District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Chaparral man was charged by criminal complaint for illegally stockpiling firearms and explosives in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Frederick Urban, 76, appeared before a federal judge on August 12, 2024, and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on August 8, 2024, the ATF received a tip from a concerned citizen who provided evidence indicating that Urban, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of firearms. Following an investigation, which included reviewing photographs and videos provided by the concerned citizen, ATF agents confirmed the presence of numerous firearms at Urban's residence.

On August 10, 2024, ATF agents, supported by the New Mexico State Police and El Paso Police Department, executed a federal search warrant at Urban's residence. The search resulted in the recovery of numerous firearms, approximately 100,000 rounds of ammunition, large capacity magazines, and gunpowder. Additionally, triacetone triperoxide, an extremely volatile explosive, homemade detonators, blasting caps and gun powder, and other components of homemade bombs were found.

If convicted of the current charges, Urban faces 15 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police, El Paso Police Department and FBI’s El Paso Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Mark Saltman are prosecuting the case.

Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or explosives can submit an anonymous tip to the ATF by texting the code ATFPHO to 63975 and then following the link to create a report or by calling (602) 776-5400.

View the Criminal Complaint

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

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man was charged by indictment with multiple counts of alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor that occurred in the Navajo Nation.

Donovan Pete, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, between February 26, 2016, and February 27, 2016, and again between April 7, 2012, and April 6, 2014, Pete engaged in unlawful sexual acts and contact with Jane Doe, a minor, minor who was unable to consent and causing inappropriate contact with intent to gratify sexual desire.

If convicted, Pete faces any term of years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

View the Indictment

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

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ALBUQUERQUE – A French national was sentenced to 111 months in federal prison for a series of armed robberies in Albuquerque on Halloween 2019.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on the morning of October 31, 2019, Mathis Laau, 26, entered the lobby of Motel 6 located at 13141 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque. He pointed a firearm at a clerk and demanded money. The clerk gave Laau $300, and he left.

Later that same day, Laau entered the Circle K store at 5301 Wyoming Boulevard NE in Albuquerque carrying a purple and silver pistol. He pointed the gun at an employee and demanded cash from the register. After taking approximately $175 and several packs of cigarettes, Laau fled the scene in a waiting vehicle driven by his girlfriend.

Albuquerque Police Department detectives who had been surveilling Laau as a suspect in multiple prior robberies observed the robbery at Circle K and followed the vehicle. Laau and his girlfriend were arrested shortly after at the intersection of Louisiana Boulevard and Constitution Avenue. The stolen cash, cigarettes, and pistol were recovered from the vehicle.

Upon his release from prison, Laau will be subject to three years of supervised release, which will convert to unsupervised release if he is deported to France.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Pinehill man was pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of assault, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, admitting to a violent outburst that left two family members dead and another seriously injured.

According to court documents, on the morning of December 22, 2023, Ellery Brent Yazzie, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, woke up at his family home located within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation in Pinehill, New Mexico. He went downstairs to the kitchen with a holstered firearm in his waistband.

In the kitchen, Yazzie pointed the firearm at his sister, Jane Doe 1, and threatened to shoot her and the rest of his family. This was not the first time he had made such threats. Yazzie then shot and killed his father, John Doe 1, and his brother, John Doe 2, using the firearm. He admitted to being angry and aware of the risk of causing death and to intending to do serious bodily injury.

After killing his father and brother, Yazzie turned the firearm on his sister, Jane Doe 1, shooting her in her lower extremities approximately six times, causing life-threatening injuries. He then fired shots at his mother, Jane Doe 2, who was crawling on the kitchen floor trying to escape.

Following the shootings, Yazzie went upstairs to retrieve another firearm and more ammunition before returning downstairs and shooting himself.

At sentencing, Yazzie faces up to thirty (30) years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Ramah Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Jena Ritchey are prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – A former U.S. Army soldier was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation and abuse of 13-year-old victim.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, from November 2020 to January 2021, while stationed at Fort Riley, Adrian Dale Tsinnijinnie, 37, used Facebook Messenger to groom and coerce 13-year-old Jane Doe, who resided in Shiprock, New Mexico, into producing sexually explicit images. In return, Tsinnijinnie sent the victim explicit photos and videos of himself.

In June 2021, while on leave, Tsinnijinnie traveled to Shiprock where he sexually abused Jane Doe on multiple occasions. The abuse was disclosed by Jane Doe to her father on July 5, 2021, leading to a medical examination and police report.

Upon his release from prison, Tsinnijinnie will be subject to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought 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.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni Pueblo man was sentenced to 27 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm following a deadly confrontation that left one man dead.

According to court documents, on November 7, 2021, Daryl Jay Dickson, 38, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, shot and killed 32-year-old T.B. when T.B. and three others arrived unannounced at Dickson’s location and threatened him as he repaired his bicycle.

After the incident, Dickson fled the scene with the firearm. He was apprehended three days later by Zuni Police at a friend’s home.

During a subsequent police interview, Dickson admitted to possessing the handgun used in T.B.’s death. He explained that he had obtained that handgun in July 2021 after he wrestled it from an attacker in an unrelated incident. Despite knowing he was not legally permitted to possess a firearm due to his criminal history, Dickson still kept the handgun for self-defense purposes.

The handgun used in the shooting was later recovered by Zuni Police after it was subsequently used by another individual in a separate domestic-violence incident on November 15, 2021. The firearm remains in Zuni Police evidence.

               

The rusted nine-millimeter handgun recovered, with its obliterated serial number highlighted in orange

Dickson has a 2010 felony conviction in the State of New Mexico for breaking and entering in which he was sentenced to an 18-month deferred sentence with supervised probation. That sentence was revoked multiple times due to probation violations.

Following release from prison, Dickson will be subject to three years of supervised release. While on supervised release, Dickson must undergo alcohol and substance-abuse testing, treatment, and counseling.

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

The Zuni Police Department investigated the case with the assistance of Zuni Fish and Wildlife and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for committing a series of brazen armed robberies across Albuquerque in the span of just five days while on supervised release for a previous federal conviction.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, in 2020, Brandon Sanchez, 30, was charged federally for being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 27 months’ incarceration. During his subsequent term of supervised release, Sanchez committed the following robberies in Albuquerque over a five-day period in 2023:

• January 4, 2023: Shortly before 11:00 am, Sanchez entered the Little Caesar's restaurant at Montgomery and San Pedro in northeast Albuquerque. Handing an employee a note indicating he was armed, Sanchez demanded everything within five minutes, making off with approximately $60.
• January 4, 2023: Minutes later, Sanchez struck again at a nearby Subway at San Mateo and McLeod, threatening the cashier with an apparent firearm and leaving with $91 in cash.
• January 8, 2023: Just after 1:00 pm, Sanchez targeted the Little Caesar's at Montano and Fourth in northwest Albuquerque, drawing an apparent firearm and escaping with $100.
• January 9, 2023: Sanchez entered the Starbucks at San Mateo and Pan American around 9:00 am. He handed an employee a note, lifted his shirt to reveal an apparent firearm, and left with $100. A quick-thinking employee captured a photo of the getaway vehicle's temporary plate.
• January 9, 2023: At approximately 3:45 pm, Sanchez robbed the Big 5 Sporting Goods at Wyoming and Paseo del Norte, flashing an apparent firearm and taking $200.
• January 9, 2023: Just 15 minutes later, Sanchez robbed the Domino's restaurant at Holly and San Pedro, brandishing an apparent firearm and fleeing with $75.

Law enforcement connected Sanchez to the string of robberies after reviewing surveillance footage from Big 5 Sporting Goods that provided a clear view of his face. On January 10, 2023, the Albuquerque Police Department tracked Sanchez to a Motel 6 on Pan American and executed a search warrant. Inside his room, authorities discovered a black Glock magazine, 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a demand note, a black wig, a toy BB gun, and two flannel shirts matching descriptions from the robberies.

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

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 United States Marshals Service and Albuquerque Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.

January 4, 2023: Brandon Sanchez robs the Subway at San Mateo and McLeod

January 4, 2023: Brandon Sanchez robs the Subway at San Mateo and McLeod

January 4, 2023: Brandon Sanchez robs the Subway at San Mateo and McLeod

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a series of crimes involving cyberstalking, computer intrusion and false reporting to law enforcement that spanned several years.

According to court documents, from March 2016 to December 2019, Kalani S. Uehara, 26, engaged in a campaign of harassment and intimidation against multiple victims. Uehara assumed the identities of various individuals to send numerous threatening and harassing electronic communications to individuals, schools, and law firms. Uehara threatened to kill, harm, or extort her victims, and took steps to assume others' identities, open false email accounts in their names, make false accusations, and persistently send vulgar, harassing, and terrifying messages.

Specifically, Uehara admitted to engaging in a cyberstalking campaign against N.C., a former Albuquerque Public Schools student. Uehara admitted to:

• Gaining unauthorized access to N.C.'s Google and Twitter accounts;
• Creating fake accounts in N.C.'s name;
• Sending hundreds of threatening and harassing messages impersonating N.C.;
• Obtaining a restraining order against N.C. using fabricated evidence; and
• Falsely reporting N.C. to law enforcement, resulting in N.C.'s arrest.

Uehara also admitted to making false statements to the FBI on July 28, 2016, and July 27, 2018, regarding the cyberstalking activities and use of the TextNow app.

At sentencing, Uehara faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of conviction. Upon her release from prison, Uehara will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Public Schools Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Brawley, Jaymie L. Roybal and Eva F. Fontanez are prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – A defendant previously convicted for assaulting an intimate partner was sentenced to an additional 14 months in prison after escaping from federal custody while transitioning to a residential reentry program.

According to court documents, William Valencia, 33, an enrolled member of Laguna Pueblo, was initially sentenced on January 23, 2020, to 75 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for assault of an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating.

On July 27, 2023, while at Diersen Residential Reentry Center in Albuquerque, Valencia tested positive for alcohol and left the facility without permission. He remained at large until October 5, 2023, when he was arrested by Albuquerque Police for possession of fentanyl.

Upon his release from prison, Valencia will be subject to an additional three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Last month, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, federal prosecutors, and other staff from the United States Attorney’s Office met with delegations from 17 Tribes, the All Pueblo Council of Governors, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address critical issues facing Native communities, including the devastating impact of fentanyl and the need for enhanced law enforcement training and retention. The consultation was held on July 18 and 19, 2024 at the University of New Mexico’s School of Law.

Tribal leaders from the Pueblo of Zuni, Pueblo of Sandia, Pueblo of Santa Clara, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Pueblo of Laguna, Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Picuris, Pueblo of Jemez, Pueblo of Zia, Pueblo of San Felipe, Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Nambe, Pueblo of Pojoaque, Pueblo of Tesuque, Mescalero Apache, Pueblo of Acoma, and the Pueblo of San Ildefonso were present along with representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This years’ consultation focused on protecting native families.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez initiated the Tribal consultation by reaffirming his office's commitment to serving Tribal communities, describing it as one of his "greatest honors" as the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. To underscore this commitment, U.S. Attorney Uballez highlighted the increased resources allocated for community outreach, education, and training for Tribal law enforcement, as well as the expansion of the Indian Country Crimes (ICC) section with the hiring of four Assistant U.S. Attorneys to more effectively address violent crime on Tribal lands.

Since August 2023, Uballez has personally met with ten different Tribes and Pueblos, fostering direct communication and gaining a deeper understanding of their unique needs and concerns. In addition to the U.S. Attorney meeting personally with Tribes and Pueblos, AUSA Tribal Liaisons have meet and coordinated with Tribal leaders and law enforcement separately throughout the year. The United States Attorney's Office engaged in 28 community outreach activities like meetings, presentations, and tabling at Tribal events.

In addition to community engagement, the United States Attorney’s Office has conducted nine training sessions for Tribal and Pueblo law enforcement and community providers, enhancing their capabilities to address crime and public safety issues effectively. These outreach and training efforts have reached over 1,000 people, totaling 52.5 hours of dedicated time.

Furthermore, the United States Attorney’s Office, through Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski, has facilitated the allocation of more than $10 million in grants for Tribes in the last year, providing crucial resources to enhance public safety, support victim services, and strengthen Tribal justice systems.

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico is notable for being the first federal prosecutor's office in the country to establish a dedicated Indian Country Crimes section, which was created in 2010. This unique organizational structure enables the office to take a proactive and specialized approach to addressing criminal justice issues in Native American communities with training initiatives, community outreach and enhanced coordination among Tribal, state and federal agencies.

U.S. Attorney Uballez also underscored the positive impact of the office’s Tribal liaison program, which differs from other districts by assigning one Assistant U.S. Attorney to two Tribes, rather than having a single liaison for all Tribes in a district. This approach has led to increased communication between his office and the Tribes, enhancing government-to-government relations.

Nearly all of the participants described the deleterious effects of Fentanyl on their communities, culture and family ties, and described how it is leading to more violent crime in their community and higher death rates and incidents of homelessness amongst their members.

During the consultation, U.S. Attorney Uballez outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat fentanyl trafficking and its impact on Tribal communities:

• Expansion of Organized Crime Section: The U.S. Attorney has increased the size of the Organized Crime section to target criminal structures and organizations importing fentanyl across the southern border.
• Dedicated Drug Prosecutors: For the first time, two ICC prosecutors have been designated as drug prosecutors, focusing on building resources and cases related to drug trafficking.
• DEA Collaboration: The office is engaging with the Drug Enforcement Administration to expand its presence and operations in Tribal communities.
• Education Initiatives: The U.S. Attorney plans to enhance efforts to educate parents and law enforcement about the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
• Support Services: Secure federal funding for developing support services to treat addiction, aiming to reduce demand for drugs in Tribal communities.

Many participants commended the office’s ongoing efforts to enhance communication and relations with the Tribes, noting the ease of reaching their liaison for responses, the personal visits made by the U.S. Attorney to Tribal leadership, and the active participation of liaisons in Tribal events.

“To know that you put a lot of effort and energy to expanding this program to Indian Country, we’re all sincerely, sincerely grateful for that, because now we have someone, a face.” Pueblo of Jemez Police Chief Roger Foster said.

“We appreciate seeing your faces out there. We appreciate you being out there and letting us know who you are and what you do and to hear your voice, to know that you are there for our people.” Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya said. “The Navajo Nation appreciates that very much.”

Regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) cases, Tribal representatives voiced deep concerns over persistent communication gaps, unresolved investigations, and the ongoing struggle to provide closure for affected families and communities, highlighting the complex challenges in addressing this critical issue. ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas touted the office’s efforts to help law enforcement agencies establish Tribal Community Response Plans for MMIP cases and offered to help Tribes who did not have one in place yet put one in place.

This initiative, combined with the specialized focus of MMIP AUSA Eliot Neal, aims to improve coordination and response to MMIP cases, addressing some of the communication and investigative challenges raised by Tribal representatives. The establishment of these plans can potentially enhance the handling of MMIP cases by providing a structured framework for communication, action, and cooperation between Tribes and law enforcement.

Nearly every Tribe emphasized the critical need for assistance in both training and retaining their law enforcement personnel. Tribal representatives highlighted several key challenges:

• Training: Tribes are seeking comprehensive training programs that cover a wide range of law enforcement skills, including investigative techniques, evidence gathering and report writing.
• Retention: Retention of trained law enforcement officers is a significant concern. Tribes reported high turnover rates due to factors such as competitive salaries offered by non-Tribal law enforcement agencies, limited career advancement opportunities, and the demanding nature of the job.
• Funding and Resources: Many Tribes called for federal assistance in securing grants and other financial support to build and sustain robust law enforcement departments.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Tribes are also interested in establishing partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share resources, expertise, and training opportunities.

To highlight the ability of the Tribes to use the office to build collaborative partnerships, Pueblo of Sandia Tribal Police Chief Adrian Montoya described how his department had leveraged the United States Attorney’s Office to build partnerships with the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Regarding training, Navajo Nation Vice President Montoya said “tell us what we need to do. Our officers are hungry. They’re ready. They’re wanting to know what they can do.”

U.S. Attorney Uballez, Indian Country Crimes Section Supervisor Elisa Dimas and Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, along with Tribal Liaisons Eliot Neal, Nicholas Marshall, Brittany DuChaussee, Matthew McGinley, Caitlin Dillon, Robert Booth, Zachary Jones, Mia Ulibarri-Rubin, Jena Ritchey, Mark Probasco, Joni Stahl, and Meg Tomlinson as well as Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski received the comments and engaged in discussion with Tribal representatives.

Former President Barack Obama signed the Memorandum on Tribal Consultation on Nov. 5, 2009. The Memorandum pronounces Tribal consultations “a critical ingredient of a sound and productive Federal-Tribal relationship.” The president further directed all federal agencies to develop a detailed plan of the actions taken to fully implement former President Bill Clinton's Executive Order 13175 on “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments” within ninety days. Within 270 days and annually thereafter agencies were directed to provide a progress report on implementation and any updates to the plan. Executive Order 13175 sets forth criteria “to establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with Tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have Tribal implications.”

The District of New Mexico embraces this responsibility and the principles of Tribal sovereignty and Indian self-determination by actively promoting public safety in Tribal communities, recognizing the unique cultural heritage of New Mexico's Native American Tribes, and fostering government-to-government relationships.

 (Foreground, left to right) ICC Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez (Background, left to right) AUSA Mark Probasco, Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski, Criminal Chief Kristopher Houghton

 (Left to right) ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, Pueblo of Jemez PD CI Allison Lucero, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez, Pueblo of Jemez PD Chief Roger Foster

(Left to right) Navajo Nation Attorney Prosecutor Kevin Barnett, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty

 (Left to right) ICC Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores, Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski

U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez, Supervisor Elisa Dimas and Deputy Supervisor Alexander Flores listen as Jicarilla Apache Tribal Prosecutor Tonita Vigil and Vice President Sonja Newton speak

(Foreground, left to right) Pojoaque Tribal PD Chief Freddie Trujillo and Major Nathan Barton. (Background, left to right) ICC Deputy Supervisor Alexander F. Flores, ICC Supervisor Elisa Dimas, U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Probasco, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Holland Kastrin, Law Enforcement Coordinator Alyssa Skrepcinski

Artwork by James Sanchez

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ALBUQUERQUE – Federal prosecutors have filed additional charges against Labar Tsethlikai for a series of violent crimes targeting Native American men across New Mexico between 2022 and 2024, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault.

Labar Tsethlikai, 51, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, now faces an 11-count superseding indictment charging him with two counts of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of first-degree murder, one count of first degree felony murder, four counts of kidnapping, one count assault with intent to commit murder, one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of aggravated sexual abuse. Tsethlikai will remain in custody pending trial. Tsethlikai’s arraignment on the superseding indictment has not been scheduled.

Tsethlikai was previously charged with second degree murder on April 26, 2024.

Tsethlikai is accused of kidnapping and murdering two men, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, in separate incidents on October 22, 2022, and January 18, 2024, respectively.

According to the Superseding Indictment, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 1 on October 22, 2022, and used various public places and transportation methods to carry out the crime. Tragically, John Doe 1 died as a result of this kidnapping.

The indictment further alleges that Tsethlikai deliberately and with premeditation kidnapped and killed John Doe 2 on January 18, 2024. Furthermore, Tsethlikai is accused of killing John Doe 2 while committing or attempting to commit other crimes, including kidnapping and sexual abuse.

In addition to these charges, Tsethlikai faces multiple counts of kidnapping, sexual abuse, and assault involving other victims between 2023 and 2024. The crimes allegedly occurred in McKinley and Bernalillo counties in New Mexico:

• On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 3.
• On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 3 with the specific intent to commit murder.
• On June 15, 2023, Tsethlikai allegedly assaulted John Doe 3 resulting in serious bodily injury.
• On July 13, 2023, Tsethlikai is accused of kidnapping John Doe 4.
• On July 13, Tsethlikai is also accused of engaging in a sexual act with John Doe 4 by using force and threats.
• On February 16, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 5 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities.
• On April 11, 2024, Tsethlikai allegedly kidnapped John Doe 6 using interstate facilities and instrumentalities.

If convicted of the current charges, Tsethlikai faces a mandatory life sentence or death for the kidnapping resulting in death and first-degree murder charges, up to twenty years imprisonment on the assault with intent to murder charge, up to ten years imprisonment on the assault resulting in serious bodily injury charge, and any number of years up to life for the kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse charges.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, 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, led by FBI SA Mark Stephenson, investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley, Mark A. Probasco, and Eliot Neal are prosecuting the case. 

View the Superseding Indictment

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

The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims and seeks information. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, or have information about Tsethlikai, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.  Tips based on prior news articles and stories related to Tsethlikai’s conduct have produced information supporting some of the charges featured in the superseding indictment.

Labar Tsethlikai is approximately 5’7” and weighs 180 pounds. He is heavyset, has short brown hair, brown eyes, and wears glasses. It is believed that he wore a gold bracelet. He is from Zuni, but traveled extensively around New Mexico, including Gallup, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. Prior to being detained, it is believed that Tsethlikai worked in the Native American jewelry industry and was a Zuni jewely artist.

 

 

Moreover, prior to being detained on federal charges, investigators believe that Tsethlikai used a gold/brown Chevy Silverado, single cab truck, with dual exhaust, bearing license plate number WNMU0043, in furtherance of his criminal spree.

  

This case is 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 Santa Fe man was sentenced to one year of home confinement followed by two years of supervised probation for assaulting his girlfriend’s son.

According to court documents, on June 19, 2021, Luis Xavier Rael, 36, was supervising his girlfriend’s 12-year-old son, who is a member of the Pueblo of Nambé. Rael made the child do a series of physical exercises, which the child did not to complete to Rael’s satisfaction. Because of this, Rael hit the child with a tree branch and a belt on his butt, lower back, and upper legs. The strikes caused significant bruising to the child.

In addition to the confinement and probation, Rael must also complete substance-abuse counseling, mental-health counseling, and make restitution to cover the child’s continued counseling.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Clara Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A convicted felon who violated a domestic violence restraining order by possessing a firearm and shooting a woman at an Albuquerque Walmart was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on October 21, 2022, Maurice Lacey, 66, was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction and an active domestic violence restraining order when he entered a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Albuquerque. He followed the victim, Jane Doe, to the employee breakroom and shot her in the back of the head.

The victim suffered severe injuries, including a compressed skull fracture requiring emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation. She continues to experience physical impairments and trauma from the shooting.

Upon his release from prison, Lacey will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo Nation man was charged by criminal complaint with second-degree murder following a fatal stabbing that occurred on July 25, 2024, in Shiprock, New Mexico.

Edison Brady, 55, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is set for Wednesday.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 25, 2024, Navajo Nation Police Department officers responded to reports of a fight in progress near a business in Shiprock, New Mexico. Upon arrival, officers found John Doe unresponsive on the ground with apparent wounds to his face and chest. Despite life-saving measures, John Doe was later pronounced dead at Northern Navajo Medical Center.

The complaint alleges Brady punched and kicked Doe before retrieving a knife from his backpack and stabbing him. Witnesses reported observing Brady assault Doe, who did not defend himself. A knife with apparent blood stains was recovered from Brady’s possession.

If convicted of the current charge, Brady faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

View the Criminal Complaint

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 Rio Rancho woman was charged by criminal complaint for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition while using controlled substances.

Courtney Leigh Sparks, 39, appeared before a federal judge on July 23, 2024, and will be placed on conditions of release in the third-party custody of a halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) arrested Sparks after she collided into an Albuquerque Fire and Rescue fire truck. Sparks appeared intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.  APD searched her vehicle and located the following:

• A loaded Colt .38 caliber special revolver in the cup holder of the center console
• Three open bottles of alcohol
• A narcotics pipe on Sparks’ person

Then, on May 22, 2024, the Rio Rancho Police Department’s (RRPD) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) informed the FBI about recent interactions with Sparks. These interactions concerned Sparks’ desire to create a “Molotov cocktail,” her possession of weapons, ongoing drug use, and intent to harm others with explosives.

On May 14, 2024, the RRPD CIT received information that Sparks was attempting to collect gunpower from fireworks to build a bomb. RRPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed information that Sparks was a long-time user of controlled substances to include methamphetamine and fentanyl, including ongoing use at the time of her March arrest.

On May 27, 2024, Sparks was arrested in Rio Arriba County for driving while intoxicated. New Mexico State Police (NMSP) were on patrol when they were flagged down by a citizen who reported a possible intoxicated driver. NMSP observed the vehicle driving below the speed limit and crossed marked road lines. NMSP arrested Sparks for driving while intoxicated. During a subsequent search of her vehicle, officers located:

• One box of .38 special ammunition
• One box of 12-gauge shotgun shells
• Two hatchets
• One throwing knife
• One machete
• Three pocketknives
• Two glass pipes
• Various items related to marijuana use

If convicted of the current charges, Sparks faces up to 15 years in prison for each offense.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque, Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gardner is prosecuting this case as part of an agreement with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Santa Fe area.

The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.

View the Criminal Complaint

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 man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and destructive devices while under a court order of protection following a harrowing domestic violence incident.

According to court documents, on September 14, 2022, Edward Walters, 55, knowingly possessed a firearm, ammunition, and destructive devices while under a court order of protection. The protection order, issued on July 21, 2022, found that Walters represented a credible threat and prohibited him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner. Despite this, Walters returned to his family’s residence, where he began accumulating an arsenal of weapons, including firearms, silencers, and pipe bombs.

Walters held his wife against her will in their garage, but their son overheard the situation and called 911. The incident escalated as Walters barricaded himself inside the home, causing significant disruption to a nearby elementary school and surrounding neighborhoods. After hours of negotiations, law enforcement took Walters into custody.

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

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison prosecuted the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with multiple federal crimes, including drug trafficking and assaulting federal officers during a high-speed pursuit.

Nicholas Mares, aka “Youngster,” 22, appeared before a federal judge today for a detention hearing, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on May 28, 2024, Mares sold 5,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover FBI agent during a controlled purchase.

Photograph of MARES, taken during the May 28, 2024, controlled drug buy

On July 18, 2024, FBI agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Mares in Albuquerque. Mares allegedly rammed his vehicle into an FBI vehicle occupied by four special agents, then fled at high speed in oncoming traffic with a child in his car. During the pursuit, approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills were allegedly discarded onto the roadway from Mares’ vehicle before he eluded capture.

Photograph from the July 18, 2024, attempted FBI contact with Mares where he discarded approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, while recklessly fleeing

If convicted of the current charges, Mares faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Violent Gang Task Force of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler.

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

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – Two Zuni men were charged by indictment with multiple federal firearms offenses for assaulting 4 victims.

Kamron Kallestewa, 23, and Kaden Panteah, 18, enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, on April 8, 2023, Kallestewa and Panteah assaulted John Doe 1, John Doe 2, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 with a firearm with the intent to do bodily harm.

If convicted of the current charges, Kallestewa and Panteah face up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, 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 Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mia Ulibarri-Rubin is prosecuting the case.

View the Indictment

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 Gallup woman was sentenced to 14 years in prison and order to pay $19,498.71 in restitution for her role in luring and abducting a man who was later found dead in Mentmore, New Mexico after a week-long community search.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on the afternoon of September 16, 2021, Shannon Etsitty, 23 (an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation), Elias Viola, and Halbert Sam were using methamphetamine and drinking alcohol. Viola learned Etsitty had been in a relationship with John Doe and expressed a desire to harm Doe. The group devised a plan to lure John Doe to them, under the pretense of a meeting with Etsitty, who would pick Doe up alone to avoid suspicion.

After picking up Doe in Viola’s car, Etsitty drove Doe to where Viola and Sam were waiting. Viola entered through the car’s missing windshield and assaulted John Doe. Sam entered through the back passenger door and held Doe against the front passenger seat so Viola could beat Doe without Doe being able to defend himself. During the assault, Doe grabbed the steering wheel, causing the car to veer off the road and become stuck.

The attack upon Doe continued outside the vehicle, with Viola using a screwdriver and baseball bat. After beating and stabbing Doe, the party hid Doe’s body in nearby bushes. Law enforcement—unaware of Doe’s condition—arrived at the scene of the disabled car and helped Etsitty and Viola get the car unstuck; Sam, meanwhile, hid in the bushes with Doe’s body. Once the car was unstuck, Etsitty and Viola went to Etsitty’s mother’s house, leaving Doe’s body and hidden with Sam by the roadside.

Later, Etsitty, Viola, Etsitty’s sister, and Etsitty’s sister’s boyfriend returned to the location where the group had hidden Doe’s body. They then moved Doe to a field near Etsitty’s mother’s house.

On September 23, 2021, John Doe’s body was located in that Mentmore field. OMI found Doe to have multiple injuries, including a stab wound to his chest and severe head trauma. The manner of his death was ruled a homicide. Evidence linked Etsitty and Viola to the crime scene and Doe’s last known whereabouts.

On September 18, 2023, Viola pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

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

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A former Roswell escrow company owner was sentenced to 46-months in prison for defrauding his clients of over $1.2 million.

According to court documents, Christopher Adam Jensen-Tanner purchased Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. in 2013 and began conducting business as a servicer of real estate contracts, holding significant sums of money in trust for clients.

In January 2017, Jensen-Tanner began illegally using customer funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle beyond his means. To conceal his actions, Jensen-Tanner commingled funds between corporate accounts, moving money held in trust to operating accounts and vice versa.

By fall 2019, the scheme unraveled when Jensen-Tanner could no longer hide the shortfall created by his misuse of client funds. A victim complaint led to an examination by the New Mexico Financial Institutions Division, exposing the full extent of the fraud.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico are seeking individuals who may have been victims of a wire fraud scheme involving Jensen-Tanner and Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. (RES) between January 2017 and October 2019.  If you were a client of Jensen-Tanner and/or RES and believe you are a victim, please contact the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.

A restitution hearing will be set at a later date. If you would like to attend the hearing, please contact Victim Specialist Jacquie Gutierrez at (575) 522-2304 for more information.

The Roswell Division and Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Securities and Financial Institutions Divisions of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Richard Williams are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 10 years and one day in federal prison for a violent crime spree that included shooting a stranger during a dispute over face masks and brutally assaulting his own cousin in separate incidents in early 2021.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on February 18, 2021, Michael Shebala, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot a man in the chest at the Route 66 Travel Center on Laguna Pueblo after an argument over face mask requirements. The victim, who was traveling from Arizona to Arkansas, was hospitalized for a week with serious injuries.

Approximately two weeks later, on March 5, 2021, Shebala shot his cousin in the leg during an argument. He then kicked the victim in the face and beat him with a baseball bat, causing multiple fractures.

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

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department, Navajo Police Department, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Today, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, and Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, announced the unsealing of an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2024, charging eight members of the leadership and middle management of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization, a transnational criminal organization operating in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. Law enforcement officials effected the arrest of two alleged members of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization in California and Florida in a coordinated, multistate enforcement operation.

In addition, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization today as part of its ongoing efforts to address the national security threat posed by human smuggling. Pursuant to Executive Order 13581, as amended, OFAC has taken action to freeze assets and limit financial transactions of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization.

According to the indictment, Ronaldo Galindo Lopez-Escobar, aka “Tio Roni,” 46, of Malacatan, Guatemala, leads and oversees the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization from Guatemala.

Elvis Bersai Lopez-Ambrosio, aka “Pepe,” and Whiskey Hans Lopez-Ambrosio, aka “Hands,” coordinated with Mexican human smugglers, including Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez-Perez and a La Linea Cartel member known as “Chikis,” “Chiquis,” “Enano,” and “Chicken” to cross undocumented aliens from Guatemala through Mexico, and into the United States through Southern New Mexico.

Upon smuggling undocumented aliens into the United States through Southern New Mexico, Elvis and Whiskey would oversee and direct a network of mid-level smugglers including Eli Adonis Esteban-Lopez and Wenry Gabriel Gomez-Lopez, who assisted in carrying out the day-to-day operations of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization, and Karen Stefany Hernandez-Vanegas, who received deposits and made payments to co-conspirators through the United States banking system, peer-to-peer money transfer applications, and bulk cash that were derived from the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization.

Furthermore, Elvis would instruct co-conspirators to open U.S. bank accounts in order to receive smuggling fees from smuggled aliens on Elvis’s behalf and in a manner that would be untraceable to Elvis. Elvis would then instruct co-conspirators to withdraw the funds and either: give the funds to Elvis, convert the funds into assets including real estate, or send funds to Lopez-Escobar or his nominees in Guatemala, utilizing money service business money wires, to minimize the trackability of the funds to Lopez-Escobar.

Federal investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization generated between $104 million and $416 million in illicit proceeds from their human smuggling activities between September 2020 and April 2023.

“Border security is about neighbors taking care of neighbors, reaching across jurisdictional and agency boundaries to protect our community,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “With this indictment, we bring the fight across borders to the transnational criminal organizations and their leadership. No longer will you profit in safety while migrants suffer and load-drivers take the risks, and the fall, for your greed. We are coming for you and your bank accounts.”

“HSI remains steadfast in vigorously using our broad investigative authority and international footprint to pursue transnational criminal organizations that not only put the lives of migrants at peril, but pose a threat to our national security,” said Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “This case exemplifies a coalesced commitment among our federal law enforcement partners to ensure public safety by locking up violent criminal elements associated with these networks. Our message is clear: Human smugglers will not operate with impunity in our communities.”

“On behalf of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local law enforcement partners for their role in this significant criminal apprehension,” said Anthony Scott Good, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector. “The successes in the investigation of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization represents our unified goal as law enforcement partners: protecting the very communities we live in. Border Patrol's mission extends beyond immigration; we strategically collaborate with local law enforcement to deter and address criminal threats.”

If convicted of the current charges, Lopez-Escobar faces up to 20 years in prison. Lopez-Escobar and nine co-defendants were charged with conspiracy to bring in, transport and harbor illegal aliens on May 24, 2023. Lopez-Escobar remains a fugitive.

If convicted of the current charges, Elvis Bersai Lopez-Ambrosio faces up to 20 years in prison.

If convicted of the current charges, Whiskey Hans Lopez-Ambrosio faces up to 10 years in prison.

If convicted of the current charges, Hernandez-Perez faces up to 10 years in prison.

If convicted of the current charges, Chikis faces up to 10 years in prison.

If convicted of the current charges, Esteban-Lopez faces up to 10 years in prison.

If convicted of the current charges, Gomez-Lopez faces up to 10 years in prison.

If convicted of the current charges, Hernandez-Vanegas faces up to 10 years in prison.

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

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ramirez for the District of New Mexico.

The indictment of these defendants is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is part of JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and most recently in the Darién to include Colombia and Panama. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California. Dedicated support is also provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division that are part of JTFA, led by HRSP, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), MLARS, the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 310 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 250 U.S. convictions; over 185 significant sentences of 30 years or more in prison imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeiture of substantial assets and contraband, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; multiple indictments and successful extradition requests against foreign leadership targets.

View the Indictment

Treasury Press Release

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 Farmington woman faces federal drug trafficking and firearms charges after a high-speed chase led to the seizure of over half a kilogram of methamphetamine, thousands of suspected counterfeit pills, and multiple firearms.

Tasheena Hoskie, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge last week.

According to court document, the arrest stems from a joint investigation by the FBI and the Region II Task Force that consisted of multiple controlled drug buys from and surveillance operations on Hoskie and her activities.

On July 12, 2024, investigators attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Hoskie's vehicle as it traveled from Arizona to New Mexico. Hoskie initially stopped but then fled at high speed, throwing packages from the vehicle. After her vehicle was disabled, Hoskie was taken into custody. Investigators recovered approximately 548 grams of suspected methamphetamine that had been thrown from the vehicle.

A search of Hoskie 's vehicle revealed:

• Two firearms, including a stolen rifle;
• Over 4,000 suspected counterfeit oxycodone pills, as well as a cell phone that had both been submerged into water in a cooler; and
• Additional suspected methamphetamine.

Photograph of Methamphetamine found in the roadway.

Photograph of the cooler after investigators had removed a phone and were continuing to recover the blue pills.

A subsequent search of Hoskie's residence in Farmington uncovered more suspected methamphetamine, approximately 6,000 unidentified pills, and 10 firearms.

Hoskie has a previous felony conviction for drug trafficking from 2011 in Arizona.

If convicted of the current charges, Hoskie faces up to lifetime imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.  The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, the Region II Narcotics Task Force, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Farmington Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II 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 was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for a firearms-related offense after a confrontation over a $40 debt.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on August 15, 2022, Ian Channing Lasiloo, 31, an enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe, drove to the residence of his cousin, John Doe. Upon arrival, Lasiloo confronted John Doe with a handgun, demanding payment of a $40 debt. When John Doe denied owing the money, Lasiloo pointed the weapon at his face before aiming at the ground and firing. The bullet struck John Doe in the left heel, causing a superficial wound that required treatment at Zuni Hospital.

Lasiloo was apprehended by law enforcement the following day. During questioning, he expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he had intended to frighten John Doe due to the alleged debt.

Upon his release from prison, Lasiloo will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Caddo man was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for brutally assaulting and strangling his pregnant girlfriend.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between February 11 and 14, 2023, Steven Williams, 30, an enrolled member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe. Williams attacked Jane Doe with his fists, a knife, and by choking and kicking her. Jane Doe was five months pregnant at the time of the assaults.

As a result of the attacks, Jane Doe suffered severe bruising, a broken hand, defensive knife wounds, and strangulation. Fortunately, the unborn child survived. After enduring days of abuse, Jane Doe eventually managed to escape and receive medical treatment with the help of concerned family members.

Upon his release from prison, Williams will be subject to 3 years of supervised release with intensive counselling and treatment for anger management.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Gamerco woman pleaded guilty in federal court to robbery and federal firearms charges arising from her role in the armed robbery of a Gallup insurance company in 2021.

According to publicly available court documents, on December 4, 2021, Amber Yazzie, 29, entered an insurance company in Gallup, New Mexico, with two of her co-defendants, while a fourth co-defendant, waited outside in a vehicle. Yazzie brandished a firearm, yelled at the employees to turn over money, and threatened them before firing the gun into the ceiling.

Following the robbery, Yazzie and her co-defendants traveled to Albuquerque, where they used some of the stolen funds for a shopping spree at a local mall. Law enforcement later recovered receipts and surveillance footage documenting these purchases.

At sentencing, Yazzie faces not less than ten years and up to life in prison. Upon her release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Police Department, the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An El Paso man was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for attempting to murder a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a routine immigration stop in New Mexico.

According to court documents, on January 5, 2023, Roberto Esquivel, 25, was pulled over by a Border Patrol agent on a rural section of New Mexico Highway 146 for a routine immigration inspection. When the agent approached the vehicle, he observed individuals inside whom he suspected of being undocumented immigrants. The agent asked Esquivel to exit the vehicle. Instead, Esquivel produced a firearm and shot the agent, striking him twice in the torso area.

After shooting the agent, Esquivel fled the scene but lost control of the vehicle and rolled it multiple times. He ran from the crash site and threw the gun into the desert. Law enforcement officers subsequently apprehended Esquivel and recovered the discarded firearm.

The Border Patrol agent survived the shooting, largely due to his ballistic vest. One of the passengers required airlift to a hospital but has since recovered from injuries sustained during the incident.

Upon his release from prison, Esquivel will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. McNair is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for orchestrating a violent home invasion against his father-in-law and robbing a bank in order to fuel a severe gambling addiction.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on September 14, 2021, Marc Candelaria, 36, staged a home invasion targeting his own father-in-law, John Doe, and was assisted by an unknown co-conspirator who acted as the actual intruder. The intruder entered the home undetected late at night and attempted to force John Doe to open a safe at gunpoint. When John Doe was unable to open the safe, the intruder made Doe write a $23,000 check.

After writing the check, John Doe was brutally beaten, sustaining serious head injuries that caused him to lose consciousness. John Doe was found the next day by his daughter and transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Just hours after the home invasion, Candelaria attempted to deposit the stolen check into his personal bank account, however the bank placed a hold on the check due to what appeared to be two separate handwritings and alerted the victim’s wife to a possibly fraudulent check.

On October 30, 2021, Candelaria robbed a Bank of America branch using a typewritten demand note that threatened cartel violence. The bank teller, fearing for his life, gave Candelaria the cash from his register.

The investigation revealed Candelaria committed both crimes to fund a severe gambling addiction. Between September 2020 and May 2022, he visited a local casino approximately 169 times, losing large sums of money.

On March 27, 2024, Candelaria was convicted by a federal jury of bank fraud. On April 10, 2024, Candelaria entered into a plea agreement on the bank robbery charge.

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

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel A. Hurtado and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuted the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault charges arising from a 2020 assault and theft of a motor vehicle within the Navajo Nation.

According to publicly available court documents, on May 17, 2020, the victim, John Doe, was parked in his car at the Gulf Gas Station in Shiprock when Daryl Levi, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, attacked Doe and took his vehicle. Doe suffered bodily injury including bruises and contusions.

In his plea agreement, Levi admitted that he participated in the assault with the intent to take John Doe’s motor vehicle. He will remain in custody pending sentencing which has not yet been set.

At sentencing, Levi faces a mandatory term of incarceration of no less than thirty-seven months up to a maximum of no more than forty-six months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Levi will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A repeat offender from Espanola pleaded guilty in federal court to federal drug trafficking charges.

According to publicly available court documents, on February 23, 2022, while on probation, Jeremy Isaac Lopez, 29, committed an armed robbery in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. He was subsequently charged and placed on house arrest with GPS monitoring as part of his pretrial release conditions.

On March 30, 2023, a bench warrant was issued for Lopez after he intentionally removed his GPS ankle monitor.

On April 19, 2023, Lopez was located and apprehended at the Cities of Gold Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department. During the arrest, officers discovered Lopez was in possession of multiple controlled substances, including:

• Heroin
• More than 5 grams of methamphetamine
• Over 40 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl.

According to public records, Lopez was subsequently convicted by the State of New Mexico for the armed robbery.

Lopez will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Lopez faces up no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison followed no less than four years and up to lifetime of supervised release.

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

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Chief Freddie Trujillo of the Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, and the Espanola Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Bosque Farms man pleaded guilty in federal court to domestic assault by a habitual offender.

According to publicly available court documents, on August 9, 2022, Daniel Vincent Olguin, 37, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, assaulted his girlfriend, Jane Doe, by striking her in the back of the head with his hand.  Olguin was previously convicted of assaulting his intimate partner in 2012 and 2016.

The Court ordered that Olguin remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Olguin faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Olguin will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Kirtland man was charged by criminal complaint with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime after allegedly attacking his parents with a handgun at their home on the Navajo Nation reservation.

Jerome Weaver, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 9, 2024, Weaver allegedly assaulted his parents at their home on the Navajo Nation reservation near Shiprock. Weaver is accused of striking his father multiple times with a handgun, causing injuries. He also allegedly choked his mother and held her at gunpoint. Weaver’s father was transported to the Northern Navajo Medical Center where he was treated for injuries to his face.

If convicted of the current charges, Weaver faces from seven years to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

View the Criminal Complaint

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

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was charged by criminal complaint following an hours-long armed standoff with law enforcement, during which he fired multiple shots at FBI agents and tribal police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call on the Zuni Pueblo reservation.

Eric Bowannie, 26, an enrolled member of the Zuni Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 6, 2024, a family disturbance in Zuni, New Mexico escalated into a standoff between law enforcement and Bowannie.

Bowannie allegedly barricaded himself inside a residence and fired upon Zuni Police Department officers outside the home. When more officers responded to the scene, Bowannie reportedly charged at them with an ax before retrieving a shotgun from a nearby bedroom and shooting at the officers.

Agents from the FBI responded to the scene and ordered Bowannie to exit the residence with his hands up, but he refused to comply.

Throughout the standoff, Bowannie moved between the front door and windows, firing multiple rounds. He was also observed at the back of the residence holding a rifle.

Eventually, Bowannie crawled out of the back of the residence and was spotted approximately a quarter mile away attempting to flee. He surrendered when given commands by local law enforcement.

A search of the residence recovered 57 .22 caliber casings and 5 spent shotgun shells both inside and outside the home.

In a subsequent interview, Bowannie admitted he was not supposed to possess firearms due to active felony warrants. He stated his initial plan was "suicide by cop" but changed his mind after speaking with his "baby mama." Bowannie also admitted to firing shots at FBI agents and considering shooting at a police officer before ultimately deciding to surrender.

If convicted of the current charges, Bowannie faces up to 27 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Kirk Williams are prosecuting the case.

View the Criminal Complaint

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

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Sanostee man pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a fatal drunk-driving crash on the Navajo Nation that killed two people in August 2023.

According to publicly available court documents, on the morning of August 12, 2023, Leonardo Robbie Duncan, 33, was driving on Navajo Route 36 near Upper Fruitland, New Mexico, which is within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Duncan was drunk and driving in an unsafe manner when he crossed into on-coming traffic and crashed head-on into the front passenger side of Jane and John Doe’s vehicle.

Instead of checking on Jane and John Doe and rendering aid, Duncan fled on foot. Jane and John Doe died shortly after. When Duncan turned himself in six hours later, he was still intoxicated with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08.

Duncan will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Duncan faces up to eight years in prison and up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 United States Attorney Jena Ritchey is prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was charged by criminal complaint for a brutal domestic assault that left leaving the victim with multiple injuries including fractures, lacerations requiring stitches, and extensive bruising.

Deshaun Begay, 20, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 15, 2024.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 4, 2024, the Navajo Nation Police Department (NNPD) responded to a report of assault in Shiprock, NM. Upon arrival, officers found the victim with multiple severe injuries to her face and head. The victim was immediately transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.

According to the complaint, the victim reported four separate additional incidents of domestic violence since May 2024 which went unreported due to the defendant’s representation that the victim would not be believed due the defendant’s purported association with local authorities. On July 4, 2024, Begay continued his angry and physically abusive behavior after drinking with the victim. He then struck the victim repeatedly with his fists before escalating the assault with various weapons including a dog leash, a 10-pound dumbbell, and a chain with a padlock.

The victim sustained multiple injuries including bruising, lacerations requiring stitches and staples and a nasal bone fracture.

If convicted of the current charges, Begay faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

View the Criminal Complaint

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

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ALBUQUERQUE – A former Indian Health Service (IHS) housing manager admitted stealing over $5,000 in federal funds by pocketing rent payments from traveling medical personnel and students.

According to publicly available court documents, Alonzo James Cayatineto, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, served as housing manager for IHS in Crownpoint from approximately 2017 until his resignation in January 2023. In this role, Cayatineto was responsible for collecting rent payments from pharmacy students and other medical personnel on temporary assignments in Crownpoint.

In December 2022, Cayatineto emailed former pharmacy students, claiming they had outstanding housing debts. He instructed them to pay via his personal Venmo account to avoid collections. Between December 2022 and January 2023, Cayatineto collected $5,363 in rent payments from 12 individuals through 15 separate Venmo transactions. Cayatineto failed to remit these funds to IHS and was not authorized to collect payments in this manner.

The scheme was uncovered in January 2023 when students complained about not receiving receipts for their payments. An internal IHS investigation led to Cayatineto being placed on administrative leave on January 27, 2023. He resigned the same day.

Cayatineto was sentenced to two years of probation. He was also ordered to complete community service and pay back the $5,363 he stole.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – An El Paso man was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for his role in a cross-border conspiracy to distribute child pornography, following an investigation that uncovered thousands of explicit images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including infants.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between April 28, 2022, and April 24, 2023, Yamil Pillado, 23, and his cousin, Ryan Gallardo, engaged in a conspiracy to send and receive images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material via various online platforms. Pillado and Gallardo used WhatsApp and the MEGA file hosting service to exchange these illegal materials across state lines, with Pillado located in Texas and Gallardo in New Mexico.

During the investigation, law enforcement uncovered extensive conversations between Pillado and Gallardo discussing their mutual sexual interest in minors, including infants. The cousins exchanged numerous files containing sexually explicit images and videos of children.

Specifically, on April 29, 2022, Gallardo sent Pillado several videos showing an adult male sexually abusing a prepubescent female. On July 5, 2022, Pillado reciprocated by sending Gallardo an image of a minor female being sexually exploited.

A search of Pillado's phone uncovered more than 2,000 files containing child sexual abuse material.

Upon his release from prison, Pillado will be subject to 20 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Gallardo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography and remains in custody pending sentencing which is current scheduled for July 17, 2024. At sentencing Gallardo faces up to 20 years in prison.

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

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the El Paso Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and A’Kiesha Soliman are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to submitting false and inaccurate oil and gas extraction reports, failing to pay due taxes and royalties to the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, and federal government.

In her plea agreement, Teresa McCown, owner of M&M Production & Operation, Inc. (M&M) and Shoreline Oil & Gas Company (Shoreline), admitted that between 2017 and 2023, she repeatedly submitted false and inaccurate oil and gas extraction and production reports through online reporting systems, failed to submit mineral reports in some cases, and did not pay due taxes and royalties for oil and gas produced from Federal and Indian leases.

As a lease operator, McCown was responsible for accounting, reporting mineral production, and paying royalties to mineral owners for extracted gas and minerals. To that end, McCown was required to submit monthly Oil and Gas Operations Reports (OGOR) and royalty payments to the Department of the Interior's Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) based on the amount and value of oil and gas produced from the leases.

On December 6, 2019, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) received a complaint letter from the Jicarilla Apache Nation alleging M&M and Shoreline’s ongoing failures to report oil and gas extraction volumes and failure to report revenue. ONRR began its investigation into McCown and her companies’ failure to pay royalties and determined that required reporting for royalties was missing for long periods of time.

In her plea, McCown admitted to filing over 400 incorrect reports on Indian and Federal leases during the time period, that there are approximately 1,000 missing or unfiled OGOR reports for at least 32 leases or agreements, that she falsely reported gas extraction amounts, and failed to pay due royalties and interest. McCown was issued numerous Notices of Noncompliance (NONC), Failure to Correct Civil Penalties notices (FCCP), and Immediate Liability Civil Penalty (ILCP) notices for inaccurate reporting. ONRR held two pre-penalty teleconferences with McCown to discuss the civil penalties assessed in the NONCs, FCCPs, and ILCPs and any mitigating circumstances that may have prevented her companies from complying by the prescribed deadlines. Both of these teleconferences were audio recorded. In those teleconferences, McCown offered no relevant mitigating circumstances and instead gave various excuses, blaming medical ailments and fired employees for not properly reporting the well sites. Even after those teleconferences, McCown took no corrective action.

ONRR then sent the companies’ debts for unpaid royalties and penalties to the U.S. Treasury for collection. As of January 2024, neither M&M nor Shoreline had paid the debts to the U.S. Treasury and both debts continued to accrue.

In addition, McCown knowingly submitted false or inaccurate reports to ONRR over the internet, constituting wire fraud. When a user accesses ONRR's online systems, there is a validation process. The validation process all occurs over wires and an interaction with the data center where user logins are authenticated and authorized. Thus, when reports are submitted via an internet connection, users are confronted with a popup message that reads “I am authorized to report for this Reporter and certify that the electronic data transmitted is valid, accurate, complete and accept responsibility for such data…”, and must click “OK” to proceed.

During the reporting periods at issue in the indictment, McCown also accessed relevant websites as an official representative of her two companies. When she accessed those websites to submit information, she agreed to ONRR’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), which warned against entering inaccurate or false information into the reporting system. The online system separately warns users that a violation of the AUP may result in criminal prosecution.

In her plea agreement, McCown admitted that she submitted inaccurate or false information through these systems on numerous occasions and that she intended to undertake a scheme to defraud the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Nation, and the United States of full amounts due for her companies’ operations – even after receiving notices, penalties, and participating in teleconferences with regulators.

As part of her plea agreement, McCown agreed to liquidate personal properties in Farmington and Rio Arriba County, an RV, and two motor vehicles and apply the proceeds the restitution she owes. McCown also agreed not to contest proceedings initiated by the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management to cancel her oil and gas leases. She agreed to file financial disclosure forms with the United States Attorney’s Office until restitution is complete, and agreed to fully comply with ongoing curative audit and compliance procedures that will follow her plea.

The Court ordered that McCown remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, McCown faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, McCown will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General made the announcement today.

The Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Energy Investigations Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Utah man was charged by indictment with assaulting a victim with a knife while she was holding her daughter in Sheep Springs, New Mexico.

Kubert Yanito, 51, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today for an arraignment and detention hearing, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, on October 11, 2023, Yanito allegedly assaulted Jane Doe 1 with a knife while she was holding her daughter, Jane Doe 2. Yanito had previously been convicted of domestic violence, making him a habitual offender.  

If convicted of the current charges, Yanito faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, 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 Nation Police Department and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nichola J. Marshall.

View the Indictment

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

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for firing 18 rounds at a family home occupied by eight people, including five young children.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on April 28, 2022, Nathaniel Begay, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove to a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation after becoming angry while swimming at Morgan Lake. Armed with two semi-automatic handguns, Begay fired multiple rounds at the home, which contained eight family members including five young children.

After briefly leaving, Begay returned and fired a second volley of shots at family members as they attempted to take cover. No one was injured.

Begay was arrested later that night following a domestic dispute with his wife. A knife and 9mm bullet were found on his person at the time of arrest.

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

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, 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 United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Tularosa man was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm while engaged in a scheme to transport undocumented immigrants.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on January 18, 2023, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent observed suspicious driving behavior from a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 185 near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The vehicle was moving slower than the posted speed limit and drifting across lanes. After making evasive maneuvers, the vehicle eventually stopped near an abandoned residence outside Las Cruces.

The agent made contact with the driver, identified as Castulo Amaya, 39, and explained that he had stopped to conduct a welfare check. During the interaction, Amaya exhibited increasingly erratic behavior, yelling at the vehicle occupants to record the encounter and claiming harassment.

When questioned, Amaya claimed that the vehicle's occupants were his children and relatives. However, upon inspection, the agent determined that six individuals in the rear seat were aliens illegally present in the United States. All provided rehearsed responses claiming they were from Las Cruces. The front seat passenger was identified as Vanessa Rodriguez-Solorio, a U.S. citizen. Rodriguez-Solorio admitted to being hired by Amaya to transport people for money and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.

During a search incident to arrest, a loaded semi-automatic pistol was found concealed under Amaya's sweatshirt. As a previously convicted felon, Amaya knew that he was prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition.

Upon his release from prison, Amaya will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Anthony “Scott” Good, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, made the announcement today.

The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault and firearms charges after shooting a victim in the stomach during a late-night confrontation on the Navajo Nation reservation.

According to publicly available court documents, on May 29, 2023, Tyrell Willie, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove to John Doe's residence within the Navajo Nation reservation. When John Doe exited his home, Willie turned off his headlights and fired two shots from the driver's seat, with one round striking Doe in the stomach. Willie then fled the scene.

Shortly after, Navajo Nation Police Officers conducted a high-risk stop on Willie's vehicle. Willie exited the truck holding a loaded shotgun but dropped it after being commanded to do so by officers. He was then taken into custody.

The victim suffered serious bodily injury requiring immediate life-saving surgery.

The Court ordered that Willie remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Willie faces between 7 and 12 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Willie will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

FBI Farmington Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to orchestrating a bid-rigging and money laundering scheme that defrauded a federally-funded Native American educational institution of approximately $1.5 million over a three-year period.

According to publicly available court documents, William Badoni, 61, admitted to conspiring with his co-defendant, Elroy Harry, an employee of Kinteel Residential Campus, Inc. (KRCI) from April 2018 to June 2019 to obtain non-public information about construction projects and the bidding process. This information was used to give Badoni’s company an unfair advantage in winning KRCI contracts. Badoni also arranged for the submission of falsified bids from other companies to circumvent KRCI's contracting policies.

The contracts and related change orders resulted in revenue of approximately $1.5 million paid to Badoni’s company by KRCI between 2016 and 2019.

In exchange for this assistance, Badoni paid Harry approximately $50,000. These payments were made in cash and by check, using funds derived largely from the fraudulently obtained contracts.

Additionally, Badoni admitted to conducting financial transactions to conceal the proceeds of the illegal scheme. This involved depositing portions of contract payments into bank accounts while taking other portions in cash to avoid creating records of payments made with fraudulently obtained funds.

Harry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program fraud and remains on conditions of release pending sentencing, which is currently scheduled for August 7, 2024.

The Court ordered that Badoni remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Badoni faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain resulting from the fraud. Upon his release from prison, Badoni will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Jamie DePaepe, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General, and Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office, made the announcement today.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor F. Hartstein and Mark Probasco are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was charged by criminal complaint with transportation for the purpose of prostitution after allegedly transporting a female across state lines for the purposes of engaging her in prostitution.

Hakeeme Kaleb Williams, 24, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on June 17, 2024, Jane Doe 1 called 911 reporting she was being trafficked. Officers located her outside a car at a gas station in Laguna, NM, along with a man identified as Williams and another woman identified as Jane Doe 2.

Jane Doe 1 stated she had been working as a sex worker and Williams, who she met online, was her “pimp.” She said she provided all of her earnings to Williams, that he transported her across state lines for prostitution, and frequently assaulted her.  Most recently, Williams was transporting her through New Mexico to Arizona, with stops made in New Mexico for the purposes of engaging in prostitution.

Online ads depicting the two women were found which appeared to promote sex work in Albuquerque.

If convicted of the current charges, Williams faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, 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 and Laguna Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Trembley.

View the Criminal Complaint

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 Little Water man was charged by criminal complaint following a violent crime spree on the Navajo Nation, which involved a series of shootings and murder.

Dewayne George, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on April 24, 2024, a family traveling south on U.S. Highway 491 reported to law enforcement that they had been followed, rear-ended, and shot at by someone sitting in the front passenger seat of a white SUV.

Navajo Nation Police Department officers in the area were on the lookout for an SUV matching the description when they observed the vehicle driving southbound on U.S. Highway 491. Officers pursued the vehicle, which attempted to evade them before crashing. The officers took all three individuals in the vehicle into custody, later determined to be George, Rydell Happy, 30, and Brittania Navaho, 28.

Further investigation revealed that earlier that day, George, Happy, and Navaho had been involved in a separate shooting incident in Gallup, New Mexico. Additionally, they were implicated in the murder of an individual identified as John Doe.

Navaho was charged by indictment with straw purchase of the firearm used to murder John Doe and will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, Navaho faces 25 years in prison.

Happy was charged by criminal complaint with second degree murder and will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted of the current charges, Happy faces life years in prison.

If convicted of the current charges, George faces up to 15 years in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.  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.

View the Criminal Complaint

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 Los Lunas man who shot a New Mexico State Police officer during a high-speed chase was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to publicly available court records, on February 11, 2022, New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Lt. Jeremy Vaughan was on duty at a gas station in Edgewood when he was alerted to a woman in distress. As Lt. Vaughan approached a vehicle containing the woman and Caleb Elledge, 26, of Los Lunas, Elledge fled, ramming the officer's vehicle.

A pursuit ensued, ending when Lt. Vaughan performed a pursuit intervention technique. Elledge then fired at Lt. Vaughan, striking him in the neck. Despite his injury, Lt. Vaughan returned fire before Elledge and his passenger fled on foot.

The following day, acting on a tip, NMSP agents located and arrested Elledge in McIntosh, New Mexico. During the arrest, Elledge apologized for shooting the officer. Agents recovered the firearm used in the shooting.

As a previously convicted felon, Elledge was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Lt. Vaughan medically retired due to the severity of his injuries from the shooting. Lt. Vaughan, his family, many of his NMSP colleagues, as well as numerous members of other law enforcement agencies, were present in the courtroom when Elledge was sentenced.

“Attacking a law enforcement officer is a guarantee that you will be caught and punished,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our state and local partners to keep this community safe. Their bravery and tireless dedication to our communal safety deserves our utmost respect. At today’s sentencing, Lt. Vaughn addressed Elledge directly, stating ‘you and I should never have been enemies . . . I have never been angry with you, there is nothing for me to forgive . . . I care about you as a fellow human being.’ Lt. Vaughn and his wife offered grace grounded in faith, challenging Elledge to change: ‘Today is day one.’ Lt. Vaughn’s bravery, faith, and message of hope is a credit to the New Mexico State Police and an inspiration for us all.”

“Today’s sentencing of the defendant is reassuring that violence, especially when directed towards law enforcement, is never acceptable in our society,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI - Albuquerque Division, "The FBI will continue to work with our local, state and tribal partners to use all available resources to make sure that repeat armed offenders are held accountable and bring to justice anyone who assaults law enforcement officers."

"The sentencing of Caleb Elledge is a significant step towards justice for Lt. Jeremy Vaughan and the entire New Mexico State Police family. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face daily in their commitment to protect and serve” said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police.  “We are grateful for the collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners that led to this outcome. We will continue to honor our duty to keep the citizens of New Mexico safe."

Upon his release from prison, Elledge will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Edgewood Police Department, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office assisted the New Mexico State Police with the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec prosecuted the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An Ohkay Owingeh man pleaded guilty in federal court to an assimilated charge of child abuse resulting in great bodily harm arising from a series of brutal assaults and torture of a five-year old girl that occurred over a seven-week period in 2021.

According to publicly available court documents, between May 20, 2021, and July 10, 2021, Christopher Marquez, 34, an enrolled member of the Ohkay Owingeh tribe, repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe with his hands and miscellaneous household items in a manner that constituted torture and cruel punishment. As a result, Jane Doe suffered broken arms, broken ribs, internal bleeding, and bruising.

Marquez will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for October 9, 2024.

As a part of his agreement, Marquez will receive a definite term of 18 years in prison at sentencing. This is the statutory penalty of assimilated first-degree felonies. There is no parole in the Federal system.

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

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Matthew J. McGinley are prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges arising from 2023 assault which resulted in serious bodily injury.

According to publicly available court documents, on February 25, 2023, Christopher Hannaweeke, Sr., 49, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, assaulted John Doe. During the assault, Hannaweeke kicked John Doe in the head and body. As a result, John Doe suffered fractures to his face, extreme physical pain, and had to hospitalized for a period of time.

The Court ordered that Hannaweeke remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Hannaweeke faces 21 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Hannaweeke will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

View the Plea Agreement

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ALBUQUERQUE – Two Chimayo women were charged by indictment with stealing property from a gas station on Tesuque Pueblo.

Angelica Dominguez, 39, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has been scheduled for August 12, 2024.

Billie Jo Gussler, 43, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has been scheduled for August 12, 2024.

According to the indictment, on May 22, 2022, Dominguez and Gussler stole property that had a value exceeding $1,000 from the Camel Rock Valero, a business owned and operated by Tesuque Pueblo.

If convicted of the current charges, Dominguez and Gussler faces up to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Tesuque Tribal Police and Quay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

View the Indictment

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

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