District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man is facing a federal murder charge after allegedly breaking into a home and fatally stabbing a man during a violent altercation in the early morning hours.

According to court documents, on Friday, June 27, 2025, Armondo Paul, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arrested after officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to a stabbing at a Shiprock residence. Upon arrival, officers found the victim deceased with a neck wound believed to be from a bladed weapon.

The investigation revealed Paul went to a home after midnight and turned off the power to that residence. After a young woman and her father exited their home to investigate, Paul forcibly entered their residence armed with a knife. After a brief struggle, Paul stabbed the male in his neck. Paul then fled the scene; he was apprehended later that day.

Paul is charged with second-degree murder. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Paul 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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 Maryland man is facing federal charges after Border Patrol agents discovered 13 undocumented individuals concealed in a tractor-trailer during a late-night stop near Deming.

According to court documents, on June 25, 2025, Border Patrol Agents conducting surveillance on Interstate 10 near Deming, New Mexico, observed a suspicious tractor trailer hauling an empty flatbed—a known tactic used by Transnational Criminal Organizations to smuggle contraband and illegal aliens into the United States. The agents followed the vehicle as it took an irregular route commonly used to bypass a Border Patrol checkpoint.

Upon stopping the vehicle on New Mexico State Road 26, agents discovered 13 individuals hidden in compartments of the trailer and cab, all lacking legal immigration documents and admitting to illegal entry into the U.S.

The driver, Jarol Wilberto Arroyo-Cerin, 40, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and admitted to repeatedly transporting illegal aliens for financial compensation, instructing them to hide under the flatbed. The smuggled individuals included nationals from Guatemala, Ecuador, and Mexico, including an unaccompanied juvenile.

Arroyo-Cerin is charged with conspiracy to illegally bring, transport, hide, or encourage unauthorized immigrants to enter or stay in the United States. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Arroyo-Cerin faces 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.

The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Tonkin is prosecuting the case as 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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 Gallup man is facing federal charges following a fatal shooting during an altercation.

According to court documents, on May 26, 2025, Herman Smith, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot and killed John Doe during an altercation.

Smith is charged with voluntary manslaughter and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Smith faces a mandatory 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 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 Jack Burkhead 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 – Two brothers from Fruitland, New Mexico were sentenced for their roles in a violent assault and subsequent confrontation with law enforcement on the Navajo Nation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on March 23, 2024, Justin Tso, 38, and his brother Walliford Tso, 37, enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, went to the residence of John Doe, where Doe lived with his girlfriend and her son. As the brothers were departing the home, Justin took a machete without permission and walked away. John Doe armed himself with an axe and demanded the return of the machete. In response, Justin and Walliford charged at John Doe, leading to a violent altercation.

The brothers pursued John Doe back into the residence, where they assaulted him in front of his family, punching him and throwing objects, including a tire rim, pipe, and large rock. John Doe was able to escape and call police. During the incident, the brothers caused significant property damage, including smashing car windows and damaging vehicles.

Navajo Nation Police responded to the scene. During the attempt to apprehend the suspects, Walliford pointed a rifle at officers before surrendering. Walliford and Justin were both found to be intoxicated at the time of the incident.

Walliford and Justin each pled guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and were sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by two 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 Meg Tomlinson 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 June 27, 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)
• 7 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 43 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 38 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 alien smuggling, DUI, and drug possession.

In one significant case, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a flat-bed tractor trailer driven by Jarol Wilberto Arroyo-Cerin.  During the traffic stop, agents discovered an illegal alien in the cab of the truck, and 12 additional aliens concealed in the storage bin and frame of the flatbed trailer.  One of the aliens was an unaccompanied juvenile.  Arroyo-Cerin, a U.S. citizen, admitted to picking up the illegal aliens in El Paso, Texas and told agents he was transporting them to Albuquerque.

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 – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico filed a Notice of Intent to seek the death penalty against Labar Tsethlikai.

Tsethlikai, 52, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, is charged in a 17-count Second Superseding Indictment as follows:

• Count 1 (October 22, 2022): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 1
• Count 2 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Murder of John Doe 2
• Count 3 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Felony Murder of John Doe 2
• Count 4 (January 18, 2024): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 2
• Count 5 (May 19, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 3
• Count 6 (June 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 4
• Count 7 (June 15, 2023): Assault with Intent to Commit Murder of John Doe 4
• Count 8 (June 15, 2023): Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury of John Doe 4
• Count 9 (July 13, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 5
• Count 10 (July 13, 2023): Aggravated Sexual Abuse of John Doe 5
• Count 11 (August 24, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 6
• Count 12 (August 24, 2023): Assault with a Dangerous Weapon of John Doe 6
• Count 13 (September 7, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 7
• Count 14 (September 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 8
• Count 15 (February 16, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 9
• Count 16 (April 5, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 10
• Count 17 (April 11, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 11

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

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 is investigating this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley and Jack E. Burkhead are prosecuting the case.

The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, or have information about Tsethlikai, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

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 a Mexican national with five prior removals and three prior convictions of reentry of a removed alien following a one-day trial and 13 minutes of deliberation.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on the morning of February 15, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Emmanuel Barraza-Ramirez, 44, a Mexican national, hiding in the bushes near Mt. Cristo Rey, a quarter mile from the U.S./Mexico border and eight miles from the nearest port of entry in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Upon questioning, Ramirez admitted to being a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S.

Ramirez was arrested and transported to the Santa Teresa Station for processing. Upon reviewing his record, agents determined that he had previously been removed from the U.S. five times and had three prior convictions for illegal reentry.

Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Ramirez remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Ramirez faces 20 years in prison.

There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.

The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Saltman and Jackson K. Dering V are prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Texas woman is facing federal charges after U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than 20 pounds of cocaine from her vehicle during a checkpoint inspection south of Alamogordo, New Mexico.

According to court documents, on the afternoon of June 16, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Aurelia Madrid-Marquez, 51, at the Highway 54 checkpoint located South of Alamogordo, New Mexico, driving a minivan with Illinois license plates. During routine questioning, agents conducted a canine inspection of the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert for narcotics. A subsequent search revealed seven vacuum-sealed bundles containing a white powdery substance concealed in the driver-side floorboard area. Field tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine.

Madrid-Marquez is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Madrid-Marquez faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez 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 Terra Amarilla man has been federally charged for unlawful possession of a firearm despite prior felony convictions.

According to court documents, on May 31, 2025, the Jicarilla Apache Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance involving Ronnie Martinez, 49, at a residence in Dulce, New Mexico. According to the investigation, Martinez became agitated after a dispute with Jane Doe and subsequently sent her threatening messages, including a photograph of a rifle.

Officers located Martinez at the residence, where he was found carrying multiple knives. During questioning, Martinez admitted to possessing a rifle, which he claimed belonged to his father. Martinez consented to a search, and officers recovered a rifle from the home.

Court records confirm Martinez has prior felony convictions, including first-degree assault with a deadly weapon and second-degree assault, both punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. As a previously convicted felon, Martinez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Martinez will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Martinez faces up to 15 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 Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pahl 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 Newcomb man is facing federal charges after a violent altercation left a victim with serious injuries.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Vincent Torrez, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe at a residence on the Navajo Nation. During the incident, Torrez entered John Doe’s bedroom, repeatedly struck him, slammed him to the floor, and used a ceramic cup as a weapon to inflict a deep laceration to John Doe’s leg. John Doe sustained multiple injuries, including lacerations to the head and leg, abrasions, and an arterial wound, and was transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.

Torrez is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Torrez 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 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 Mescalero man pleaded guilty to the federal charge of sexual abuse of a minor.

According to court records, on February 15, 2025, John Albert Carrillo, Jr., 36, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, used force to commit a sexual act with a minor victim.

Carrillo pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor and faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Carrillo will be required to register as a sex offender and must serve a term of supervised release not less than five years and up to life.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Attorney's Office announced today that it has reached a $1 million settlement with Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC to resolve civil claims related to Noble’s operations under a contract supporting the Contractor Operated Civil Engineer Supply Store at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.

The contract, issued by the Department of the Air Force through the 27th Special Operations Contracting Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB), required Noble to provide supplies and materials for upkeep of the base’s infrastructure and civil engineering needs. Under the terms of the agreement, Noble will pay the United States $1,034,495.99, including $250,497.94 in restitution, with interest, in semi-annual installments through January 2028.

The settlement resolves allegations that Noble did violate Air Force contract requirements for pricing and competitive quotes, which resulted in overpayments for certain transactions and violations of the False Claims Act. For items that could be bought from local vendors and suppliers, Noble allegedly gave the Air Force inflated prices and improperly withheld actual local supplier pricing to which CAFB was entitled.

For higher priced items that required competitive quotes, Noble is accused of providing fake, fabricated, or altered vendor quotes and withholding the lowest vendor bids, causing further overpayments.   On some occasions, after government contracting officials flagged vendor quotes submitted by Noble as fake or altered, Noble submitted a second round of fake quotes to the government for the same transaction.  The government also alleges Noble charged the Air Force extra for shipping when it was already included in the price quoted by the supplying vendor.

The United States alleges that Noble’s corporate leadership had knowledge related to these issues but failed to act; despite multiple discoveries by CAFB contracting officials of apparent misconduct. Noble denies all allegations, and the settlement is not an admission of liability.

“We expect every contractor doing business with the United States to uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “When those standards are compromised, we will act decisively to safeguard public funds and maintain trust in government operations.”

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service will tirelessly pursue those who allow greed to compromise 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.  “This settlement reflects DCIS’s ongoing commitment – alongside our prosecutorial partners – to hold contractors accountable and protect the interests of the American taxpayer.”

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

Agents from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) supported the Government’s investigation. The government’s investigations were led by Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Cunniff and Auditor Phillip Stella and criminal investigators from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and DCIS. 

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 20, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 58 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)
• 29 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 69 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 alien smuggling, fraud, drug possession, and reentry of a deported alien.

On June 18, 2025, the District of New Mexico obtained two convictions under Title 50 U.S.C. § 797, Violation of Defense Property Security Regulations, and Title 18 U.S.C. § 1382, Military Trespass, following the recent designation of a military-controlled National Defense Area (NDA) along the U.S.-Mexico border. Title 50 U.S.C § 797 and Title 18 U.S.C. § 1382 are among the federal statutes that establish criminal penalties for unlawful intrusions into areas designated as National Defense Areas. Title 50 USC § 797 refers to the willful violation of a defense property security regulation, which, pursuant to lawful authority, was approved by the Secretary of Defense—or a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense—for the protection or security of Department of Defense property. Title 18 USC § 1382 subjects anyone to criminal penalties who, within the jurisdiction of the U.S., entered upon a military post, fort, or yard—in these cases, the New Mexico National Defense Area—for a purpose prohibit by law or lawful regulation, that is, illegal entry into the United States. These laws allow for prosecution of unauthorized entry into the NDA as a federal misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and/or a fine.

In the first case, Andres De Los Santos-Martinez, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty to re-entry after deportation, willfully violating a defense property security regulation, and military trespass by entering the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), a restricted military zone established in April 2025. De Los Santos-Martinez was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents on June 1, 2025, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, after crossing the border at a location not designated as a lawful port of entry. De Los Santos-Martinez had previously been apprehended in the NMNDA on May 7, 2025, and was advised in Spanish that unauthorized entry into the restricted military area was prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.

In the second case, Eduardo Herrera-Juvencio, also a Mexican national, pled guilty to re-entry after deportation, willfully violating a defense property security regulation, and military trespass by entering the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), a restricted military zone established in April 2025. Herrera-Juvencio was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents on June 1, 2025, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, after crossing the border at a location not designated as a lawful port of entry. Herrera-Juvencio had previously been apprehended in the NMNDA on May 7, 2025, and was advised in Spanish that unauthorized entry into the restricted military area was prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.

This week a significant case, Alejandro Villalobos-Torres, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Las Cruces charging Villalobos-Torres with conspiracy to take a hostage and two counts of hostage taking. In October 2022, HSI received reports of two illegal aliens be held against their will in a stash house in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. After executing a search warrant at the residence, agents located two men being held in the house. The victims were reportedly threatened with physical harm and one victim’s family member was contacted to request money for the victim’s release. Villalobos-Torres was arrested in March 2025 while in ICE custody and will remain in U.S. Marshals custody pending trial.

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 – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico today announced the first two convictions under Title 50 U.S.C. § 797, Violation of Defense Property Security Regulations, and Title 18 U.S.C. § 1382, Military Trespass, following the recent designation of a military-controlled National Defense Area (NDA) along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Title 50 U.S.C § 797 and Title 18 U.S.C. § 1382 are among the federal statutes that establish criminal penalties for unlawful intrusions into areas designated as National Defense Areas.  Title 50 USC § 797 refers to the willful violation of a defense property security regulation, which, pursuant to lawful authority, was approved by the Secretary of Defense—or a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense—for the protection or security of Department of Defense property. Title 18 USC § 1382 subjects anyone to criminal penalties who, within the jurisdiction of the U.S., entered upon a military post, fort, or yard—in these cases, the New Mexico National Defense Area—for a purpose prohibit by law or lawful regulation, that is, illegal entry into the United States.  These laws allow for prosecution of unauthorized entry into the NDA as a federal misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and/or a fine.

In the first case, Andres De Los Santos-Martinez, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty to re-entry after deportation, willfully violating a defense property security regulation, and military trespass by entering the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), a restricted military zone established in April 2025. De Los Santos-Martinez was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents on June 1, 2025, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, after crossing the border at a location not designated as a lawful port of entry. De Los Santos-Martinez had previously been apprehended in the NMNDA on May 7, 2025, and was advised in Spanish that unauthorized entry into the restricted military area was prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.

In the second case, Eduardo Herrera-Juvencio, also a Mexican national, pled guilty to re-entry after deportation, willfully violating a defense property security regulation, and military trespass by entering the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), a restricted military zone established in April 2025. Herrera-Juvencio was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents on June 1, 2025, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, after crossing the border at a location not designated as a lawful port of entry.  Herrera-Juvencio had previously been apprehended in the NMNDA on May 7, 2025, and was advised in Spanish that unauthorized entry into the restricted military area was prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.

These are the first convictions in the District of New Mexico under the new federal enforcement strategy, which grants the military expanded authority over an approximately 60-foot-wide, 170-mile-long strip of land along the New Mexico border, now managed by the U.S. Army as a National Defense Area. The NDA is marked with signs in English and Spanish warning that unauthorized entry is prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.

“These first convictions reflect the resolve of the United States Attorney’s Office to do its part in securing our nation’s southern border,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “I am tremendously proud of our staff in the Las Cruces Branch Office, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. military for their relentless efforts to secure our southern border. This partnership is a prime example of what can be accomplished through coordinated enforcement of existing federal laws. New Mexico—and the entire country—is more secure because of these efforts.”

“Let this send the message that entering the United States illegally is a crime; and if you do so in an area marked as a National Defense Area, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and removed far from the border,” said Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar.

The Court has ordered both defendants to remain in custody pending sentencing. Upon completion of their sentences, they will be subject to deportation proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement.

The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Saltman and Alyson Hehr are prosecuting the cases.

A Texas man is facing federal charges after allegedly purchasing powerful explosives in New Mexico and expressing plans to use them to harm law enforcement officers and government officials during riots in California.

According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, visited a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to purchase fireworks. During the transaction, Vandenberg requested assistance in selecting fireworks that could be thrown directly at people to cause harm. He told store employees that he was prior special forces military and claimed he could make pipe bombs. Vandenberg further stated that he was traveling to Los Angeles, California, for the riots, with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials.

“This man allegedly intended to use the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order — we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities.”

“Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and – with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information - we were able to put a stop to that plan. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the American people and the FBI will always do our part to protect them.”

“Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest – it’s a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable. Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.”

Store staff reported that Vandenberg asked for the largest explosives available and invited an employee to join him and his platoon in California. He also claimed to have mortar explosives in his possession and reiterated his plan to use them at the riots to kill officers. Vandenberg purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks before leaving the store in a vehicle with Montana license plates, heading west on Interstate 10.

Vandenberg is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Vandenberg faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Tucson Resident Agency of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, Tucson Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Stahl and Grant Gardner for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

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 woman was sentenced to 33 months in prison for driving under the influence and causing a multi-passenger collision in 2023.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on April 10, 2023, Jazmyne Deschinny, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove a vehicle with eight occupants, including five children, while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. While passing through the intersection of U.S. Highway 491 and U.S. Highway 64 in Shiprock, within the Navajo Nation, Deschinny ran a red light and collided with a flatbed trailer being towed by a truck.

Law enforcement and medical personnel responded quickly to the chaotic scene, providing life-saving care and transporting the injured to local hospitals. The impact caused severe injuries to multiple passengers, including children. One child suffered critical head trauma requiring emergency surgery and extended hospitalization.

The subsequent investigation revealed that most occupants, including children, were not properly restrained in the vehicle. At the hospital, Deschinny’s blood alcohol content was measured at .264 — over three times the legal limit — and she also tested positive for cannabinoids and opiates.

Deschinny admitted to consuming alcohol prior to driving and pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon her release from prison, Deschinny will be subject to two 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 Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Texas man is facing federal charges after allegedly purchasing powerful explosives in New Mexico and expressing plans to use them to harm law enforcement officers and government officials during riots in California.

According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, visited a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to purchase fireworks. During the transaction, Vandenberg requested assistance in selecting fireworks that could be thrown directly at people to cause harm. He told store employees that he was prior special forces military and claimed he could make pipe bombs. Vandenberg further stated that he was traveling to Los Angeles, California, for the riots, with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials.

Store staff reported that Vandenberg asked for the largest explosives available and invited an employee to join him and his platoon in California. He also claimed to have mortar explosives in his possession and reiterated his plan to use them at the riots to kill officers. Vandenberg purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks before leaving the store in a vehicle with Montana license plates, heading west on Interstate 10.

Vandenberg is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals. He will remain in custody/on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Vandenberg faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

“This man allegedly intended to use the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order — we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities.”

“Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and – with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information - we were able to put a stop to that plan. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the American people and the FBI will always do our part to protect them.”

“Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest--it’s a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable. Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.”

"Anyone who seeks to turn a lawful demonstration into a stage for violence, especially targeting law enforcement or government officials, poses a serious threat to public safety," said Philip Russell Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. "This arrest sends a clear message; we will not tolerate anyone who plans to use fear or force harm public servants. The FBI remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all."

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

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Tucson Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office, Tucson Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Stahl and Grant Gardner are 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 – Two men face federal charges for harboring illegal aliens after a kidnapping and human smuggling investigation in Albuquerque.

According to court documents, on March 1, 2025, a complainant told the FBI their spouse had been kidnapped and held for ransom. The kidnappers demanded 90,000 quetzales (about $11,600) and threatened to turn the victim over to the Zeta Cartel if payment was not made. “Proof of life” videos were sent to the family.

Using phone data from the ransom calls, agents traced the location to a residence in southwest Albuquerque. On March 2, agents executed a search warrant and found 11 undocumented immigrants, including an unaccompanied minor and defendants Isaias David Jose and Tomas Mateo Gaspar. The house was sparsely furnished and contained over 20 cell phones and a ledger of smuggling activity.

Victims said they were locked in rooms, threatened with violence or being turned over to criminal organizations, and told not to talk to law enforcement. Both Jose and Gaspar were identified as running the stash house and making ransom videos.

Jose and Gaspar were indicted for harboring an illegal alien and aiding and abetting and will remain in custody pending trial, which is scheduled for August 11, 2025. If convicted of the current charges, Jose and Gaspar each face up to five 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case as 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.

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 Rio Rancho woman faces federal drug trafficking charges after a significant seizure during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 within the Laguna Pueblo Reservation.

According to court documents, on June 11, 2025, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for excessive window tint within the Laguna Reservation. The officer detected the odor of marijuana and observed drug paraphernalia in plain view upon approaching the vehicle. The driver, Jordan Baldwin, 22, admitted to possessing marijuana and was asked to exit the vehicle. Baldwin also admitted to using a straw found in her possession to snort cocaine.

The officer conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, locating additional drug paraphernalia and Xanax pills in the front passenger area. In the trunk, the officer discovered a large black duffle bag containing a substantial quantity of blue pills, which, based on his training and experience, he believed to be fentanyl. Field tests later confirmed the pills as fentanyl, with a gross weight of 122.22 pounds, equating to approximately 504,140 pills.

Baldwin is charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 400 grams and more of fentanyl and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Baldwin faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

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

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro 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 – Nine of the 10 members of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization indicted in June 2023 have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a multi-year investigation into their roles in an extensive alien smuggling conspiracy. All nine defendants admitted to conspiring to bring, harbor, and transport groups of undocumented individuals into and within the United States for financial gain.

The defendants are identified as Rosa Adriana Lopez-Escobar, 43, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; Deysi Marisela Lopez-Ambrosio, 27, illegal residing in Long Beach, California; Franklin Leonardo Chilel-Ramirez, 39, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; Junior Vanegas Portillo, 22, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel, 26, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; and Mildred Yanira Lopez-Ambrosio, 23, illegal residing in Long Beach, California, all citizens of Guatemala, as well as Jose Gianluca Lopez-Perez, 21, of Phoenix, Arizona, Sebastian Rolando Cortez, 22, of Tempe, Arizona, and Carlos Chavez-Hernandez, 22, of Avondale, Arizona.

According to court records, between October 2021 and April 2023, these individuals operated in Luna County, New Mexico, and elsewhere, coordinating and executing the transportation and harboring of undocumented aliens. The organization used peer-to-peer money transfer apps to facilitate payments among co-conspirators and instructed others to pick up and move groups of undocumented individuals in exchange for money.

The organization coordinated pick-ups near the U.S.-Mexico border, including attempts to move individuals from Animas, New Mexico, to Phoenix, Arizona. In one instance, a defendant was apprehended by Border Patrol while en route to pick up a group of undocumented aliens.

To date, four defendants have been sentenced. Junior Vanegas Portillo was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Sebastian Rolando Cortez was sentenced to one year of probation. Carlos Chavez-Hernandez was sentenced to time served and two years of supervised release. Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel was sentenced to 45 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Sentencing for the remaining defendants is pending.

As part of his plea agreement, Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel agreed to forfeit several items used in furtherance of the conspiracy. These include two firearms, ammunition, a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, a 2017 Ford Mustang, a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2020 Polaris Can-Am Side by Side UTV.

Ronaldo Galindo Lopez-Escobar, 47, of Guatemala City, Guatemala, the alleged leader of the Lopez Crime Family, remains a fugitive.

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

HSI New Mexico led U.S. investigative efforts, with enforcement assistance from HSI in Arizona and the Central District of California. HSI received investigative assistance from U.S. Border Patrol Deming, Lordsburg, Blythe, El Centro, Yuma, and Tucson, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center/Operation Sentinel, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. The Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division also provided support in this matter.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy Castellano and Alyson Hehr as part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by MLARS; Office of Enforcement Operations; and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 380 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 340 U.S. convictions; more than 290 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. 

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona woman is facing federal charges for allegedly assaulting two individuals.

According to court documents, on December 30, 2023, Shaina Shorty, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 and the assaults resulted in serious bodily injury.

Shorty is charged with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Shorty faces up to eight 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 Aaron O. Jordan 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 – 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 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 78 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 10 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)
• 66 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 burglary, alien smuggling, DUI, and reentry of a deported alien.

In one significant case, Georgina Ramirez was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and high speed flight from a checkpoint.  In September 2023, Ramirez was transporting four illegal aliens from El Paso, Texas to Deming, New Mexico, when she fled from a Border Patrol checkpoint on I-10 west of Las Cruces, New Mexico. After traveling several miles, she stopped the vehicle in the median of the interstate, telling the group of aliens to run.  While fleeing, one of the aliens was struck and killed by an oncoming semi-truck.

In a similar case, Ulysses Uriel Chanez was arrested and initialed on charges arising from an incident on April 8, 2025.  Chanez entered the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Otero County, New Mexico at a high rate of speed, failed to stop, and fled from agents at speeds exceeding 100 mph.  Because of the risk to the agents and the public, the chase was discontinued and Chanez was not apprehended.  Chanez was charged by criminal complaint with high-speed flight from checkpoint and was arrested on June 6, 2025.

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 Texas woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison following her conviction for transporting undocumented noncitizens resulting in a fatality during a high-speed flight from law enforcement near Las Cruces, New Mexico.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, shortly after midnight on September 20, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol agents were conducting inspections at the westbound Interstate 10 checkpoint when Georgina Ramirez, 44, approached in a SUV. Upon questioning, Ramirez presented her driver’s license but refused to fully lower a rear window, arousing agents’ suspicions. As agents attempted further inspection, Ramirez suddenly accelerated, fleeing the checkpoint at high speed.

Ramirez led agents on a six-mile pursuit, reaching speeds up to 110 miles per hour and turning off her headlights in an attempt to evade detection. She eventually stopped in the median near mile marker 114, where she and five passengers exited the vehicle and fled on foot at her instruction. During the escape, one passenger attempted to cross the interstate and was fatally struck by a passing semi-truck.

Border Patrol agents apprehended Ramirez and five other passengers, four of whom were determined to be undocumented noncitizens without legal status in the United States. The deceased individual was also found to be unlawfully present in the country.

In a post-arrest interview, Ramirez admitted she had agreed to transport the noncitizens from the border area to Deming, New Mexico. A search of Ramirez’s phone revealed messages and recordings coordinating with a scout, who advised her on checkpoint activity, as well as “proof of life” videos of the smuggled individuals.

Ramirez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport an illegal alien and high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint.  Upon her release from prison, Ramirez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.

The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Williams and Randy Castellano prosecuted this case as 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. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for assaulting his girlfriend in a violent domestic incident.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on October 9, 2023, Frank Shorty Trujillo, 20, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim, Jane Doe, at a residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The incident occurred in the presence of her one-year-old child. During the assault, Trujillo repeatedly punched Jane Doe and bit her on the left leg above the knee. Jane Doe reported fearing for her life during the attack.

Upon his release from prison, Trujillo will be subject to two 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 Mark A. Saltman is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Little Water man pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from his involvement in a violent April 2024 shooting and subsequent homicide on the Navajo Nation.

According to court records, on April 24, 2024, Dewayne George, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, accompanied Brittania Navaho to a pawn shop in Gallup where she purchased a .22 caliber revolver and ammunition for Rydell Happy, who is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Later that day, the group, joined by John Doe, drove through the Gallup area and encountered a vehicle on U.S. Highway 491 within the Navajo Nation.

Happy initially fired a shot into the air, then, after a pursuit, multiple shots were fired at the vehicle by Happy, George, and John Doe. George admitted to reloading and discharging the firearm several times at the fleeing vehicle, which was struck by multiple bullets. Fortunately, the occupants were not injured.

After the shooting, the group drove near Shiprock, New Mexico, where a confrontation led to Happy fatally shooting John Doe. George helped Happy drag John Doe’s body over a cliff in an attempt to conceal the body and avoid arrest and prosecution.

Brittania Navaho pled guilty to federal charges related to the straw purchase of the firearm and faces up to 15 years in prison.

Rydell Happy is charged with first degree murder, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He remains in custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for July 14, 2025.

George pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. At sentencing, George faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, George 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. 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.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Becenti man is facing federal charges after allegedly causing a fatal crash.

According to court documents, on July 3, 2024, Joey Martin, 55, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, killed John Doe by operating a vehicle without due caution.

Martin is charged with involuntary manslaughter and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Martin faces up to eight years in prison.

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

The Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Michael Pahl 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 – A Shiprock man was charged by indictment with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, in the morning hours of May 15, 2025, Jay Ray Kelly, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was seen walking in Shiprock, firing a handgun into the air. Concerned citizens called police. Later that morning, police arrested Kelly with a handgun and 155 rounds of ammunition in a backpack.

Kelly is charged federally with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. In 2006, Kelly was convicted in the District of New Mexico for possessing a firearm in a school zone. Because of this 2006 federal felony conviction, Kelly was prohibited from possessing all firearms and ammunition.

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 Zachary C. Jones 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 Sanostee man pleaded guilty to a violent assault that left a woman seriously injured.

According to court records, Nathan Mescale, 36, and enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted that on December 2 and December 3, 2023, he assaulted Jane Doe, and the assault caused her serious bodily injury.

At sentencing, Mescale faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Mescale 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 FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mia Ulibarri-Rubin is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A San Felipe man was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on August 1 and August 15 of 2022, Vernon Chavez, 62, an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, inappropriately touched an 11-year-old girl over her clothing.

Upon his release from prison, Chavez will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

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

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious injury following a violent knife assault outside a local grocery store.

According to court records, on November 12, 2024, Josiah Bodie, 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe with a knife outside Basha’s Grocery Store in Shiprock, New Mexico. As a result of the assault, John Doe suffered serious bodily injury. 

At sentencing, Bodie faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Bodie 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 Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Cuba man was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and firearms offenses.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on July 26, 2022, Navajo Nation Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting at a residence near Ojo Encino. Upon arrival, officers discovered John Doe deceased with a gunshot wound to his chest and right arm. Witnesses identified Jason Lee Martinez, 52, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, as the shooter, who fled the scene immediately after the incident.

On August 26, 2022, FBI agents interviewed Martinez, who admitted to shooting John Doe and subsequently pled guilty to second degree murder and federal firearms offenses.

Upon his release from prison, Martinez 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 investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – An Alamogordo man was sentenced to 8 years in prison for federal firearms offenses connected to the murder of Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson. United States District Judge Margaret Strickland ordered the 8-year federal sentence to run consecutive to De La O’s state life sentence following a request by United States Attorney Ryan Ellison.

According to court records, on July 15, 2023, Dominic De La O fatally shot Officer Ferguson following an attempted traffic stop in Alamogordo, New Mexico. De La O used a sawed-off, unregistered shotgun supplied by Jonah Apodaca to kill Officer Ferguson after fleeing from a traffic stop and leading police on a pursuit. Officer Ferguson, a 11-year veteran of the Alamogordo Police Department and Field Training Officer, succumbed to his injuries on July 16, 2023.

United States Attorney Ryan Ellison issued the following statement after the sentencing hearing:

“Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson faithfully served the people of Alamogordo for over 11 years—I know because I am one of them. My family still lives in Alamogordo and my mother attended Officer Ferguson’s funeral. An 8-year federal sentence for violations of federal firearms laws running consecutive to De La O’s state life sentence guarantees that he will never again see the outside of a prison cell. Acts of violence against those who serve and protect our communities will not be tolerated and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. It was my great privilege to meet with Officer Ferguson’s family and to personally prosecute this case to ensure that justice was served.”

“Officer Anthony Ferguson’s death was a devastating and senseless act of violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber. “Violence against our law enforcement officers and first responders must never be tolerated. Alongside our state, local and federal partners, we will relentlessly pursue justice—just as we did in this case. We continue to offer our heartfelt condolences to Officer Ferguson’s family, friends, the Alamogordo Police Department, and the entire community. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

De La O was previously found guilty of first-degree murder and related state charges and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional six and a half years for tampering with evidence, aggravated fleeing, criminal trespass, and resisting or evading an officer.

Jonah Apodaca pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for providing the weapon used in the fatal shooting.

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 Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, the Otero County Sheriff’s Office, and the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Pinedale man pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon after slashing a man’s throat during a confrontation.

According to court records, on February 17, 2025, Laberto Curley, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, used a knife to slash John Doe’s throat during a physical altercation, resulting is serious bodily injury.

At sentencing, Curley faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Curley 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 Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Santa Fe man has been charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury following an incident in 2022.

According to court documents, on November 24, 2022, Anthony Nieto, 38, an enrolled member of Nambé Pueblo, assaulted the victim and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

Nieto is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending his detention hearing, scheduled for June 3, 2025. If convicted of the current charges, Nieto faces up to 10 years in prison.

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

The Pojoaque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Mark Probasco 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 – An Española man was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison following a series of law enforcement actions that uncovered illegal firearms, narcotics, and unstable explosives.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on August 1, 2023, Pojoaque Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a sedan with expired registration driven by Mario James Valdez, 35. Inside the car, officers located two loaded “ghost guns,” one of which was outfitted with a non-functioning machinegun conversion device, a loaded and stolen handgun, fentanyl, additional ammunition, a police scanner, 377 blue pills marked M30 and 42 grams of crack cocaine. Valdez was released after serving one day in custody.

On September 15, 2023, Valdez was arrested again for shoplifting and on an outstanding state warrant. During this arrest, officers found fentanyl, Xanax, crack cocaine, and ammunition on Valdez’s person. In recorded jail calls between October 15 and 18, 2023, Valdez discussed having additional firearms and sticks of dynamite stored at a house in Española, warning of their instability and danger.

On October 20, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Española residence. In Valdez’s bedroom, officers discovered six sticks of deteriorating dynamite, a shotgun, and an AR-style rifle. Additional rifles, including those referenced in the jail calls, were found in another bedroom.

Due to the hazardous condition of the dynamite, law enforcement destroyed it for public safety. As a previously convicted felon, Valdez was prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Valdez pleaded guilty to possession to intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and being a felon in possession of explosive material. Upon his release from prison, Valdez 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 investigated this case with assistance from the Pojoaque Police Department, New Mexico State Police and Española Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Hirsch is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor involving the use of force.

According to court records, on or about September 13, 2023, Cisco Cruzito Pinto, 38, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, engaged in sexual contact with a minor who was between the ages of 12 and 16 at the time. When the victim resisted, Pinto used force to maintain control.

Pinto will be detained pending sentencing. At sentencing, Pinto faces any term of years and up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pinto will be subject to a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life.

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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Nicholas J. Marshall are 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 – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after a pattern of persistent digital harassment targeting multiple women over a nine-month period.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, between June 2022 and March 2023, Phillip Gonzales, 39, stalked and harassed three women using anonymous texting applications and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Over this nine-month period, Gonzales sent the victims graphic sexual messages, expressed rape fantasies, threatened the victims, and demonstrated knowledge of their personal information.

FBI agents obtained subpoenas for subscriber information for several of the numbers which returned registration IP addresses tied to a residence in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the time period the crimes were committed, the only people living at this address were Gonzales and his father.

On May 11, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at the residence and seized a number of electronic devices.  A review of the devices revealed at least four additional women who were believed to have received messages from Gonzales to include threats of rape and murder.

On September 6, 2023, Gonzales was charged with cyberstalking and remanded to third party custody pending trial. As a condition of his release, Gonzales was strictly limited to one monitored phone and required approval for any device with internet access. Gonzales was later found to be in possession of two unauthorized internet-capable phones which he had used to send unwanted and potentially harassing messages to two women. This violation led the court to revoke his release and order his detention, citing his demonstrated inability to comply with court-ordered restrictions.

Subsequently, Gonzales pleaded guilty to three counts of cyberstalking. Upon his release from prison, Gonzales 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 investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Moghadam prosecuted 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 May 30, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 51 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 9 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 79 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 13 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 possession and firearms offenses.

In one significant case, Moustafa Mahmoud Abdelnabi Salem, a citizen of Egypt who was lawfully in the U.S., was charged by criminal complaint with being an alien in possession of a firearm after he pulled a firearm out of his vehicle at a gas station and pointed it at a homeless man who was not threatening him.

In another case, Valerie Perez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating an alien stash house. Family members of the aliens contacted authorities after Perez demanded additional payment to release the aliens. The aliens were also threatened with physical harm if additional payments were not received. At the time of her arrest, Perez was on supervised release for a prior alien smuggling conviction.

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 Mescalero man was sentenced to 71 months in prison for assault by strangulation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between May 5 and May 11, 2022, Kevin El Cavazone, 42, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her.

Upon his release from prison, El Cavazone will be subject to 3 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – An El Paso woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a hostage-taking conspiracy involving the forcible detention and extortion of the victims.  The defendant was involved in the hostage-taking conspiracy while serving a term of federal supervised release for a prior alien smuggling conviction.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on April 4, 2024, agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol responded to a tip from the Otero County Sheriff’s Department regarding individuals being held against their will at an alien smuggling stash house in Chaparral, New Mexico. The joint investigation led law enforcement to the residence where ten undocumented aliens, including three juveniles, were discovered being detained under inhumane conditions, without sufficient food and water.

During the subsequent investigation, agents determined that Valerie Perez, 22, and her coconspirator, Diana Perez, were responsible for detaining the victims. The victims were threatened with physical harm and told they were not allowed to leave. Family members of the victims were contacted and coerced into sending money for the victims’ release.

Valerie Perez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit hostage taking, admitting that she participated in detaining undocumented individuals, threatening them with harm, and extorting money from their families and friends in exchange for their release. At the time of this offense, Perez was on supervised release following a prior conviction for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, for which she had been sentenced to one year and one day in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

Upon her release from prison, Valerie Perez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Diana Perez remains in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.

The Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case with assistance from the Otero County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting this 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 May 23, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 74 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 6 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 45 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
• 260 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 felon in possession of a firearm, drug possession, sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.

In one significant case, a criminal complaint was filed on May 21, 2025, charging Francisco Javier Menchaca-Rodriguez, an alien unlawfully present in the United States, with being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On May 19, 2025, the Clovis Police Department (CPD) notified the HSI Office in Roswell that Menchaca-Rodriguez had been involved in a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend on May 18, 2025. During an interview, the girlfriend reported that Menchaca-Rodriguez threatened her with a firearm. After being advised of his Miranda rights, which he waived, the defendant admitted to possessing the firearm during the argument.

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 – U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced today the appointment of a new executive leadership team to guide the District of New Mexico’s mission, along with a restructuring of the Albuquerque office’s Criminal Division to best advance the Administration’s priorities.

Mr. Ellison named Kimberly Brawley as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, overseeing the Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Divisions. Ms. Brawley joined the office in 2007 and has worked across all sections of the Criminal Division. From 2013 to 2018, she supervised the General Crimes Section, which handled violent crimes, firearms offenses, narcotics, and immigration cases.   Since 2018 she has prosecuted white collar, national security, and civil rights cases.  Ms. Brawley earned her B.A. with honors from New Mexico State University and graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law.  Before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she clerked for the office and practiced civil defense litigation in the private sector.

Christopher McNair will serve as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. McNair joined the office 2018 and has primarily handled firearms, violent crime, and immigration offenses. Mr. McNair graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law and earned his B.A. from the University of New Mexico.

Roberto Ortega has been appointed as Chief of the Civil Division. Mr. Ortega has over 35 years of legal experience, including 25 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has prosecuted a wide range of federal criminal cases and now focuses on defending the United States in civil litigation. Mr. Ortega holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He is also an active community leader, having served on several local boards, including the UNM Alumni Association and the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. He and his wife, Dr. Loretta Cordova de Ortega, have four children.

Niki Tapia-Brito will lead the Albuquerque Office’s Criminal Division as Chief. Ms. Tapia-Brito joined the office in 2011, after serving for 10 years as a prosecutor in the 7th and 2nd Judicial District Attorneys’ Offices.  Throughout her career with the office, Ms. Tapia-Brito has prosecuted federal cases in the Indian Crimes, Violent Crimes, Civil Rights and Public Integrity sections.  Ms. Tapia-Brito earned her B.A. from Stanford University and a JD at University of New Mexico School of Law.

In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Richard Williams will serve as Chief of the Criminal Division. He joined the office in 2001 as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2002. From July 2008 to July 2022, Mr. Williams served in supervisory roles, including Deputy Branch Chief and Section Supervisor. Throughout his career with the office, he has led numerous criminal investigations and prosecutions involving immigration, firearms, narcotics, money laundering, murder and other violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and various federal violations. He has also argued multiple appeals before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, securing two successful topside appeals. In recognition of his appellate work, Mr. Williams received the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance in 2010. Before joining the office, he practiced commercial litigation as an associate at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Williams earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law and his B.A. cum laude from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.

Paige Messec will continue to serve as the Chief of the Appellate Division, which she has headed since 2018. Ms. Messec joined the office in 2008 and served in the Immigration, General Crimes, and White Collar sections of the Criminal Division before moving to the Appellate Division in 2015. She received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Georgetown University and law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School. Before joining the office, she clerked for Judge Harris L Hartz on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Jeremy Peña has been appointed as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Albuquerque Criminal Division. Mr. Peña joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2011, starting in the General Crimes Section and moving to the White Collar Section that same year. In 2014, he received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for the trial conviction of Sheriff Thomas Rodella.  He has prosecuted some of the Office’s most complex cases, including Ayudando Guardians and the recent trial conviction of Solomon Peña.  Mr. Peña graduated from Pomona College and the University of Chicago Law School.  He was an Assistant District Attorney for five years before becoming an AUSA.

In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Terri Abernathy will continue to serve as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Criminal Division, a position she has held since 2010. In this role, Ms. Abernathy is responsible for coordinating the training of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Las Cruces Office. She has been with the office since 2000 and serves as the District’s Border Security Coordinator. Over her 25-year career, Ms. Abernathy has prosecuted complex narcotics cases and more than a thousand immigration cases. Before joining the office, she clerked for Circuit Judge Bobby R. Baldock of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and is a graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri.

In addition to his executive leadership team, Mr. Ellison announced a restructured Criminal Division in the Albuquerque Office, now organized into four sections:

• Narcotics and Organized Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Ramirez and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lou Mattei.
• White Collar Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Federici.
• Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Hurtado and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.
• Indian Country Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGinley.

The Las Cruces Branch Office is organized into two sections:

• Organized and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl.
• Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Armijo.

Public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. With this new leadership team in place, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to vigorously enforcing the law, protecting our communities, and upholding the rights of all New Mexicans. The office will continue to collaborate closely with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to address violent crime, combat drug trafficking, and strengthen border security. 

ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon, already under investigation for multiple crimes, has been federally charged after being found with a stolen firearm in Shiprock.

According to court documents, on the morning of May 15, 2025, the Navajo Nation Police Department received reports of a male firing a gun near a Marathon gas station on U.S. Highway 64 in Shiprock. Responding officers located and detained Jay Kelly, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Officers discovered a stolen revolver and approximately 100 rounds of ammunition inside Kelly’s backpack.

Witnesses confirmed Kelly fired the handgun multiple times in the air, but did not report anyone being threatened or injured. A background check revealed Kelly to be a convicted felon, making it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition. Kelly was implicated in two other criminal investigations earlier this year, including arson and illegal firearm possession.

Kelly is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which will occur next week. If convicted of this charge, Kelly 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 Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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

ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo Nation woman has been indicted in federal court after allegedly shooting a man with a handgun during an incident that left the victim with serious injuries.

According to court documents, on November 17, 2024, Beverleta Tayah, 53, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe with a handgun and that assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Doe.

Tayah stands charged with three felony crimes—assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. She will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which will occur next week. If convicted of the current charges, Tayah faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 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 Zachary C. Jones 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 Canoncito man was sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in the violent 2022 assault that led to the death of John Doe.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 27, 2022, Landen Toledo, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, along with Cole Ray Shorty, confronted John Doe at his residence to retrieve Shorty’s backpack. During the confrontation, John Doe exited his vehicle with a baseball bat. Toledo grabbed John Doe by the wrists, threw him to the ground, and kicked him in the stomach several times, causing him to drop the bat. Shorty then struck John Doe on the head with the bat. John Doe was left unconscious at the scene and later died from blunt head trauma.

Shorty pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 72 months in prison.

Toledo pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

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 assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. 

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault resulting in serious injury following a fatal drunk driving crash.

According to court records, on November 14, 2024, Marvin Wauneka, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a single-vehicle, high-speed rollover crash on Navajo Route 54 within the Navajo Nation. The crash caused the deaths of two passengers and seriously injured a third passenger. As the time, Wauneka had a prior DUI conviction. 

At sentencing, Wauneka faces a maximum of 26 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Wauneka will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

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

The Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Virginia man has been charged with conspiracy to transport an illegal alien after he arranged and paid for the smuggling of a 17-year-old Honduran minor into the United States.

According to court documents, on May 3, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended a 17-year-old unaccompanied minor from Honduras near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, after she unlawfully entered the United States. The subsequent investigation revealed that Luis Alonso Argueta-Diaz, 35, of Virginia, had arranged and partially paid for the minor’s smuggling into the country. When questioned by agents from Homeland Security Investigations, Argueta-Diaz admitted to coordinating and financing the minor’s journey with the intent for her to live with him and assist in caring for his children.

Argueta-Diaz is charged with conspiracy to transport an illegal alien and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Argueta-Diaz faces 10 years in prison.

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

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ERO Richmond, FBI Richmond Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Virginia State Police, and the Henrico Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting this case as 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 

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 with assault with a dangerous weapon following a shooting incident outside a restaurant.

According to court documents, Navajo Nation Police responded to a 911 call reporting that an individual was shot in the hand in front of the Little Caesars Restaurant in Shiprock. Officers located the suspect, identified as Terrold Tyler, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, near the scene carrying a black backpack that contained a homemade firearm and five live shotgun shells. Tyler was detained without incident.

Investigators determined that Tyler and the victim were involved in an argument behind the restaurant prior to the shooting. Tyler allegedly produced the homemade shotgun and shot the victim in the left hand. Paramedics responded to the scene, but the victim declined medical treatment.  A social media video depicting Tyler with the firearm was also recovered as evidence.

Tyler is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Tyler 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.