, thereby creating the risk that the government is purchasing inferior products at exorbitant prices,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement reinforces the Department’s commitment in using the FCA to pursue anti-competitive fraud.”

“As evidenced in this settlement agreement, these contractors manipulated and undermined the fair and open bidding process designed to save our military and taxpayers money,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “We commend Berg for cooperating with the government to resolve this matter and taking responsibility for this conduct. As this settlement demonstrates, not only will my Office continue to use the False Claims Act to help root out fraud, waste and abuse involving taxpayer funds, but it will reward those that accept responsibility and cooperate with the government.”

“Today’s settlement announcement demonstrates the commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), along with our law enforcement partners, to aggressively pursue those who undermine the integrity of the DoD contracting process,” said Chad Gosch, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, DCIS Southwest Field Office. “DCIS will use all available resources to hold accountable those who betray the trust of the American taxpayer by corrupting the DoD procurement system for personal gain.”

“GSA OIG will continue to work with its investigative partners to hold government contractors accountable for concealing relevant information that may affect the award or performance of government contracts,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dattoria of the U.S. General Services

This settlement resolves claims brought against Berg under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and to receive a share of the recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblowers, Mark G. Davis and Andrew G. Gunn, to receive a $561,000 share of the recovery. Davis is a U.S. Army veteran and former salesperson for one of the sub-vendors involved in the conspiracy allegation. Gunn is the managing director of a United Kingdom company that manufacturers storage equipment for United States military customers and sold its equipment through this prime vendor’s MRO contracts. The remainder of the matter remains under seal.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of New Mexico and District of Massachusetts, with assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.

The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Samson Asiyanbi of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Cunniff and Auditor Phillip Stella of the District of New Mexico, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Ross and Brian LaMacchia of the District of Massachusetts, and criminal investigators from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. 

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.

In the one-week period ending July 11, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 57 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 7 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 42 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 30 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.

Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for infliction of bodily harm on a child, drug trafficking, and illegal reentry.

In one significant case, Rudy Garcia was sentenced to 19 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking and for using and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. According to Garcia, during the drug deal, he saw the victim reach for a pistol. Feeling threatened, Garcia exited the vehicle, drew his shotgun, and fatally shot the victim.

In another case, Reymondo Mandonado was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 166 kilograms of cocaine after New Mexico State Police stopped him while he was driving a tractor trailer northbound from the international border. During a subsequent search of the tractor, officers discovered 166 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment in the floor of the trailer.

These cases are 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.

These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.

The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.

ALBUQUERQUE – A To’Hajiilee man was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for the brutal killing of a local man in 2020. Earlier this month, that man also pled guilty in a separate case to assaulting a federal detention officer while he was in custody awaiting trial.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2020, Antonio Chaco, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, argued with Thomas Anthony Brown outside Chaco’s trailer home in To’Hajiilee. Without warning or cause, Chaco struck Brown in the face and continued to punch and kick Brown until he lost consciousness. Chaco then wrapped Brown in a square of carpet, transported Brown to a remote desert location within the Navajo Nation, and continued his assault before abandoning Brown—leaving Brown to perish in the wilderness without water, food, phone, or shelter.

On July 4, 2020, Thomas Anthony Brown’s family found Brown’s skeletonized remains in the To’Hajiilee wilderness. The Office of the Medical Investigator later determined Brown’s cause of death was homicidal violence, including blunt-head trauma.

Upon his release from prison for this crime, Chaco will be subject to five years of supervised release.

In a separate case, Chaco pled guilty on June 30, 2025, to assaulting a federal detention officer at the Cibola County Correctional Facility while Chaco was in custody pending trial for the murder of Thomas Brown. For this offense, Chaco faces up to 20 years in prison. That sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting these cases. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 19 and a half years in prison for fatally shooting another man during a fentanyl drug deal, following his guilty plea to multiple federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on January 24, 2022, Rudy Garcia, 38, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, arranged a deal for the victim and an acquaintance to purchase 100 fentanyl-laced pills for $500 from Garcia’s ex-wife. Prior to getting the pills, Garcia and the victim had a conversation at a motel where Garcia let the victim know he had a shotgun and displayed the shotgun so that it was visible to him. Garcia expressed concern that the victim had developed a reputation for conducting "drug rips" and did not want any trouble during the deal.

After obtaining the pills, Garcia and the victim walked together to a vehicle. As they were getting in, Garcia claimed he saw the victim reach for a pistol. Feeling threatened, Garcia exited the vehicle, pulled out his shotgun, and shot the victim. The victim died from the gunshot wound.

Garcia was arrested and charged with conspiracy, distribution of fentanyl, using and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime resulting in death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Following his arrest, Garcia admitted to his involvement in the drug deal and the shooting during an interview with detectives. Surveillance footage and witness accounts corroborated the events leading to the victim’s death.

Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging said firearm, and causing death through use of said firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition

Upon his release from prison, Garcia will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Randy M. Castellano prosecuted the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – The recent flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico, has brought devastating loss and hardship to our community. Lives have been lost, homes and businesses have been destroyed, and many families are facing an uncertain future. In the midst of this tragedy, we have witnessed countless acts of generosity and resilience as neighbors, volunteers, and organizations step forward to help those in need.

Unfortunately, history teaches us that disasters like this also attract individuals seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain. Fraudulent activity undermines recovery efforts and diverts critical resources away from genuine victims.

Past disasters have shown that fraud can take many forms, including:

• Individuals not affected by the flooding who attempt to claim disaster benefits.
• The creation of fraudulent charities or the diversion of donations intended for legitimate relief organizations.
• Fraudulent applications for rebuilding grants and loans, such as those offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Our office has zero tolerance for those who seek to steal from disaster victims or misuse funds meant for recovery. We have established a Disaster Fraud Working Group, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, HUD, SBA, Postal Inspectors, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Marshals Service. This group is actively reviewing potential cases and will work closely with the New Mexico Department of Justice, local and tribal law enforcement, and community partners to ensure that fraudsters are brought to justice.

Anyone considering disaster-related fraud should be aware that federal law—specifically, 18 United States Code, Section 1040—provides for penalties of up to 30 years in federal prison.

We urge the public to remain vigilant. If you observe suspicious activity or suspect fraud, please report it immediately. The National Disaster Fraud Hotline is available toll-free at (866) 720-5721, or you may email disaster@leo.gov. The hotline operates 24/7.

Together, we can protect our community and ensure that help reaches those who truly need it.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque mother and son who used Instagram and a 3D printer to traffic illegal machine gun conversion devices were sentenced in federal court following an undercover investigation by the ATF that uncovered a cache of firearms.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between February 3 and February 7, 2023, Joe Jasso, 21, used Instagram to advertise and sell illegal machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) which are used to convert firearms to fully automatic fire. Jasso communicated with an undercover detective from the ATF about selling AR-15 auto sears and MCDs. On February 7, 2023, Joe Jasso and his mother, Rachael Jasso, 43, met the undercover detective at Kiva Park, where Joe Jasso demonstrated how to install an MCD. Later that day, at a second meeting at Buffalo Wild Wings, Joe Jasso delivered an AR auto sear to the detective, and both Joe and Rachael Jasso confirmed they could make additional devices.

On February 16, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at the Jasso residence in Northeast Albuquerque, where they found approximately ten firearms, five machine gun conversion devices, large quantities of ammunition, and a 3D printer used to manufacture the devices. Joe Jasso admitted to using Instagram to sell the switches and acknowledged modifying firearms, while neither Joe nor Rachael Jasso had the required federal licenses to possess or manufacture machine guns or conversion devices.

Joe Jasso and Rachel Jasso both pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and possession of a machine gun conversion device. Joe Jasso was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, and Rachael Jasso was sentenced to 30 months. Upon their release from prison, they will both be subject to two years of supervised release.

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 Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado is prosecuting the case.

Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices that transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and sale of these devices without proper licensing is a federal offense carrying severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

The proliferation of these devices poses an immediate and critical threat to public safety. Between 2018 and 2023, the ATF recovered thousands of machine gun conversion devices, indicating an alarming trend in their availability and use. Violent street gangs are increasingly employing these devices, devastating communities and neighborhoods with unprecedented firepower.

This dramatic increase in illegal automatic weapons puts both civilians and law enforcement at extreme risk. Officers responding to incidents may find themselves severely outgunned, facing weapons capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute. The potential for mass casualties in such encounters is staggering.

Law enforcement agencies are racing against time to intercept these devices before they can be used in violent crimes. Public cooperation is crucial in combating this threat. If you have information about illegal firearms or conversion devices, please contact the ATF immediately:

Call: 1-888-ATF-Tips (1-888-283-8477)

Email: ATFTips@atf.gov

Visit: www.atf.gov/atf-tips

Your tip could save lives and prevent these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands. The time to act is now, before our community fall victim to the devastating impact of these illegal automatic weapons. 

ALBUQUERQUE – An Ojo Amarillo man pleaded guilty to a violent assault that left the victim with lasting disfigurement.

According to court records, on May 6, 2025, Kyle Kee, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, intentionally struck the victim with his fists. As a result, the victim suffered an orbital floor fracture, nasal bone fractures, and facial disfigurement.

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

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 U.S. Attorney Aaron Jordan is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.

In the one-week period ending July 3, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 32 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 3 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 25 individuals were charged this week withIllegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 29 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.

Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for aggravated assault, burglary, possession of a stolen weapon, and drug trafficking.

In one significant case,Jose Antonio Adrian Roman, a Mexican national, was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence of fifteen years for being an alien in possession of a firearm case. On November 13, 2023, Roman, who had a history of domestic violence, killed his girlfriend and her 15-year-old son with a stolen shotgun. When law enforcement responded to a 911 call, Roman rammed a deputy’s vehicle with his truck before fleeing on foot. He was apprehended two days later.

In another case, Yavneel Ivan Pinon-Mendoza, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for illegal reentry, his second conviction for this conduct. On July 22, 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents encountered Pinon-Mendoza at the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County after conducting jail roster checks. A records check revealed Pinon-Mendoza had a lengthy criminal history, including shooting from a motor vehicle, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and domestic violence.

These cases are 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.

These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.

The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.