District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Raynorma Rae Billy was arraigned on July 20 on an indictment charging her with conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm. Billy, 34, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

A grand jury indicted Raynorma Billy and co-defendants Raydell Billy and Alvin White on May 24. According to the indictment and other court records, on April 11, Raynorma allegedly drove Raydell and White to a residence at South Side Non-profit Housing in Shiprock with the intent to assault a victim, identified as John Doe. After they entered the residence, Raynorma allegedly prevented the other occupants of the residence from intervening while Raydell and White assaulted John Doe. The indictment alleges that White threatened John Doe with a machete and both Raydell and White allegedly beat John Doe with their fists.

The alleged assault occurred on the Navajo Nation.

Raydell Billy was arraigned on May 27. White was arraigned on May 31. Raydell Billy and White will remain in custody pending trial.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Raydell, Raynorma and White each face up to five years in prison for conspiracy and up to ten years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Pfizenmayer is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Johnny Black and Henry Felix were sentenced to prison for their parts in an assault on corrections officers at the Luna County Detention Center in Deming, New Mexico.

Black and Felix, as well as co-defendants Jacob Merkel and Victor Sanchez, pleaded guilty to assault upon a person assisting federal officers involving physical contact.

According to the plea agreements and other court records, on Feb. 17, 2021, Black became angry with corrections staff and started arguing with them. When staff attempted to escort him out of the pod, Black struck an officer, starting an altercation that other inmates joined. Sanchez saw the altercation and joined Black in striking the officer. As the altercation continued, Merkel grabbed another officer and punched him in the face. After Merkel and the officer went to the ground, Merkel got back up and continued the altercation. At that time, Felix emerged from the crowd and attacked the second officer from behind, striking him in the head and body.

On July 15, Black was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison, with one year and six months to run consecutive to his prior sentence of 14 years and three months in prison for using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and being an accessory after the fact. On June 10, Felix was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, with nine months to run consecutive to his prior sentence of 10 years for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Merkel, who pleaded guilty on Feb. 7, was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, with nine months consecutive to his prior sentence of 13 years and 10 months for robbery and discharge of a firearm. Sanchez, who pleaded guilty on Feb. 9, was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison, with 12 months to run consecutive to his prior eight-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The U.S. Marshals Service and Luna County Corrections Officers investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Genevieve McDonald has been charged with tampering with a witness, victim or an informant. McDonald, 60, and an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the complaint, beginning on May 4, McDonald allegedly began calling, texting and messaging a person identified in court records as Jane Doe. Despite repeated warnings from law enforcement, McDonald allegedly continued to send messages of a harassing nature to Jane Doe, including through Facebook Messenger and by posting messages on her own Facebook wall.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, McDonald faces up to 20 years in prison.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Henryetta John was arraigned on July 11 on an indictment charging her with assault on a federal officer inflicting bodily injury. John, 29, of Santo Domingo, New Mexico, and a member of the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, will remain on conditions of release pending trial.

A federal grand jury indicted John on June 15. As alleged in the indictment, on Oct. 20, 2021, John forcibly assaulted and resisted a federal law enforcement officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs while the officer was engaged in the performance of her official duties. The officer sustained injuries as a result of John’s alleged actions. John allegedly committed the offense on the Santo Domingo Pueblo in Sandoval County, New Mexico.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, John faces up to 20 years in prison.

The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Arturo Archuleta was arraigned on July 13 on an indictment charging him with five counts of attempting to evade or defeat taxes and one count of false statements relating to healthcare matters. Archuleta, 50, of Albuquerque, will remain on conditions of release pending trial.

A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on June 15. According to the indictment, from 2014 to 2018, Archuleta worked as an office manager at ABQ Injury Clinic in Albuquerque. During that time, Archuleta allegedly attempted to conceal taxable income from the IRS. Archuleta allegedly made false entries and altered accounting records of ABQ Injury Clinic, causing the clinic not to file Form 1099s and Form W-2s recording his income. Archuleta also allegedly used cash and a nominee bank account under a fictitious name to avoid scrutiny.

The indictment also alleges that on March 27, 2018, Archuleta made false statements, claiming that he was homeless and that he had zero monthly income, in connection with the delivery of and payment for healthcare benefits, items and services involving Centennial Care and United Healthcare. Centennial Care operates Medicaid in New Mexico through managed care organizations, including United Healthcare.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Archuleta faces up to five in prison for attempting to evade or defeat taxes and up to five years in prison for false statements relating to healthcare matters.

The FBI investigated the healthcare component of this case, with IRS Criminal Investigation investigating tax evasion. Assistant United States Attorney Taylor F. Hartstein is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Donald Alvin Tolbert was sentenced on July 12 to 35 years in prison. Tolbert, 53, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty on July 8, 2019, to 12 counts of distribution, receipt, and possession of videos and images containing child pornography.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, between July 17, 2012, and September 20, 2012, Tolbert sent and received numerous images and videos of child pornography by email. Tolbert then transferred several of those pornographic images and videos between his multiple email accounts. Tolbert also stored videos and images of child pornography on his mother’s computers.

At the time Tolbert committed these crimes he had been convicted of sexual offenses previously in New Mexico. In 2006, Tolbert was convicted of two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third degree, one count of kidnapping, one count of bribery of a witness and one misdemeanor count of battery.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will bring the full weight of the law to bear upon those who sexually exploit children,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “This case is an example of how federal, state, and local law enforcement cooperate together to keep our children safe. Most importantly, I thank the victims and witnesses who bravely shared their stories during the course of this case; your bravery has made a difference.”

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

The Albuquerque office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, New Mexico State Probation and Parole, and the New Mexico Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory investigated this case as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.  U.S. Attorney Uballez and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristopher N. Houghton prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Meredith Yazzie, 51, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, was sentenced on July 12 to eight years and four months in prison. Yazzie pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2021, to assault in Indian Country resulting in serious bodily injury and assaulting a federal officer.

In his plea agreement, Yazzie admitted that on May 25, 2020, he intentionally stabbed a man in the torso with a knife, causing a puncture to the man’s heart and lungs. During his apprehension on June 11, 2020, Yazzie raised a hatchet menacingly at a federal officer.  The assaults occurred on the Navajo Nation in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

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

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Rudy Garcia was arraigned on a five-count indictment. Garcia, 35, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

A federal grand jury indicted Garcia on June 22. According to the indictment, on Jan. 25, Garcia allegedly shot and killed another man during a drug deal involving fentanyl. The indictment charges Garcia with conspiracy, distribution of fentanyl, using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and in furtherance of such a crime, discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime resulting in death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time of the alleged offenses, Garcia was a convicted felon and could not legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on all counts, Garcia faces up to life in prison or death.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Randy M. Castellano and Matthew Ramirez are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that James Dooly Pollock, 37, of Deming, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. Pollock will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

On Dec 30, 2021, the father of a 14-year-old victim submitted his daughter’s cell phone to the Truth or Consequences Police Department (TCPD) and reported that the cell phone contained video of an adult male having sex with the victim. After obtaining the father’s permission and a search warrant, TCPD transferred the cell phone to New Mexico State Police (NMSP) for extraction of the phone’s contents.

In his plea agreement, Pollock admitted that on Dec. 7, 2021, he used WhatsApp to send a video of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the victim.

Pollock faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), NMSP and TCPD investigated this case as part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/. The ICAC Task Force Program is a nation-wide network of task forces including over 90 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to Internet crimes against children.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Joe’s Pharmacy of Peralta, New Mexico, has agreed to pay to the United States $50,000 representing civil penalties under Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

The agreement settles civil claims against Joe’s Pharmacy arising from Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on-sight inspections on Aug. 7, 2018, and March 5, 2019, and the process by which Joe’s Pharmacy returned or reverse-distributed its controlled substances inventory following the March 5, 2019, inspection. Joe’s Pharmacy failed to account for 24,422 doses of controlled substances, a majority of which were opioid analgesics. The inspections also revealed 112 additional record-keeping violations and four dispensing violations. In the return process, Joe’s Pharmacy failed to account for 1,231 doses of controlled substances and 15 doses of listed chemicals.

“Pharmacies are on the front lines of preventing the abuse of opioids and other controlled substances in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez.  “Pharmacies are responsible for ensuring that controlled substances are only dispensed through a valid prescription for legitimate medical purposes. The failure of a pharmacy to account for opioids and other controlled substances exposes New Mexicans to the risk that these substances will be diverted and abused.”

“Pharmacies, and all registrants, must do their part to ensure that prescription medications are not misused and abused,” said Greg Millard, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “Because we want safe and healthy communities, DEA will continue to utilize its regulatory oversight to ensure these entities comply with the rules set forth in the Controlled Substance Act.”

Assistant United States Attorney Sean Cunniff and Auditor Julie Chappell represented the United States in this matter.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Gregory Jojola, 32, of Bosque Farms, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, was sentenced to four years and two months in prison. On Nov. 24, 2020, Jojola pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate partner and two counts of assault of an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Aug. 30, 2019, Jojola assaulted his intimate partner, identified in court records as Jane Doe, at the home they shared in Bosque Farms on the Pueblo of Isleta. Jojola admitted that he assaulted Jane Doe by intentionally striking and wounding her. Jojola twice held Jane Doe down and strangled her to the point she thought she was going to die because she could not breathe. Jojola continued to strangle Jane Doe as she pleaded for her life.

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

The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Jacquan Abe, 24, of Albuquerque, was sentenced on July 7 to 14 years and three months in prison. A federal jury convicted Abe on Feb. 25 on one count each of robbery, using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a stolen firearm.

On Aug. 6, 2019, Abe confronted an employee of an automobile repair shop on Eubank Boulevard, which is directly behind the house where Abe lived. Abe accused the auto business of spying on his home with its security cameras, and the shop employee became frightened by Abe’s aggressiveness. The employee retrieved a pistol from inside the shop and returned to the front of the business where Abe was standing. Abe attacked the shop employee and they wrestled on the ground. The gun became loose and Abe picked it up. He made several attempts to shoot the weapon at the shop employee’s head, but no bullets discharged because the gun’s safety mechanism was engaged.   

Still armed with the gun, Abe ran into a nearby insurance business. Abe pointed the gun at a sales agent and demanded she show him where the business kept its cash. The sales agent took Abe to the back of the business where he took money from a petty cash box before attempting to flee. A worker from a neighboring smoke shop confronted Abe with a gun. Abe tripped and dropped his gun, which the smoke shop worker picked up as Abe fled.

After releasing video footage to the news media, the Albuquerque Police Department received an anonymous tip identifying Abe. Employees of the auto shop, insurance business and smoke shop all positively identified Abe in photo arrays, and Abe was arrested.

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

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Sean J. Sullivan prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Guillermo Rodriguez Garcia pleaded guilty on July 6 to production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Garcia, 40, of Deming, New Mexico, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

In his plea agreement, Garcia admitted that on Aug. 27, 2021, he produced a video of himself engaging in sexual conduct with a victim who was 12 years old. Garcia produced the video with a cellphone. Garcia faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case with assistance from the Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Deming Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Matilda McCarthy Villalobos are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Jamieson Chad Mason was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison. Mason, 29, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on Aug. 17, 2021, to assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Oct. 3, 2020, Mason was present at a residence for a birthday party, remaining mostly outside while others were inside preparing food. Mason entered the residence and took a chef’s knife from the kitchen. Holding the knife behind his back, Mason entered the living room where multiple members of his family were seated. He asked, “So which one do I do first?” and then approached the victim, who was sitting on a couch. Mason pushed the victim’s torso forward and stabbed her in the back multiple times, causing her serious bodily injury. Mason fled the home and threw the knife in a nearby river.

The assault took place on the Navajo Nation. The victim, who passed away from unrelated causes at a later date, was an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.

Upon his release from prison, Mason will be subject to three years of supervised release and mandatory outpatient substance abuse treatment.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Nation Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that on June 30 a federal judge sentenced Brandon Charley of Prewitt, New Mexico, to five years and three months in prison for voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country. Charley pleaded guilty on Sept. 8, 2021.

According to the plea and other court records, Charley got into an altercation with the victim and shot him from a motor vehicle in a remote area near Prewitt, New Mexico. The shooting occurred on the Navajo Nation, and Charley and the victim are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Following Charley’s imprisonment, he will be placed on supervised release for three years.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Letitia Carroll Simms prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Adonis Baker, 37, and Inkosi Grandberry, 40, both of Albuquerque, were sentenced for their parts in a sex trafficking ring.

Baker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and admitted that he used narcotics and physical force to cause victims to engage in prostitution. Baker and his co-conspirators advertised the victims online and used cellphones to arrange clients for the women. The victims were not allowed to keep any money paid to them for sex and were expected to work when they were told. The conspirators used motel rooms to harbor the victims. Baker was sentenced to 14 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Grandberry pleaded guilty to transportation for prostitution by coercion and enticement. In his plea, Grandberry admitted that on June 3, 2015, he aided and abetted Baker in persuading a victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe 1, to travel from Phoenix to Albuquerque for prostitution. Grandberry was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

A third defendant, Leotha Williams, 61, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to transportation for prostitution by coercion and enticement. In his plea, Williams admitted that he and Baker approached a victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, at a bus stop in Albuquerque between June 2016 and September 2016. Williams and Baker instructed the victim to get into a vehicle with them. They then traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Williams ensured that the victim engaged in prostitution. On July 16, 2020, Williams was sentenced to five years in prison, after which he will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and Deliver Fund, an anti-human trafficking, non-governmental organization. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Letitia Carroll Simms and Joseph M. Spindle are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that James Edward Robinson, Jr., was charged by criminal complaint with two counts of bank robbery. Robinson, 50, made an initial appearance in federal court today and will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing.

According to a criminal complaint, on June 17, Robinson allegedly entered the Washington Federal Bank on North Prince Street in Clovis, New Mexico, and waited for an open teller station. Robinson allegedly approached a teller, handed her a grocery bag and demanded she put all the money from her station in the bag. Robinson then allegedly demanded that the teller take the bag to another teller, and demanded that the second teller put all the money from her station in the bag as well. After collecting the money, Robinson allegedly fled the bank.

On June 27, Robinson allegedly entered the US Bank on North Prince Street. Robinson allegedly approached a teller and handed her a bag for the money from her station. After taking the money, Robinson allegedly left the bank and entered a vehicle parked at another business nearby.

Clovis Police later identified and arrested Robinson.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Robinson faces up to 20 years in prison.

The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Clovis Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tavo Hall is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Cisco Casaus-Alires pleaded guilty on June 29 to robbery of mail, money and other property of the United States and brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence. Casaus-Alires, 21, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Nov. 7, 2020, Casaus-Alires robbed a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier at gunpoint in southeast Albuquerque, demanding the letter carrier’s cell phone, USPS keys and mail. On Dec. 26, 2020, in southwest Albuquerque, Casaus-Alires robbed another letter carrier at gunpoint. Casaus-Alires demanded the letter carrier’s wallet, phone and USPS keys, and then demanded that the letter carrier load parcels into Casaus-Alires’ vehicle.

On Dec. 28, 2020, in south Albuquerque, Casaus-Alires robbed a third letter carrier at gunpoint, demanding the letter carrier’s wallet, phone and USPS keys. As Casaus-Alires took mail and parcels from the USPS vehicle, he asked the letter carrier where “the good stuff” is delivered, then fled the area.

By the terms of the plea agreement, Casaus-Alires faces 16 to 20 years in prison.

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on Milton Boutte, 77, of Moriarty, New Mexico, on June 27. The jury convicted Boutte of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Boutte will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

Boutte and three other men were charged by indictment with exploiting the now defunct Big Crow Program Office at Kirtland Air Force Base to perpetuate a scheme to defraud the United States. Boutte, along with George Lowe, 60, of Fort Washington, Maryland, Jose Diaz, 63, of El Paso, Texas, and Arturo Vargas, 59, also of El Paso, conspired to submit fraudulent invoices to federal agencies.  Beginning in 2004, Boutte, who was then the Director of the Big Crow Program Office, and Lowe, a lobbyist, schemed with Diaz and Vargas, owners of minority-owned small businesses that had sole-source contracts with the Big Crow Program Office, to pay lobbyists, consultants and contractors with funds fraudulently obtained from the United States.  The conspirators disguised the nature of the claims for lobbying services provided by Lowe as well as other unauthorized subcontracts and expenditures. The Big Crow Program Office was not authorized to lobby or to expend appropriated funds for lobbying activities under the contracts.

On April 4, 2018, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of fraud against the United States. In his plea agreement, Diaz admitted that over the course of the conspiracy Miratek and Vartek received approximately $8.4 million from the government, of which Boutte required those small businesses to pay nearly $4.1 million to lobbyists, consultants and contractors that Boutte had retained. Of that sum, Miratek and Vartek diverted more than $900,000 to Lowe, and another government contractor paid Lowe an additional $300,000.  Diaz faces up to ten years in prison for each count.

On Sept. 12, 2018, Vargas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and faces up to 21 months in prison. On March 5, 2020, Lowe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and faces up to 10 years in prison.

Boutte faces up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

All four men are awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Major Procurement Fraud Unit of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, Defense Criminal Investigations Services, Defense Contract Audit Agency – Investigative Support, U.S. Small Business Administration Office – Office of Inspector General, and General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy S. Vasquez and Jeremy Peña are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Julian Lucas Garcia was sentenced to five years in prison. Following a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted Garcia, 33, of El Guique, New Mexico, on Sept. 17, 2021, of one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of operating an off-highway vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs resulting in bodily injury, and one count of operating an off-highway vehicle on a paved road resulting in bodily injury.

On July 4, 2019, on the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Garcia, a non-Indian, was recklessly driving an ATV without headlights in dark conditions through an area crowded with people waiting to watch a Fourth of July fireworks celebration at the Ohkay Owingeh Casino. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the San Ildefonso Pueblo, was crossing the road when Garcia accelerated and struck her. The collisions threw her into the air and 69 feet down the road. Doe was seriously injured and suffered traumatic brain injury, broken ribs, and a knee injury requiring a skin graft.

Jane Doe was initially transported to Presbyterian Española Hospital, then immediately flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital’s Trauma Center for emergency treatment. She underwent multiple surgeries and months of treatment in intensive care units and rehabilitation centers. However, after battling the injuries she suffered in the crash for over two years, Jane Doe passed away on Nov. 9, 2021.

Witnesses, including responding law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and hospital staff testified that Garcia smelled and appeared intoxicated. During questioning by law enforcement, Garcia refused his consent to provide a blood alcohol sample.

“As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, today’s sentence brings our collective accountability into sharp relief,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Three years ago, Julian Garcia’s recklessness forever took a treasured member of our community, and in doing so Garcia’s family also lost of member of theirs to five years in federal prison. What began as a celebration ended in tragedy, all in one moment of careless self-indulgence. This is a sobering reminder that we are each members of a larger community and, as such, that we have a responsibility to keep one another safe.”

“The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Northern Pueblos Agency and the Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Police Department share the sorrow the San Ildefonso Pueblo has experienced as a result of this tragedy,” said Brenda Gonzales, BIA-OJS Special Agent in Charge. “While nothing can be done to bring Jane Doe back, the family now has closure to allow them to begin healing.”

Upon his release from prison, Garcia will be subject to three years of supervised release. Garcia was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and must pay $7,570 in restitution.

The Northern Pueblos Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Justice Services, the Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Police Department, and the New Mexico State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Kyle T. Nayback prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Genaro Ramos, 36, of Albuquerque, was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of a machinegun. Ramos pleaded guilty on March 30.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, in July 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information from a business owner who had been approached by Ramos about purchasing 200 Glock firearms that would be taken to Mexico. An ATF undercover agent then made contact with Ramos, who informed the agent that he was purchasing AK-type firearms and 9mm firearms.

In August 2021, the agent sent Ramos photos of two Glock firearms and two AK-type firearms, one of which was fully automatic. In his plea agreement, Ramos admitted that he intended to traffic the firearms to Mexico and knew that one of the firearms was a machinegun. They agreed on a price of $2,600 and arranged to meet. On Aug. 24, 2021, Ramos met with undercover agents. Ramos inspected the firearms, paid the agents $2,600, and took possession of the firearms, including the machinegun. ATF agents arrested Ramos after he had taken possession of the firearms.

Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On June 22, Assistant United States Attorney Kristopher N. Houghton was selected as a recipient of a 2021 Criminal Division Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service. Houghton was selected for this award to recognize his superior performance through exceptional leadership over the Department of Justice’s extraditions and operations program in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since February of 2020, Houghton has been on special detail as Deputy Judicial Attaché and now Judicial Attaché for the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Department of Justice.

In 2021, Houghton and Deputy Judicial Attaché Jamie Mickelson hired, trained and led a team of local staff in Bogotá, Colombia, and worked closely with the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs jointly completing 190 extraditions and submitting over 200 provisional arrest requests to the Government of Colombia. Houghton’s work resulted in the arrest and extradition of Dairo Úsuga David (alias “Otoniel”), whom Colombia’s President likened to Pablo Escobar, as well as the extradition of four individuals identified by the Attorney General as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, the development of countless narco-terrorism cases and bilateral public corruption cases, and the arrest for extradition of a group responsible for drugging, kidnapping and robbing U.S. special forces soldiers.  Additionally, Mr. Houghton served as principal counsel to the U.S. Ambassador on all bilateral law enforcement matters, including during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am proud of Mr. Houghton’s work towards maintaining the Department’s most effective bilateral criminal justice relationship in the Western Hemisphere,” said United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. “It is an honor to lead this talented team of attorneys, and Mr. Houghton’s exemplary service represents the standard of excellence our dedicated staff works every day to achieve. Mr. Houghton’s contributions have ensured that justice is never beyond our reach.”

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Wallace Reid Rice was sentenced on June 23 to three years and 10 months in prison. Rice, 29, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and a citizen of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2021, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on July 25, 2021, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Police responded to a report of domestic violence at Rice’s residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. An investigation revealed that Rice was in possession of a 9mm handgun and ammunition. At the time, Rice had been convicted in federal court of possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and had been convicted in tribal court of domestic violence. As a previously convicted felon and a person previously convicted of domestic violence, Rice cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

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

The Mescalero Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos prosecuted the case.

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I share the Attorney General’s sentiments set out in a press release issued today regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:

“The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the Court’s decision” which “deals a devastating blow to reproductive freedom in the United States,” with “immediate and irreversible impact on the lives of people . . . with the greatest burdens felt by people of color and those of limited financial means.”

The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act “prohibits anyone from obstructing access to reproductive health services through violence, threats of violence, or property damage.” The United States Attorney’s Office will “continue to protect healthcare providers and individuals seeking reproductive health services,” in the District of New Mexico, where those services remain legal.

“The ability to decide one’s own future is a fundamental American value, and few decisions are more significant and personal than the choice of whether and when to have children.

“Few rights are more central to individual freedom than the right to control one’s own body.

“The Justice Department will use every tool at our disposal to protect reproductive freedom. And we will not waver from this Department’s founding responsibility to protect the civil rights of all Americans.”

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Gilbert John, Jr., 33, of Brimhall, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and Kendra K. Panteah, 34, of Zuni, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, have been arraigned in federal court. John was arraigned on March 30, charged with second degree murder in Indian Country. Panteah was arraigned on July 23, charged with kidnapping in Indian Country resulting in death. Pending trial, John will remain in custody and Panteah was conditionally released to a halfway house. A trial date has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment and other court records, in July 2019, the victim, identified in court records as John Doe, traveled with Panteah and two other people to Witch Wells, Arizona, and back to New Mexico. At some point, passengers in the car allegedly beat John Doe and put him in the trunk of the car. The group then travelled to Pinehill and then Gallup, New Mexico, when Panteah allegedly called John because she didn’t know what to do.

Panteah allegedly travelled to Gilbert John’s apartment and told him what happened. The two then allegedly drove from Gallup into the Navajo Nation and drove around for a day with John Doe still in the trunk. Eventually, they stopped the car near Bass Lake where John Doe regained consciousness. John Doe was able to open the trunk and got out, and Gilbert John then allegedly stabbed John Doe with a machete and knife. Gilbert John and Panteah then allegedly put John Doe back in the trunk and sat on it to prevent John Doe from getting out until John Doe stopped moving.

John drove the car to a residence in Standing Rock, New Mexico. While allegedly attempting to remove the car’s tracker, John disabled the car and could not repair it. The car was left at the residence for about 10 days before John allegedly returned and towed the car down Pipeline Road where he drove it into a canyon. He then allegedly went to Gallup for gasoline, returned to the car, doused it, and set it alight.

The alleged offenses took place on the Navajo Nation and John Doe is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, John and Panteah face life in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on Christopher Kee, 28, of Shiprock, New Mexico. The jury convicted Kee of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm.

A grand jury indicted Kee on May 25, 2022. According to the indictment and other court records, during an argument on April 19, 2020, Kee threw the victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe 1, onto a bed and prevented her from getting up. Kee retrieved a pocketknife and stabbed Jane Doe 1 several times. Kee also punched and kicked Jane Doe 1. When he saw how badly Jane Doe 1 was bleeding from a stab wound to her abdomen, Kee poured sugar in her wound and applied pressure. When Jane Doe 1 cried out in pain, Kee slapped her. Later, Jane Doe 1 fled from the home and flagged down a motorist to take her to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.

The assault occurred on the Navajo Nation, and Jane Doe 1 is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Kee faces up to 10 years in prison. Kee will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Kyle Nayback are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Elliott Romancito was sentenced to two years in prison. Romancito, 28, of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, pleaded guilty on Nov. 3, 2021, to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, in the early morning hours of Oct. 1, 2018, Romancito and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, left a party together. Rather than driving Jane Doe home, Romancito drove her to another location on the Taos Pueblo and had sex with her. Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, was 15 years old at the time of the abuse.

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

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Elisa Dimas and David Cowen prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Wade Dixon, 33, of Crownpoint, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country. Dixon will remain in custody pending sentencing.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on July 10, 2021, Dixon engaged in a sexual act with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was 13 years old. The abuse occurred in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.

By the terms of the plea agreement, Wade faces 13 months in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.

The Navajo Nation Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the FBI. Special Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea N. Van Deventer is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that José Mendoza and Ryan Rodriguez were sentenced for their parts in a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.

A grand jury indicted the defendants on Feb. 25, 2020. According to their plea agreements and other court records, from June 22, 2018, through Feb. 25, 2020, José Mendoza, 34, of Medanales, New Mexico, and his wife, Natalie Mendoza, 37, conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Rodriguez, 29, of Chamita, New Mexico, would obtain cocaine from José Mendoza, convert it to cocaine base, then sell it to others in the Española Valley. From Oct. 7, 2019, to Jan. 8, 2020, Rodriguez sold and arranged to sell cocaine and cocaine base to an undercover agent.

 Natalie Mendoza kept records of drug sales and collected proceeds from drug transactions.  Natalie and José Mendoza deposited the proceeds from illegal drug transactions into checking, savings, and loan accounts at various financial institutions to conceal the source of the money. Deposits were often split to avoid amounts that would trigger reporting requirements. The couple also made large payments towards loans or mortgages, including loans for vehicles purchased under other names. José Mendoza admitted to using false income statements to qualify for loans.

José and Natalie Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. On June 7, José Mendoza was sentenced to 10 years and four months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Sentencing for Natalie Mendoza has been continued to a date to be determined.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, five counts of using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking offenses, one count of distributing cocaine base, four counts of distribution of 28 grams and more of cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 280 grams and more of cocaine base. Rodriguez was sentenced on June 10 to four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

In addition to their prison terms, the co-defendants in the case also forfeited numerous vehicles, multiple firearms and $24,893.69 in U.S. currency.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Albuquerque District Office investigated this case with assistance from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Region III Narcotics Task Force, which includes members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, New Mexico State Police, Santa Fe Police Department, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the Taos Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Nelson, Peter Eicker and Steve Kotz prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Tyrone Atcitty Nez was charged by criminal complaint with second degree murder in Indian Country. Nez, 33, of Sanostee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court today and will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for June 15.

According to the complaint, on June 8, Nez allegedly fatally assaulted a man, identified as John Doe, in the home where Nez resides near Sanostee on the Navajo Nation. Nez allegedly punched John Doe in the face, rendering John Doe unconscious. Nez then allegedly stomped the victim in the face several times.

Neighbors called 911. Emergency Medical Services were unable to revive John Doe, and Navajo Police arrested Nez.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Nez faces up to life in prison.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Esteban Renteria III was sentenced on May 31 to 10 years in prison. Renteria, 26, of Los Lunas, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on July 26, 2021, to possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams and more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Dec. 31, 2020, a New Mexico State Police Officer observed Renteria driving 102 miles per hour on Interstate 40 in Cibola County, New Mexico, and initiated a traffic stop. Upon learning that Renteria had two active arrest warrants, the officer arrested Renteria and performed an inventory of items in Renteria’s vehicle. During the inventory, the officer found a backpack containing $12,012 in cash and a loaded handgun. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators found 184 grams of fentanyl.

In his plea agreement, Renteria admitted that he intended to sell the fentanyl, that the cash was obtained by selling drugs, and that he possessed the firearm to protect his drug business.

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

Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police investigated this case with assistance from the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Pfizenmayer prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Eddie Gomez, 30, of Albuquerque, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for two counts of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country. Gomez pleaded guilty on Feb. 28, 2022.

According to the plea agreement, between May 28, 20212, and May 27, 2014, Gomez sexually abused Jane Doe 1 in her home on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Gomez also admitted to sexually abusing Jane Doe 2 on Nov. 25, 2016, in her parents’ home on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Both victims are enrolled members of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and were less than 16 years old at the time of the abuse.

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

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Jicarilla Apache Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on Sergio Ruiz, 57, of Columbus, New Mexico, on June 8. The jury convicted Ruiz on one count each of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and importation of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine into the United States. Ruiz will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

A federal grand jury indicted Ruiz on March 23. According to the indictment and other court records, on April 28, 2021, Ruiz attempted to cross into the United States at the Columbus Port of Entry, coming from Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico. Ruiz, a regular crosser at Columbus, was carrying a large amount of cinder blocks and two 55-gallon drums, and was directed to the secondary inspection area. A scan revealed an anomaly in the spare tire, prompting inspection by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine unit that resulted in a positive alert.

CBP officers removed and inspected the spare tire. Inside the tire, inspectors found five packages containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the five packages was 20.8 kilograms (45.76 pounds).

Ruiz faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and CBP investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Randy M. Castellano are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Daniel Capehart was sentenced on June 7 to seven years in prison. A federal jury convicted Capehart, 37, of Bloomfield, New Mexico, on July 22, 2021, of three counts of distribution of marijuana and methamphetamine, two of which occurred within 1,000 feet of a school or playground in San Juan County, New Mexico.

According to court records, on three occasions, Capehart, who at the time was a patrol officer with the New Mexico State Police, provided illegal drugs to people he had encountered during his duties as an officer. In all three instances, undercover officers were investigating Capehart’s conduct. On June 21, 2018, and again on June 23, 2018, Capehart delivered marijuana that he thought would be received by a 16-year-old girl he met during a traffic stop. On June 28, 2018, Capehart executed a plan to conduct a traffic stop, confiscate methamphetamine from the driver, and provide the methamphetamine to a woman he had met through is duties as a police officer. The driver, however, was an undercover officer. On June 29, 2018, Capehart drove to a local park and delivered more than five grams of methamphetamine. Capehart was arrested later that day.

Upon his release from prison, Capehart will be subject to eight years of supervised release.

The FBI, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Region II Narcotics Task Force investigated this case. The HIDTA Region II Narcotics Task Force is comprised of officers and investigators from the Farmington Police Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Bloomfield Police Department and Aztec Police Department, and is part of the HIDTA program created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.  HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Melisa Llosa, Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), announced today that Xavier Zamora pleaded guilty to second degree murder of an employee of the United States and using a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. Zamora, 20, of Albuquerque will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 22, 2019, Jose Hernandez, a United States Postal Carrier, was delivering mail to a community mailbox outside Zamora’s home on Terracotta Place Southwest in Albuquerque. Hernandez observed Zamora strike Zamora’s mother during an argument and attempted to intervene. Zamora became angry and retrieved a handgun from his house. Zamora went back outside, confronted Hernandez, and fatally shot Hernandez in the stomach. Zamora fled the scene and disposed of the weapon.

“José Hernandez died protecting a stranger from violence. His selfless courage in the course of his duties embodies the highest ideals of the Postal Service—to bind the nation together,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “We cannot replace the husband, the father, the friend who was taken in this act of violence, but today’s plea represents a significant step toward justice. The United States will continue to hold accountable those who plague our communities with senseless gun violence, and to protect the federal employees who serve our nation.”

“USPS Letter Carrier Jose Hernandez was a veteran who cared about the community he served, choosing to intervene when he believed his customer was in danger,” stated Inspector in Charge Melisa Llosa.  “Our thoughts remain with the Hernandez family, friends, and co-workers who continue to process this senseless crime.  Investigations of Zamora and others who commit heinous crimes against USPS employees will always be the highest priority of U.S. Postal Inspectors.  We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their support during this investigation.”

By the terms of the plea agreement, Zamora faces 22 years in prison.

USPIS investigated this case with assistance from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Niki Tapia-Brito and Eva M. Fontanez are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Tony Jake, Jr., was charged in a criminal complaint with abusive sexual contact with a minor. Jake, 74, of Ramah, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Ramah Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court on June 3 and will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for June 7.

According to the complaint, on May 28, Jake allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a seven-year-old victim during a service at the Yahweh Church in Ramah. The alleged offense took place on the Ramah Navajo Reservation, and the victim is an enrolled member of the Ramah Navajo Nation.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Jake faces up to life in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea N. Van Deventer is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Wade Platero was arraigned on an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse of a child in Indian Country. Platero, 26, of Red Valley, Arizona, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will be released to a halfway house once space is available and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

A federal grand jury indicted Platero on May 10. According to the indictment and other court records, on Dec. 28, 2021, Platero allegedly used force to engage in a sexual act with a child, identified as Jane Doe. The alleged assault occurred in Shiprock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Platero faces a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Leonard Lewis was arraigned on an indictment charging him with sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country. Lewis, 65, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending space at a halfway house, after which he will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

A federal grand jury indicted Lewis on May 25. According to the indictment, between March 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021, Lewis allegedly sexually abused a child, identified as Jane Doe. The alleged abuse occurred on the Navajo Nation in San Juan County, New Mexico.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Lewis faces up to 15 years in prison.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation and Navajo Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea N. Van Deventer is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Jose Angel Baeza was sentenced on June 2 to 15 years in prison. Baeza, 39, of Lovington, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on Sept. 17, 2021, to attempted murder of a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Oct. 1, 2020, officers from the Hobbs Police Department (HPD) responded to a report of a man going room to room at the Econolodge Hotel on Marland Street while brandishing a firearm. During the investigation, Baeza fired rounds in the direction of the officers, and the HPD Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) was activated.

Baeza then fired his weapon at the SWAT team, which included a federal task force officer. In his plea agreement, Baeza admitted that he was trying to kill the officers.

At the time of the incident, Baeza previously had been convicted of attempted armed robbery, robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As a convicted felon, Baeza cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hobbs Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Kevin El Cavazone has been charged by criminal complaint with kidnapping and assault of an intimate partner by strangling. Cavazone, 39, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, made an initial appearance in federal court on June 2 and will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for June 7.

According to the complaint, from May 5 to May 11, Cavazone allegedly confined his ex-girlfriend within his home on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. To keep her confined, Cavazone allegedly threatened the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and threatened to harm her family and others if she tried to leave. During this period of confinement, Cavazone allegedly assaulted the victim and strangled her until she could no longer breathe.

The victim was able to escape on May 11 and got a ride from a passing car to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Station a few miles away. She was taken to an emergency room for treatment for her injuries.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Cavazone faces up to 10 years in prison for assault of an intimate partner by strangling and up to life in prison for kidnapping.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Eliot Neal are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Dain Justin Adams was sentenced on June 1 to 110 years in prison. After a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted Adams, 41, of Roswell, New Mexico, on Jan. 28, 2020, of possession of child pornography, conspiracy to produce child pornography, receipt of child pornography and two counts of distribution of child pornography.

Adams was charged on Dec. 17, 2019, in a superseding indictment. According to the indictment and other court records, on June 27, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Adams’ residence in Roswell. Adams was not home, but investigators seized multiple electronic devices. Jade Tiffany Laurezo, 38, was present in the residence when the search warrant was executed. A review of their cell phones revealed conversations between Adams and Laurezo through the Viber app, which they also used to exchange child pornography. During those conversations, they discussed their sexual interest in children and Adams discussed his desire to sexually abuse children.

The jury found that Adams possessed and had access to images and videos of children engaged in sexual conduct, that he conspired with others to entice and coerce children to engage in sexual conduct to produce child pornography, that he knowingly received child pornography, and that he distributed child pornography to others.

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

Laurezo pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2019, to production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A sentencing hearing for Laurezo is scheduled for June 16. By the terms of the plea agreement, Laurezo faces 15 to 20 years in prison.

The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General and the Chavez County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Assistant United States Attorney Marisa A. Ong prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Raydell Billy, 31, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arraigned in federal court today on a two-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm. Billy will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

A grand jury indicted Raydell Billy and co-defendants Raynorma Billy and Alvin White on May 24. According to the indictment and other court records, on April 11, Raynorma allegedly drove Raydell and White to a residence at South Side Non-profit Housing in Shiprock with the intent to assault a victim, identified as John Doe. After they entered the residence, Raynorma allegedly prevented the other occupants of the residence from intervening while Raydell and White assaulted John Doe. The indictment alleges that White threatened John Doe with a machete and both Raydell and White allegedly beat John Doe with their fists.

The alleged assault occurred on the Navajo Nation.

White was arrested on April 24 and made an initial appearance in court on April 28. White appeared for a preliminary and detention hearing on May 2 and will remain in custody pending trial. White is scheduled for arraignment on May 31.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Raydell, Raynorma and White each face up to five years in prison for conspiracy and up to ten years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Pfizenmayer is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Richard Mascarenas, 36, of Taos, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Taos, made an initial appearance in federal court on May 25 facing charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and strangulation of an intimate partner. Mascarenas will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for May 27.

The alleged offenses occurred on the Taos Pueblo.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mascarenas faces up to 10 years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and strangulation of an intimate partner and up to life in prison for kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Perfinna King, 42, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on May 25 in federal court to assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country. King will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Nov. 2, 2020, King, swerved into the lane of another vehicle. The other driver pulled over, believing it was a relative playing a joke on him. Instead, it was King, who began cursing and threatening him. When the other driver took a photo of King’s license plate, King attempted to hit the driver with his vehicle. King then shot out the rear driver’s side window and the rear window with an air pistol.

The incident occurred in San Juan County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.

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

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Brandon Barber, 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court on May 25 facing two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Barber will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for May 27.

According to a criminal complaint, on the morning May 9, Barber arrived at the residence of a victim, identified in court records as John Doe, in Lower Fruitland, New Mexico. John Doe was in his vehicle cleaning glass from a passenger side window that Barber allegedly broke the previous day. Barber allegedly approached John Doe with a hatchet and a machete and attempted to attack John Doe through the broken window.

John Doe attempted to flee in his vehicle, but Barber reentered his vehicle and pursued John Doe. Barber allegedly rammed John Doe’s vehicle, causing the driver-side airbag to deploy into John Doe’s face. As John Doe attempted to leave the property he came to a locked gate, leading him to get out of his vehicle and flee on foot. John Doe tried to jump a barbed-wire fence, but his leg was caught, causing him to injure his ankle. John Doe had to hide in a nearby ditch until Barber left the property.

Later that afternoon, near Nenahnezad, New Mexico, Barber and an accomplice allegedly threw a rock through the windshield of a vehicle driven by a second victim, identified as Jane Doe. The glass from the windshield shattered in Jane Doe’s face. Barber allegedly began attacking the vehicle with the hatchet and machete as the accomplice tried to pull Jane Doe from the vehicle by her hair. Barber allegedly placed the sharp edge of the machete against the back of Jane Doe’s head as she was pulled from the vehicle. Barber allegedly attempted to strike Jane Doe with the hatchet, but Jane Doe was able to roll out of the way.

Barber and the accomplice entered the vehicle and drove a short distance away. Barber then steered the vehicle toward Jane Doe, who had to dive out of the path of the vehicle, which nearly struck her.

Both alleged offenses occurred on the Navajo Nation.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Barber faces up to 10 years in prison for each count.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark C. Pfizenmayer is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Matthew Lee Dale Taylor, 31, of Hobbs, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on May 25 in federal court to transportation of child pornography, possession of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children, and a registered sex offender committing a felony offense involving a minor. Taylor will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on July 14, 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Dropbox identifying videos depicting suspected child pornography. On that date, Taylor uploaded 51 videos containing child pornography to a Dropbox account he created using the email address demonicanon666@protonmail.com. In his plea, Taylor acknowledged that he knew the videos included children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

On March 7, 2017, Taylor was convicted in Lovington District Court of possession of a visual medium of sexual exploitation of children and was required to register as a sex offender.

By the terms of the plea agreement, Taylor faces 25 to 30 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the NCMEC and the Hobbs Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jermaine Ryan Alvarez, 38, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, was sentenced in federal court today to nine years in prison for one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Alvarez pleaded guilty on June 28, 2021.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Oct. 19, 2020, law enforcement began investigating Alvarez based on information that he was selling drugs out of a shed on a property where he was residing in Carlsbad. The following day, agents obtained and executed a court search warrant for the shed. During the search, agents found and seized 92.14 net grams of pure methamphetamine and 200.78 net grams of heroin. In his plea agreement, Alvarez admitted that the drugs were his and that he intended to distribute them.

 Upon his release from prison, Alvarez will be subject to four years of supervised release.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Las Cruces District Office and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Carlsbad Police Department and the Eddy County Sheriff Office. Assistant United States Attorney Renee Camacho is prosecuted the case.

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Photo credit: Adria Malcom U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez

ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez was sworn in today as the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. Chief United States District Court Judge William P. Johnson administered the oath of office during a private ceremony. A formal investiture will be planned for a later date.

United States Attorney Uballez was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on January 26, and confirmed by the United States Senate on May 17. Uballez is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district, and leads a team of over 180 federal prosecutors and staff across two offices.

“The people of New Mexico deserve dignity, safety, and the evenhanded application of swift and certain justice,” said Uballez. “Attorney General Garland has made violent crime reduction a central priority in the Department’s mission. We will confront this challenge together, using all tools and every resource in pursuit of community safety. I am grateful to President Biden for the opportunity to lead this dynamic and talented team of public servants, and to Senators Heinrich and Luján for their recommendation and endorsement. And I am humbled by your trust.”

Prior to his confirmation as United States Attorney, Uballez was as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of New Mexico where he led organized crime investigations and prosecuted child sexual abuse, human trafficking, transnational and organized crime, and violent crime. Uballez also served as the District’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator, International Coordinator, and Internship Coordinator. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Uballez served as an Assistant District Attorney in the First and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Offices of New Mexico where he prosecuted crimes against children, community and drug crimes, domestic violence and driving while intoxicated offenses.

Uballez received his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 2011 and his B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Pomona College in 2008.

As he took on his new responsibilities today, Uballez thanked former United States Attorney Fred Federici for his decades of service to New Mexico and the United States Attorney’s Office, including commending him for his exceptional leadership over the past seventeen months and during a global pandemic.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Rodgerick Tsosie, of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court today facing a charge of second-degree murder in Indian Country. Tsosie will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for May 25.

According to a criminal complaint, on May 16, Tsosie was called to intervene in a dispute involving his brother at their mother’s home in Torreon, New Mexico. However, the brother, his girlfriend and three children left the home before Tsosie arrived.

Tsosie allegedly encountered the vehicle in which his brother was traveling eastbound on New Mexico State Road 197 near the Torreon Store in Cuba, New Mexico. Tsosie drove alongside it, travelling east in the westbound lane. Tsosie allegedly fired two shots into the vehicle, one of which struck a 14-year-old victim in the head.

The victim was transported by ambulance and then by a medivac helicopter to St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the victim was pronounced dead.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Tsosie faces up to life in prison.

The FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crime Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Marc Candelaria, 34, of Wantagh, New York, appeared in federal court on May 19 for an arraignment and detention hearing where he was charged with bank robbery. Candelaria will remain detained until space is available at La Pasada Halfway House, where he will be on conditions of release pending trial.

A federal grand jury indicted Candelaria on May 10. According to the indictment, on Oct. 30, 2021, Candelaria allegedly robbed the Bank of America on Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe. If convicted, Candelaria faces up to 20 years in prison.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Fe Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado is prosecuting the case.

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