District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – An 18-year-old Gallup man is facing federal charges following a shooting that left one Navajo-Nation member dead and another seriously injured.

According to court records, in the early morning hours of April 6, 2025, a shooting occurred at a Church Rock, New Mexico residence. A resident of the home awoke to gunshots and, along with a second resident, entered 16-year-old Jane Doe’s bedroom, where the residents discovered 18-year-old John Doe deceased on the floor, Jane Doe suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect, Mario Israel Barraza.

Barraza—identified by both residents as Jane Doe’s former boyfriend—fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Investigators found evidence of forced entry through Jane Doe’s bedroom window, shell casings inside and outside the bedroom, and spent rounds resembling a bullet later extracted from Jane Doe during surgery. Security footage corroborated witness accounts of Barraza fleeing the scene, while Jane Doe confirmed she heard Barraza and John Doe arguing prior to the shooting and that he had a history of entering her bedroom through her window.

Jane and John Doe are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Barraza is not an enrolled member of any federally recognized Tribe.

Barraza stands charged with murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Barraza faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, 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 Ramah-Navajo Police Department. 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 – An Arizona man is facing federal for allegedly assaulting federal officers and transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines after a high-speed pursuit in New Mexico.

According to court documents, on March 31, 2025, Christopher Jack Leach, 33, became aware of a warrant for his arrest in Arizona. He borrowed a friend’s vehicle under false pretenses, claiming he would drive it to another friend's house in Arizona, but instead fled toward Florida with a passenger. The vehicle was reported stolen after the owner realized Leach’s deception. On that date, Leach and his passenger traveled across state lines, knowing the vehicle was reported stolen, and evaded law enforcement for the next several days.

On the morning of April 2, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to reports of a stolen vehicle traveling eastbound at high speed on Interstate 10 in Las Cruces. During the pursuit, Leach accelerated toward the agents’ unmarked vehicle on a narrow street, prompting one agent to exit and discharge a warning shot. Leach evaded the agents, drove into a dead-end street, drove into their vehicle causing a collision, and fled again before ultimately being apprehended by the New Mexico State Police.

Following the incident, agents from the FBI interviewed Leach’s passenger, who confirmed that Leach knowingly fled law enforcement and was aware of the vehicle’s stolen status. Leach, however, claimed memory loss during his FBI interview, stating no recollection of events between Arizona and New Mexico.

Leach is charged with assault of a federal officer and transportation of a stolen vehicle and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Leach faces up to 20 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, 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 U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr 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 federal jury convicted a former University of New Mexico football player on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine while incarcerated at Cibola County Correctional Center. The verdict came after a five-day trial and approximately three-and-a-half hours of deliberation.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, while in custody awaiting trial for the 2022-armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee, Rayshawn Boyce, 29, was implicated in a separate case involving drug trafficking within the Cibola County Correctional Center (CCCC). On May 17, 2022, CCCC personnel conducted a search of a unit and discovered a bag containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine in the shower area.

Photo of drugs in shower area

Review of surveillance footage revealed that on the evening of May 16, 2022, Correctional Officer Gabriella Torres smuggled a bundle of methamphetamine into the facility under her hoodie and dropped it in cell in an area that was not covered by a camera for Boyce to retrieve. A short time later, Boyce retrieved the bundle, concealed it in a blanket, and walked back to his cell. When he learned that the jail was being searched the next day, Boyce moved the bundle from his cell in the middle of the night, submerged it in water, and left it near the showers, where it was found that morning by CCCC personnel.

Federal investigators determined that Boyce and Torres were in a romantic relationship, during which Boyce persuaded Torres to smuggle drugs into the CCCC. On two separate occasions, Torres successfully smuggled marijuana into the facility for Boyce to distribute. Boyce instructed buyers to send payments through a CashApp account he had Torres established specifically for these transactions. On May 16, 2022, Boyce coordinated the delivery of a methamphetamine shipment to Torres for smuggling into CCCC.

Torres pled guilty to one count of conspiracy and remains on conditions of release pending sentencing, which is not currently scheduled. At sentencing, Torres could face 10 years to life in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Boyce remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Boyce faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years of imprisonment and up to life.

In April 2024, a federal jury convicted Boyce of robbing a postal carrier, stealing an arrow key belonging to the United States Postal Service, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At sentencing for this prior conviction, Boyce faces up to ten years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Cibola County Correctional Center and CoreCivic. Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia Carroll Simms and Joseph M. Spindle are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl and producing child pornography.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, Kevin Vallo, 41, was on supervised released after serving a sentence for first degree murder when he used the social media app, Telegram, to communicate with Jane Doe, a 13-year-old girl, while falsely claiming to be 16 years old. On February 19, 2024, Vallo persuaded Jane Doe and two other minors to visit his Albuquerque apartment where he engaged in sexual acts with Jane Doe and another minor. Vallo also recorded explicit videos of him engaging in sexual acts with Jane Doe. Vallo later sent the explicit videos to Jane Doe via Telegram.

The investigation began when one of the other minors disclosed the abuse during a medical appointment. Law enforcement identified Vallo through witness accounts and executed a search warrant on May 9, 2024, recovering multiple videos of Vallo engaging in sexual acts with Jane Doe from Vallo's phone. During a subsequent interview, Vallo admitted to the sexual encounters and to recording the acts.

Vallo was sentenced to an additional 30 months in prison for violating his supervision terms related to the murder charge, for a total of 27 and a half years. Upon his release, Vallo will be subject to a 15-year term of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

ALBUQUERQUE – 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 April 4, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 56 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 11 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 32 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)

Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions, with some of those convictions being for aggravated felonies, including convictions for solicitation of a child through electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct, leaving the scene of an accident with fatality, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine

In a significant case highlighting the use of fraudulent documents and the transportation of undocumented individuals, criminal charges were brought against Juanita Martinez, a U.S. citizen, and Aldo Arvizu-Chaparro, a Mexican national. Martinez entered the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in New Mexico accompanied by Arvizu-Chaparro, who presented a falsified birth certificate and claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Martinez falsely asserted that Arvizu-Chaparro was her son. During secondary inspection, agents discovered that the birth certificate was fraudulent and confirmed that Arvizu-Chaparro did not have legal authorization to enter the United States. As a result, Arvizu-Chaparro is facing prosecution for using a false document, while Martinez is being prosecuted for transporting an undocumented individual.

In a similar case, Abel Banuelos-Rojas is charged with using fraudulent identification to attempt entry into the United States. Banuelos-Rojas presented a U.S. passport card that did not belong to him and admitted during questioning that he is a Mexican citizen illegally residing in the United States. He further disclosed that he had assumed the identity of a U.S. citizen in 1983 by paying $150 for fraudulent identity documents. Banuelos-Rojas is being prosecuted for using a false passport, paralleling Arvizu-Chaparro's case in terms of utilizing deceptive documentation to attempt illegal entry.

The issue of smuggling undocumented individuals also arose in the case against Jose Manuel Castillo-Gastellum, a Mexican national charged with transporting illegal aliens. Castillo-Gastellum was apprehended while guiding six undocumented individuals through the desert in southwestern New Mexico. Among those he was guiding, two women were suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, necessitating emergency medical attention and hospitalization. Castillo-Gastellum's criminal history includes prior apprehensions as both a drug mule and an alien smuggler during his juvenile years. He admitted to successfully smuggling ten undocumented individuals to the same location just days before his arrest in this case.

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. [use if applicable] Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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 – Three men involved in a coordinated human smuggling operation in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, have been sentenced after their actions led to a fatal vehicle collision that claimed the lives of two undocumented non-citizens.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on June 23, 2023, Jose Hermosillo-Camarillo, 22, of Albuquerque, drove a vehicle carrying four undocumented non-citizens at high speeds through Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with Jesus Manuel Soto, 20, a Mexican national, as a passenger in the same vehicle. Despite no law enforcement engaging in a high-speed pursuit, Hermosillo-Camarillo drove recklessly, running two red lights and attempting an illegal U-turn at an intersection. This resulted in his vehicle being struck by a semi-truck traveling at 60 mph, causing severe injuries to the occupants and leading to the deaths of two—one at the scene and another later at the hospital. U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to render aid and secure the area until New Mexico State Police arrived and took command.

Sergio Raul Diaz, 20, also of Albuquerque, drove a second vehicle in tandem with Hermosillo-Camarillo’s car. After the collision, Diaz fled into Texas at high speeds, running a red light and evading capture until his vehicle was immobilized by a tire deflation device. Four undocumented non-citizens from Diaz’s vehicle attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol. Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Diaz at the scene.

Survivors revealed that smugglers charged approximately $1,500 per person for transportation. They also identified Soto as the foot guide that led them across the U.S.-Mexico border to meet Hermosillo-Camarillo and Diaz.

Court records revealed that Hermosillo-Camarillo had been arrested previously for similar offenses in New Mexico and Arizona but had not been charged.

Hermosillo-Camarillo, Soto, and Diaz each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport an illegal alien resulting in death. Hermosillo-Camarillo was sentenced to 144 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Soto received an 18-month prison sentence and will face deportation proceedings upon his release. Diaz was sentenced to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

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

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, Hatch Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and New Mexico Department of Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano prosecuted 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a violent shooting incident involving the illegal use of a firearm.

According to court records, on the night of September 19, 2024, Devin Wade Wyaco shot John Doe (who was riding a bicycle) from the passenger side of his girlfriend’s vehicle, striking John Doe in the abdomen. Doe was transported to Zuni Hospital and later to the University of New Mexico Hospital for treatment. During an interview with investigators, John Doe identified the vehicle as belonging to Wyaco’s girlfriend. Doe survived the shooting.

Police identified Wyaco, 34, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, as the shooter through statements from his girlfriend, who admitted being present during the incident and confirmed Wyaco’s involvement. A federal search warrant executed at her residence corroborated her account. In his plea agreement, Wyaco confessed that he fired at John Doe after becoming angry when one of the bicyclists threw a rock at the car. He also admitted that as a previously convicted felon—having prior convictions for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and aggravated fleeing from a law-enforcement officer—he knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition in violation of federal law.

Handgun recovered from Wyaco’s girlfriend’s home.

Wyaco pled guilty to all three charges contained in the indictment, including assault with a dangerous weapon, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

At sentencing, Wyaco faces no less than 10 years and up to life in prison followed by up to five years of supervised release. Additionally, Wyaco faces up to $250,000 in fines.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Thoreau man was sentenced to five years of supervised probation for the accidental shooting of his friend during a drunken altercation in 2022.

According to court documents, on August 20, 2022, Gerrick Mariano, 27, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and John Doe were drinking and shooting Mariano’s recently purchased AR-15 at Doe’s home, located on the Navajo Nation. Mariano pointed his new rifle at one of Doe’s pets, which upset Doe, who demanded Mariano leave his home. This angered Mariano, who then pointed his rifle at Doe’s chest, intending to frighten Doe. Doe quickly pushed the barrel away, which resulted in Mariano inadvertently pulling the trigger once. The bullet struck John Doe in his upper-right shoulder.

Post-crime photo of the weapon on Doe’s bed.

Doe required an airlift to a hospital. Mariano initially said the shooting was accidental and alleged Doe had been attempting suicide. Interviewed later, Mariano admitted responsibility and apologized to Doe. Doe continues to experience pain and restricted movement because of the gunshot injury.

Mariano will be subject to five years of supervised probation. During this period, he cannot consume alcohol or drugs, he must maintain gainful employment or enroll in school, and he must not break any additional laws—federal, state, or tribal. Should he do so, Mariano will face the revocation of probation, which could result in a prison sentence. As a convicted felon, Mariano cannot possess any sort of gun.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation, New Mexico State Police, and New Mexico Park Rangers. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man has pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, while his wife has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in connection with a violent assault in 2023.

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

At sentencing, Renauldo and Lisa both face up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons.

FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period.  This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.  FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oreg.; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.

FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable.  U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.

“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

“This surge in resources presents a crucial opportunity to deliver justice for families who have waited far too long for answers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin. “By working hand-in-hand with Tribal law enforcement and the FBI, we are not only advancing investigations and prosecutions but also strengthening public safety in our continued effort to uphold our trust responsibility to Tribal communities.”

"We are looking forward to the additional resources Operation Not Forgotten will surge to New Mexico's Indian Country to assist the dedicated Agents and Analysts in their unwavering dedication to move cases closer to resolution," said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. "Through our continued strong partnerships with local, state, and tribal agencies our efforts to combat crime and protect the community remain a top priority."

Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.

Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.  This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years.  Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.

Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people. Eliot Neal serves as the MMIP Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southwest Region, covering New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. In this role, he focuses on investigating unresolved MMIP cases and fostering collaboration among federal, Tribal, local, and state law enforcement agencies to address this crisis. Prior to this position, AUSA Neal handled cases involving child exploitation, gun crimes, and offenses in Indian Country, and continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to the MMIP cause through ongoing outreach and strategic partnerships.

ALBUQUERQUE – Santiago Martinez pleaded guilty in federal court to voluntary manslaughter for the death of his girlfriend, DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo, a talented Indigenous artist, following a late-night argument in November 2021.

According to court records, on November 12, 2021, Santiago Martinez and his girlfriend, DeAnna Suazo, were at their shared home, where they consumed alcohol and listened to music in her vehicle. Early in the morning hours, the couple engaged in a heated argument outside their home about the future of their relationship, during which Suazo reiterated her desire to end things. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, leading to Martinez intentionally running over Suazo with her SUV, resulting in her death due to mechanical asphyxia and blunt trauma

Although Martinez had consumed alcohol, he acknowledged being aware of his actions and their wrongfulness at the time of the incident.

DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo (Diné, Taos Pueblo) was a talented artist and the daughter of Native American artists Geraldine Tso, a Navajo artist, and David Gary Suazo, a Taos Pueblo painter. She celebrated her Indigenous heritage through figural paintings of strong Indigenous women, blending traditional and contemporary styles with inspiration from Japanese manga. Suazo's work was exhibited nationwide, including at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery. In 2022, IAIA established the DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Memorial Fund for Indigenous female artists in the MFA in Studio Arts Program, honoring her legacy and contributions to the art world.

At sentencing, Martinez faces between 10 and 15 years in prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Jones and Nora Wilson are prosecuting the case.

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

In the one-week period ending March 28, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 37 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)
• 32 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)

In a significant case, a criminal complaint was filed against David Serrano-Dominguez, a Mexican national illegally present in the U.S., charging him with alien in possession of firearms, possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, and reentry of a deported alien. HSI agents arrested Serrano-Dominguez at an apartment complex in Deming, NM, where he had been residing. Agents had identified social media posts showing Serrano-Dominguez in possession of and discharging handguns and rifles. Following his arrest, agents discovered 10 firearms and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition in the apartment. Among the firearms was an unregistered rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches.

This case is 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.

Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border security. During this time period, Enrique Rodriguez-Salazar, was sentenced to 11 months in prison.  Border Patrol agents apprehended the defendant on September 26, 2024, near the border wall in Santa Teresa, NM after he illegally reentered the U.S. from Mexico. As he was being arrested, Rodriguez-Salazar grabbed a handful of sand and dirt from the ground, throwing it into the U.S. Border Patrol agents face and eyes in an attempt to escape from the agent.

From the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025 through the end of February 2025, 40 El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents have been assaulted, following 103 assaults in Fiscal Year 2024. U.S. Border Patrol is collaborating closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that those who assault federal officers are brought to justice. This interagency cooperation is crucial in protecting the men and women who serve on the frontlines of our nation's border security efforts and in deterring future attacks on law enforcement personnel.

These 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 Ramah man is facing charges in federal court for allegedly shooting at a vehicle, injuring one person.

According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, a vehicle driven by John Doe swerved to avoid a collision with a blue Jeep driven by Leon Garcia, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. After the near-miss, John Doe followed Garcia's vehicle to a residence on the Ramah Navajo Reservation. There, Garcia allegedly exited his Jeep armed with a rifle and fired multiple shots at John Doe's car. As John Doe attempted to turn the vehicle around, Garcia allegedly shot at it multiple times. Garcia also fired again as the vehicle drove away.

Garcia is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Garcia faces up to 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, 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 Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee 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 Hobbs man admitted to selling illegal devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into machine guns to undercover agents investigating a series of shootings in Carlsbad.

According to court records, the investigation began after several shootings involving juvenile suspects took place in Carlsbad, New Mexico, in 2024. During a review of a phone belonging to one of the juvenile shooting suspects, officers from the Carlsbad Police Department discovered conversations indicating the sale of machine gun conversion devices. These devices convert semi-automatic pistols into machine guns capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute with a single trigger pull.

The investigation led to Tevon Wayne Davis Cobbs, 24, who used the online aliases "Tee Swoo" and "TMURDA." Subsequently, undercover agents with the Lea County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) contacted Cobbs through Facebook, posing as potential buyers, and arranged to purchase machine gun conversion devices. Over the course of two controlled buys, Cobbs sold the undercover agents multiple machine gun conversion devices and a silencer. He admitted to dealing in illegal firearm modifications for three to four years and showed the undercover agents videos of himself firing weapons converted to fully automatic capability. During these deals, Cobbs not only offered to sell the agents more machine gun conversion devices but also boasted that he had a machine gun on his person at that moment and offered to retrieve it from his car to show them.

Cobbs pled guilty to four charges, including possession and transfer of a machinegun, possession of an unregistered NFA firearm, possession of NFA firearm without serial number and illegal transfer of NFA firearm.

At sentencing, Cobbs faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Cobbs faces up to $280,000 in fines.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin 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 is investigating this case with assistance from the Lea County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mentmore man is facing charges in federal court for allegedly assaulting and injuring a woman.

According to court records, on December 5, 2024, Alery Al Reid, 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly assaulted and strangled Jane Doe. Reid is accused of inflicting substantial bodily injury on Jane Doe, including extensive facial bruising, neck abrasions, and other injuries.

Reid is charged with assault by strangling and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Reid will remain with a third-party custodian on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Reid faces 15 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. 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 Albuquerque man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a string of violent armed robberies targeting multiple Ross Dress for Less stores in 2022.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jason Pete Roper, 46, committed three armed robberies at Ross Dress for Less stores on August 14, August 15, and September 8, 2022. Each time, Roper would approach the register with a small item for purchase, wait for the cashier to open the till, and then brandish a firearm and demand money from multiple registers. At trial, the victims, most of whom were teenagers, testified to the fear and emotional distress they continue to suffer, with some forced to leave their jobs and withdraw from school due to the psychological impact.

Evidence further revealed that Roper not only committed these robberies himself but also perpetuated the cycle of violence by involving his 12-year-old nephew in his criminal activities. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and a CrimeStoppers tip linked Roper to additional robberies committed by his nephew at a Ross store, a Walgreens, and an attempted robbery at a Taco Bell.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Stanford and Samuel Hurtado prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man was sentenced to three years of probation for his role in the death of an individual who died from a fatal stab wound during a drunken altercation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on June 2, 2021, Leighton Spencer, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and two other individuals were at Spencer's home, consuming a mixture of Gatorade and hand sanitizer, followed by beers, when an altercation between the two other individuals occurred. After one person left to cool down and returned, they discovered the third individual deceased in the doorway, covered in blood. Spencer initially claimed the person was sleeping, but emergency services were called.

The Office of the Medical Investigator ruled the death a homicide caused by a stab wound to the neck, which damaged major blood vessels and the right upper lung lobe. Spencer initially provided conflicting accounts of the incident, blaming others and fabricating causes of death before eventually admitting to the killing. Throughout the investigation, Spencer attempted to deflect responsibility and mislead law enforcement. Ultimately, Spencer admitted he lied and pleaded guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint man is facing charges in federal court for allegedly assaulting a Navajo Police Department officer and escaping twice before being recaptured.

According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, two Navajo Police Department officers were dispatched to a domestic violence call. When the officers arrived on the scene, Jason Thompson, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was already in handcuffs but he managed to escape and run away from the officers while still handcuffed.

During the ensuing struggle to regain control, one officer deployed a department-issued taser on Thompson. Thompson then grabbed the taser and fired it at the officer, striking him in the chest. After Thompson was recaptured and placed in an NPD unit, he escaped again by removing the rear window bars and kicking out the window.

Thompson was apprehended later that night by the NPD.

Thompson is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Thompson faces up to 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

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

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple robbery and firearms charges for a crime spree in the summer of 2023.

According to court records, between July 11, 2023, to September 16, 2023, Demetrius Antonnie Bailey, 41, engaged in a series of armed robberies targeting retail stores in Albuquerque. Bailey and his accomplice conspired to commit robberies at Harbor Freight Tools, multiple Metro by T-Mobile locations, a T-Mobile store, a Verizon store, and a JC Penney. During these robberies, they threatened and overpowered store employees and security to steal merchandise and cash. In each robbery, a replica firearm or a real handgun was brandished to intimidate store employees and security personnel. The stolen items included electronics, cellular phones, cash, and clothing valued at tens of thousands of dollars.

Bailey pleaded guilty to 10 counts, including interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. His offenses also included knowingly participating in violent retail thefts. At sentencing, if the district court accepts the plea agreement, Bailey faces not less than ten years and up to twenty-two years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly fired multiple shots at an unsuspecting pedestrian.

According to court records, on March 13, 2025, the Navajo Nation Police responded to a shots-fired report. Isaiah Benally, 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly fired multiple shots at a passerby who escaped unharmed despite bullets striking nearby. Benally was taken into custody by the Navajo Nation SWAT team after a brief standoff. Inside his residence, officers found body armor and firearm accessories. Benally has a history of arrests for aggravated battery and assault.

Benally will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Benally faces up to 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 Brittany DuChaussee 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 Pueblo Pintado man is facing murder charges in federal court for the fatal shooting of John Doe during an altercation.

According to court records, on March 17, 2025, Thurman Curley, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and John Doe were hanging out and drinking at a residence in Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico. Around 1:00 a.m., the men got into an argument which turned physical. Witnesses heard multiple threats, then heard a gunshot and saw Curley outside the residence with a gun.

Officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to a 911 call and began life-saving measures on John Doe. Despite their best efforts, officers and EMTs were unable to revive John Doe, and he died.

FBI agents collected a handgun and one shell casing from the location.

Curley is charged with murder and will be on conditions of release imposed by the Court pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Curley faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mia Ulibarri-Rubin 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.

WASHINGTON — A former candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury for a shooting spree targeting the homes of four elected officials and a subsequent plot to murder multiple witnesses to prevent their testimony at trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Solomon Peña, 40, ran for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 mid-term elections. After his November 2022 electoral defeat, Peña pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election, but despite Peña’s pressure, the commissioners certified the results. Peña then organized and participated in shootings on the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners who voted to certify the election and two New Mexico state legislators. The shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023, with assistance from co-conspirators Demetrio Trujillo, 41; and Jose Trujillo, 24.

Jose Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jose Trujillo’s sentencing is set for April 14.

Demetrio Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2024, to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. Demetrio Trujillo’s sentencing is set for May 21.

After his arrest, Peña solicited several inmates in jail to coordinate the murder of multiple witnesses in order to prevent their testimony at trial.

The jury convicted Peña of one count of conspiracy; four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities; four counts of using or carrying a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, including a machinegun in one instance; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. Peña faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 60 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico, and Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

Trial Attorney Bill Gullotta of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from former Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell.

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges, agreeing to forfeit multiple weapons, vehicles, and over $64,000 in cash seized during a raid on his residence.

According to court records, on March 23, 2023, the FBI SWAT team executed a search warrant at Jerry Bezie's residence in the South Valley. During the operation, agents seized more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 11,400 grams of fentanyl pills, multiple firearms, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug trafficking activities. In his plea agreement, Bezie admitted to possessing these substances with the intent to distribute and admitted that, as a convicted felon, he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

As part of his plea agreement, Bezie has agreed to forfeit numerous items, including:

• Firearms: A Glock 19 9mm pistol, a Glock 29 10mm pistol, an FN Five-seven 5.7x28 caliber pistol, a Sig Sauer P229 .357 sig caliber pistol, and a Steyr-Daimler Puch Aug/SA .223 caliber rifle.
• Ammunition and Accessories: Three .223 caliber magazines, approximately 308 rounds of .223 caliber cartridges, two 5.7x28 magazines, approximately 46 rounds of 5.7x28 cartridges, approximately 106 rounds of 9mm cartridges, two 9mm magazines, two 9mm casings, three 10mm magazines, and approximately ten rounds of 10mm cartridges.
• Vehicles and Trailers: A 2006 Hummer 4T vehicle, a 2018 Polaris Slingshot motorcycle, a 2018 Canam ATV, an Interstate Kingman Enclosed Trailer, and a 1984 Dump trailer.
• Cash and Jewelry: Approximately $64,333.93 in U.S. currency and certain jewelry seized on or about March 23, 2023, excluding specific items belonging to others.

2006 Hummer 4T vehicle

2018 Polaris Slingshot motorcycle

2018 Canam ATV

Firearms, ammunition and jewelry

The FBI's investigation linked Bezie to Julian Leyba, with both men allegedly supplying fentanyl sold along Central Avenue in Albuquerque. On March 23, 2023, the FBI raided Leyba's residence in Northeast Albuquerque as well. While no drugs were seized from Leyba's home, investigators found six firearms, including a machine gun, which he was prohibited from possessing due to prior felony convictions.

Leyba pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession a machine gun on May 2, 2024, and was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervise release.

At sentencing, Bezie faces a mandatory 60 months for drug trafficking and an additional 60 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, for a total of 120 months, and up to life in prison. This sentence will be followed by not less than four years of supervised release. Additionally, Bezie faces a fine not to exceed $5 million or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Mysliwiec 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 March 21, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 46 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)

• 27 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)

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.

A former candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury for a shooting spree targeting the homes of four elected officials and a subsequent plot to murder multiple witnesses to prevent their testimony at trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Solomon Peña, 40, ran for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 mid-term elections. After his November 2022 electoral defeat, Peña pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election, but despite Peña’s pressure, the commissioners certified the results. Peña then organized and participated in shootings on the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners who voted to certify the election and two New Mexico state legislators. The shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023, with assistance from co-conspirators Demetrio Trujillo, 41; and Jose Trujillo, 24.

Jose Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jose Trujillo’s sentencing is set for April 14.

Demetrio Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2024, to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. Demetrio Trujillo’s sentencing is set for May 21.

After his arrest, Peña solicited several inmates in jail to coordinate the murder of multiple witnesses in order to prevent their testimony at trial.

The jury convicted Peña of one count of conspiracy; four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities; four counts of using or carrying a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, including a machinegun in one instance; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. Peña faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 60 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico, and Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

Trial Attorney Bill Gullotta of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from former Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Two Grey Hills man has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon following an alleged altercation with family members at a residence on the Navajo Nation.

According to the criminal complaint, on February 28, 2025, James Smiley, Jr., 55, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly entered a residence within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and threatened several family members with a small black handgun without provocation. Witnesses reported that Smiley discharged the firearm into the ceiling, pointed it at multiple individuals, and threatened to kill them. During the incident, Smiley allegedly stated that he was a felon and acknowledged that he would go to jail before leaving the residence.

The incident lasted approximately 20 minutes, during which time the victims felt like hostages.

Navajo Nation Police responded to the scene but were unable to make contact with Smiley that evening.

Smiley, who was previously convicted of aggravated sexual abuse, battery upon a peace officer, and resisting or obstructing an officer, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Smiley will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Smiley faces up to 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

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

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man is facing charges in federal court for an alleged sexual assault incident involving a minor.

According to court records, John Albert Carrillo, Jr., 35, an enrolled member of Mescalero Apache Tribe, is accused of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 16. After being caught in the act by witnesses, Carrillo reportedly became agitated, denied being a pedophile, and attempted to leave the scene.

Carrillo is charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Carrillofaces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, 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.

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 Zuni man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault with a dangerous weapon after he bit the victim multiple times, resulting in severe injuries that required the amputation of one finger and the partial amputation of another.

According to court documents, between December 16, 2021, and December 17, 2021, Darold Zuniefeathers, 28, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, and John Doe had been hanging out with friends when they decided to buy more cigarettes before the gas station closed. Instead of driving to the gas station, Zuniefeathers turned down a side dirt road and assaulted John Doe in the car.

During the assault, Zuniefeathers struck John Doe repeatedly and bit him multiple times on the torso, arm, and hand. The bites caused severe damage to John Doe's hand, resulting in the amputation of one finger and the partial amputation of another.

According to the plea agreement, Zuniefeathers faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing followed by three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin made the announcement today.

The Zuni Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – Two individuals from Shiprock have been sentenced for their roles in a violent carjacking and high-speed police chase that occurred on the Navajo Nation in 2022.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on the afternoon of May 9, 2022, Jane Doe was driving on the Navajo Nation in the area of Nenahnezad, NM. As Jane Doe approached the area, Lindsey Yazzie, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, threw a large rock at her windshield, forcing her to stop. Brandon Barber, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, then attacked the vehicle with a machete and hatchet, shattering windows. Yazzie attempted to pull Jane Doe out of the vehicle by her hair, and Barber then held the sharp edge of a machete against the back of Doe's head.  Barber then tried to strike Jane Doe with a hatchet.

After forcibly removing Jane Doe from her Jeep, Yazzie and Barber fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, nearly hitting Doe as they drove away. They led Navajo Nation police on a high-speed chase before abandoning the vehicle. Yazzie was found hiding nearby, while Barber was apprehended later.

Yazzie was sentenced to 46 months in prison and Barber was sentenced to 90 months in prison.   Upon their release, both Barber and Yazzie will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

ALBUQUERQUE – A Santa Teresa man faces federal charges for multiple incidents involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

According to court documents, on February 11, 2025, Andrew Josiah Segura, 28, allegedly verbally threatened a U.S. Border Patrol agent at a Love's Travel Stop, calling him a "traitor" and saying, "I will smack the shit out of you." This confrontation was followed by another incident on February 19, 2025, when Segura allegedly confronted two CBP employees wearing CBP-issued uniforms at a post office. He verbally threatened one employee, calling him a "traitor" and saying, "You better watch your back," before physically assaulting a second employee by pushing him and engaging in a physical altercation that left bruises on the employee’s arm.

Witnesses reported that Segura's actions appeared unprovoked and were specifically targeted at the CBP employees because of their employment, as he did not bother anyone else at the post office.

Segura will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Segura faces eight years in prison.

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

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard C. Williams 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 – A Las Cruces teenager is facing charges in federal court for possessing a machine gun and a stolen firearm, after authorities discovered Instagram posts allegedly showing him with the illegal weapons.

According to court documents,on August 18, 2024, law enforcement became aware of an Instagram post depicting Jonathan Daniel Martinez, 18, an alleged member of the "East Side Locos" gang, holding a black handgun with the serial number visible. A subsequent check revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen to the Las Cruces Police Department on April 14, 2024. The handgun also had an aftermarket attachment, known as a machinegun conversion device (MCD), designed to convert the firearm into a fully automatic machine gun.

Further investigation of the Instagram account linked to Martinez revealed numerous posts featuring the same firearm, as well as other firearms.

A search warrant was executed on Martinez's residence on September 15, 2024, where the stolen black Glock 19 handgun with the Glock switch attached was found in his bedroom.

Martinez will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Martinez faces 20 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

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

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 March 14, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 38 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 5 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 22 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)

In one significant case, on March 7, 2025, transnational criminal organization leader Guillermo Amaro-Rodriguez was extradited to New Mexico from Mexico on an 2022 indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

In another significant case, Alejandro Villalobos-Torres was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with human smuggling and kidnapping two men in 2022.

Both of these cases are part of Operation Take Back America.

In a third case, Edgar Ivan Esparza-Labrador, a Mexican national previously convicted of burglary in 2012, was sentenced to 48 months in prison. U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Esparza-Labrador in 2024 after he illegally re-entered the United States from Mexico.

Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border security. During this time period, federal prosecutors pursued a case involving assaults on federal officers in Santa Teresa. Andrew Josiah Segura was arrested on March 7, 2025, and is charged by a criminal complaint filed on February 28, 2025, for allegedly assaulting three U.S. Border Patrol agents in two separate incidents earlier that month.

Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, 40 El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents have been assaulted, following 103 assaults in Fiscal Year 2024. U.S. Border Patrol is collaborating closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that those who assault federal officers are brought to justice. This interagency cooperation is crucial in protecting the men and women who serve on the frontlines of our nation's border security efforts and in deterring future attacks on law enforcement personnel.

These 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 Georgia man faces federal charges after allegedly shooting and killing a Navajo woman, stealing her car, and engaging in a shootout with law enforcement officers in New Mexico.

According to court records, Jaquari Hezakiyah Porter, 24, allegedly shot and killed Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, at the Sky City Travel Center in Acoma, New Mexico. He then allegedly stole her car and drove towards Grants, where he encountered officers from the Cibola County Sheriff's Office and Grants Police Department.

Porter attempted to flee and reportedly fired at officers. In response, officers returned fire, striking Porter twice before he was apprehended and taken into custody.

Porter will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Porter faces mandatory life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Cibola County Sheriff's Office, Grants Police Department, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Elisa Dimas and Meg Tomlinson 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 – A federal arrest has been made in connection with a 2022 kidnapping case involving two aliens who were held against their will by a smuggling organization.

According to court documents, HSI opened an investigation in October 2022 following reports of two aliens being held against their will by a smuggling organization at a residence. A search of the residence led to the discovery of two men who were being held against their will.

Through interviews, HSI agents learned that Alejandro Villalobos-Torres allegedly worked with co-conspirators to smuggle aliens into the U.S. and detained the two men against their will. The victims were reportedly threatened with physical harm, and one victim's family member was contacted to request additional money for the victim's release.

Villalobos-Torres was arrested on March 11, 2025, at the ICE Otero Processing Center. He is charged with conspiracy to take a hostage and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is set for March 17, 2025.

If convicted of the current charges, Villalobos-Torres faces up to life in prison.

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

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso investigated this case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s El Paso Field Office and U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy Castellano and Alyson Hehr 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 – A convicted felon has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms after law enforcement discovered multiple guns during a search warrant execution at his Albuquerque residence.

According to court documents, on March 7, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Albuquerque as part of an ongoing fraud and identity theft investigation. During the operation, one of the residents, Ryan John Leach, 46, attempted to flee by exiting the rear of the house. When law enforcement prevented him from doing so, Leach returned to the residence and allegedly started a fire in his bedroom to burn evidence of his alleged crimes.

After containing the fire, law enforcement discovered suspected methamphetamine, four firearms and ammunition in Leach's bedroom. Leach, who was previously convicted of trafficking a controlled substance, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Leach will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Leach faces 15 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Glen Henderson, Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Bell 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 Lordsburg man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child pornography.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between July 1, 2022, and September 18, 2022, Keith Joseph Medina, 38, recorded at least four videos of himself performing sexual acts on a minor victim at his residence in Lordsburg.

Upon his release from prison, Medina will be subject to twenty years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Medina was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to his victims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, 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 Lordsburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Ong and Jackson K. Dering V prosecuted this 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 Shiprock woman pleaded guilty in federal court to assault resulting in serious bodily injury after driving while intoxicated and causing a crash that severely injured two children on the Navajo Nation.

According to court documents, on April 23, 2023, Jazmyne Deschinny, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving a sedan carrying eight people within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Deschinny was heavily intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level of 0.264, which is more than three times the legal limit in New Mexico. She also had opiates and cannabinoids in her system at the time of the incident.

The crash occurred when Deschinny ran a red light and collided with a flatbed trailer being towed by a truck. The sedan was overcrowded with three adults and five children, and there were insufficient seatbelts and car seats to properly secure all occupants. As a result, two unsecured minors suffered severe injuries.

John Doe 1, one of the minors in Deschinny's vehicle, sustained a life-threatening head injury, including subdural hematomas, a fractured skull, and bleeding within the brain structure. The child's condition was so critical that he nearly died during the emergency flight to the University of New Mexico Hospital. John Doe 1 required weeks of hospitalization for treatment.

Jane Doe 1, another minor in the vehicle, suffered multiple facial fractures, a fractured wrist, and facial lacerations that required surgical repair. She was hospitalized for several days following the incident.

According to the plea agreement, Deschinny faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing followed by three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Rydell Happy for his alleged involvement in a violent crime spree on April 24, 2024. Happy, who was already in custody awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge, now faces charges for 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.

According to court documents, on April 24, 2024, Happy, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly shot John Doe in the head with a revolver and then repeatedly beat his head with a baseball bat, resulting in Doe's death.

The indictment further alleges that on the same day, Happy assaulted Jane Doe with a revolver and discharged the firearm during the incident.

The indictment further alleges that Happy, who was previously convicted of domestic violence, is prohibited from possessing firearms.

If convicted of the current charges, Happy faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the first-degree murder charge, and 10 to 15 years for the other charges.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

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

ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for being a prohibited possessor of a firearm and ammunition, following an investigation into drug trafficking allegations.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, in early 2023, the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Las Cruces Police Department began investigating Gabriel Lionel Garcia, 20, for his involvement in violent crime and drug trafficking. On February 15, 2024, law enforcement attempted to stop Garcia 's vehicle, but he fled recklessly. After a pursuit, Garcia was detained at his residence.

A search of his vehicle uncovered an AR-15 style rifle, ammunition, including a 60 round drum magazine, approximately 787 grams of suspected marijuana, and $2,244 in cash.

Garcia admitted ownership of the rifle and drugs, stating he was prepared to fire when first encountered by law enforcement.

Garcia, who is an illegal user of controlled substances, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office and Las Cruces Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mexican national was extradited from Mexico to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges in New Mexico.

Guillermo Amaro-Rodriguez, 42, made his initial appearance last week in federal court after being extradited from Mexico on a charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

A federal grand jury indicted Amaro-Rodriguez on October 12, 2022.  According to the indictment, Amaro-Rodriguez conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Bernalillo County and elsewhere.

Mexican law enforcement authorities arrested Amaro-Rodriguez at the request of the United States in Chihuahua on October 3, 2024.  The FBI assumed custody of Amaro-Rodriguez from Mexican authorities on March 7, 2025.

“Mexican authorities' efforts have ensured that the defendant will face justice in the United States for his alleged crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin. “We thank our partners at the Fiscalía General de la República for their commitment to combating drug trafficking and holding those responsible accountable. Our continued collaboration guarantees that international boundaries will not shield criminals from prosecution.”

“The extradition of Mr. Amaro-Rodriguez is an example of how the FBI will pursue justice no matter how long it takes,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “Thank you to our determined FBI agents and the help of our federal, local and foreign partners for your hard work to hold this man accountable for his actions.”

Amaro-Rodriguez will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Amaro-Rodriguez faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Amaro-Rodriguez. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hirsch 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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 To’Hajiilee man pled guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the beating and abandonment of a man in June 2020, which directly resulted in that man’s death.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2020, Antonio Chaco, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in a verbal argument with John Doe outside Doe’s trailer home in To’Hajiilee. Without sufficient provocation or justification, Chaco struck John Doe in the face and proceeded to punch and kick Doe until Doe was unconscious.

Once Doe was immobilized on the ground, Chaco wrapped Doe in a carpet, placed him in the back of an SUV, and drove him to a remote location within the Navajo Nation. At this secondary site, Chaco continued to assault Doe before leaving him there, badly beaten and without any means of survival in the wilderness—no water, food, phone, or shade.

Police located John Doe’s skeletonized corpse in the To’Hajiilee wilderness on July 4, 2020. It was later determined Doe’s cause of death was homicidal violence including blunt-head trauma.

Area in To’Hajiilee where John Doe was discovered.

Chaco will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Chaco faces up to life in prison.

Chaco is also under federal indictment for assaulting a federal detention officer at the Cibola County Correctional Facility on November 5, 2024. If convicted of that crime, Chaco faces up to 20 years in prison. That case is pending trial.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones and Brittany DuChaussee are prosecuting these cases. 

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses following his arrest at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in New Mexico in 2023.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on April 27, 2023, David Maldonado, 44, entered a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 70, west of Alamogordo, New Mexico. A Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of illegal substances in Maldonado's vehicle.

Upon further inspection, agents discovered multiple illegal substances in Maldonado's backpack, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, psychedelic mushrooms, and marijuana. Agents also found a handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, and 69 rounds of ammunition. Maldonado, who was previously convicted of numerous felonies, is prohibited from possessing firearms.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Davon Aragon Martinez 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 March 7, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:

• 52 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
• 8 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
• 23 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)

In one significant case, Isaias David Jose and Tomas Mateo Gaspar were charged with hostage taking and harboring illegal aliens after the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Agents found 10 illegal aliens in the residence, including the victim, who told agents he had been held in a locked room and told that if his family did not pay an $18,000 ransom he would be turned over to the “Mexican mafia.” The victim’s family reported the threat to the FBI, resulting in the search warrant and rescue of the victim.  Additional illegal aliens found in the residence confirmed that they too had been threatened and locked in the residence.

In another significant investigation, criminal complaints were filed charging Jose Ruiz-Gamez, Uzziel Carmona-Lopez and Donaciano Carmona-Lopez, with being an alien in possession of a firearm following a traffic stop by an officer from the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Police Department. During the traffic stop, the officer located two firearms. All three men are Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States.

In a third case, Roberto Rodrigo Velazquez-Lopez was charged by criminal complaint after he fled from a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint with four illegal aliens in the vehicle, including two individuals concealed in the trunk.

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 man illegally present in the United States has been charged in federal court with high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.

According to court documents, on the morning of March 2, 2025, Roberto Rodrigo Velazquez-Lopez allegedly drove a sedan with Texas license plates through a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 25 in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, ignoring agents' commands to stop. Instead, the vehicle continued northbound at high speed, reaching approximately 110 miles per hour before yielding near mile marker 40.

Upon arrest, Velazquez-Lopez admitted to being illegally present in the United States and to having two individuals concealed in the trunk of the vehicle. A total of four illegal aliens were found in the vehicle.

In a post-Miranda interview, Velazquez-Lopez stated he was instructed to transport illegal aliens from El Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico to pay off a debt. He also admitted to previously transporting illegal aliens on four occasions.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, made the announcement today.

U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson Dering 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 Deming man was sentenced to 39 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on April 21, 2024, when Catron County Sheriff's Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Wilfrido Saenz, 27. During the stop, deputies found a hypodermic needle containing methamphetamine residue on Saenz's person. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed a loaded handgun in the center console.

Saenz, who was on supervised release for a previous federal conviction of transporting illegal aliens, admitted to knowingly possessing the firearm and ammunition despite being a convicted felon.

Upon his release from prison, Saenz will be subject to two years of supervised release.

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

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Catron County Sheriff's Office and United States Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson R. Hehr is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – Federal authorities announced charges against four illegal aliens for unlawful possession of firearms and related offenses following a series of state-wide law enforcement operations.

On February 25, 2025, HSI executed a search warrant at an apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In one bedroom, agents recovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine containing 19 rounds of ammunition. A witness stated that the firearm belonged to Maikol Ramos and had previously seen it in his possession.

Ramos, a citizen of Venezuela, was confirmed to be present in the United States unlawfully. Ramos is charged by criminal complaint with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

In another bedroom, agents recovered another loaded pistol and ammunition from under a bed. Antoni Herrera, confirmed to be a Venezuelan national unlawfully present in the U.S., admitted the firearm was his and that he had received it two weeks prior as payment for a debt.

Herrera is charged by criminal complaint with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

On February 19, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a federal search warrant at a residence of Raul Esparza-Gonzalez in Espanola, New Mexico. Agents discovered 11 firearms, including pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles. Esparza-Gonzalez admitted to purchasing the firearms privately, knowing it was illegal for him to possess them. He stated he had been deported to Mexico previously and re-entered the United States illegally about six years ago. Esparza-Gonzalez is charged by criminal complaint with being an alien in possession of a firearm.

In a separate investigation, HSI initiated an inquiry into Cristhian Ortega-Lopez in January 2025, following an anonymous tip. Ortega-Lopez, an illegal alien from Venezuela suspected of being affiliated with Tren de Aragua, was allegedly residing with other illegal aliens in Las Cruces and had been in possession of firearms. The investigators determined Ortega-Lopez had entered the U.S. illegally on December 15, 2023, and was released pending removal proceedings. Social media evidence showed Ortega-Lopez in possession of multiple firearms at a shooting range in Las Cruces.

Ortega-Lopez is charged by criminal complaint with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

All four men will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, they each face 15 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin, Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso 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.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated these cases with enforcement assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley, Patrick Cordova, Maria Armijo, and Ry Ellison are prosecuting these cases.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Florida man was sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, following a dramatic high-speed pursuit and arrest in southern New Mexico.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on the night of July 15, 2024, Border Patrol agents observed Omar Ozuna-Berneda, 49, a Cuban national and lawful permanent resident, driving a white tractor-trailer on New Mexico State Road 26 near Deming. The vehicle had been previously observed traveling in tandem with other tractor-trailers caught in failed smuggling attempts. When agents attempted to initiate a stop, Ozuna-Berneda led them on a dangerous high-speed pursuit, including swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid a controlled tire deflation device and driving on the shoulder of the highway.

After 22 miles, Ozuna-Berneda left the vehicle on New Mexico State Road 26 near the city limits of Hatch, New Mexico, and fled on foot. The abandoned tractor-trailer was blocking both lanes traffic and Border Patrol agents discovered 31 illegal aliens locked inside the trailer, including an unaccompanied 8-year-old child. Ozuna-Berneda was later apprehended by Border Patrol agents hiding in brush several miles from the abandoned tractor-trailer.

During questioning, Ozuna-Berneda admitted to knowingly transporting illegal aliens from Las Cruces to Albuquerque in exchange for payment.

“Those who violate our immigration laws by engaging in human smuggling endanger both the public and law enforcement through their reckless actions.,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin. “We are resolute in our mission to enforce our immigration laws, dismantle smuggling networks, and prosecute those who put so many lives at risk for their own financial gain."

“If you aid in violating U.S. immigration laws by attempting to smuggle individuals into the United States, we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent possible,” said U.S. Border Patrol Interim Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar. “Strengthening border security means enforcing strict consequences for those who break the law. With the support of our partners, we will ensure you face prosecution and serve jail time.”

Upon his release from prison, Ozuna-Berneda will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, made the announcement today.

U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Land Management. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A To’Hajiilee man was sentenced to 72 months in prisonfor voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of John Doe in May 2022.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 27, 2022, Cole Ray Shorty, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went to John Doe's residence bringing other people with him including a juvenile. Upon arrival, Shorty found John Doe sitting in his car outside his residence.

Shorty approached Doe's car and opened the back door. In response, Doe exited the vehicle with a bat and a struggle ensued. Doe was taken to the ground and was disarmed of the bat. Instead of leaving the scene, Shorty struck Doe in the head with the bat, leaving him injured and unconscious at the scene.

John Doe died from their injuries at the University of New Mexico Hospital on May 30, 2022. The Office of the Medical Inspector confirmed that the cause of death was blunt head trauma and classified it as a homicide.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee, Zachary Jones, Mark Probasco, and Meg Tomlinson prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo man pleaded guilty in federal court to second degree murder and firearms charges stemming from a fatal shooting in 2022.

According to court documents, on July 26, 2022, officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near Ojo Encino. Upon arrival, officers discovered John Doe deceased at the scene with a gunshot wound to his chest and right arm. Witnesses identified Jason Lee Martinez, 51, a member of the Navajo Nation, as the shooter, who fled immediately after the incident.

Investigators recovered seven .40 caliber bullet casings from the scene, and the autopsy confirmed fatal gunshot wounds consistent with a single bullet that traveled through John Doe’s chest, heart, lung, and liver.

On August 26, 2022, FBI agents interviewed Martinez, who admitted to shooting John Doe.

According to the plea agreement, Martinez faces between 17 and 28 years in prison at sentencing followed by three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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.