District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Matthew Ramone, 32, of the Thoreau, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on June 14 in federal court to three years and 10 months in prison for assaulting two victims resulting in serious bodily injury. Ramone pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020.

            According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Oct. 16, 2019, Ramone struck John Doe in the head with a three-foot metal bar, causing him to fall to the ground. Ramone continued hitting the victim as he lay on the ground. Ramone’s attack caused serious injuries to John Doe, including a depressed skull fracture, bleeding in the brain, multiple rib fractures and a broken scapula.

            As Ramone continued to beat John Doe, a second victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, attempted to protect John Doe by laying atop him. Ramone continued swinging the metal bar, hitting Jane Doe, causing her serious injuries including a left elbow fracture and cutting her scalp. Both victims were taken to Gallup Indian Medical Center for treatment, and John Doe’s injuries were so severe he was flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital for emergency care.

            The assaults occurred outside John Doe’s residence on the Navajo Nation in McKinley County, New Mexico. 

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

            The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Office of the FBI and the Crownpoint Office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – Israfil Madriaga, 23, of Albuquerque, was sentenced on June 16 in federal court to 15 years and nine months in prison for attempted interference with commerce by robbery and violence, using, carrying and discharging a firearm in furtherance during and in relation to a crime of violence and possessing a firearm in furtherance of such crime.

          Madriaga pleaded guilty to these offenses on June 12, 2019. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, on or about Oct. 6, 2017, Madriaga entered a Chervon gas station in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, armed with the intent of robbing it. Madriaga pointed his firearm at an employee and demanded money from the cash register. In fear for his life, the victim lunged at Madriaga in an attempt to take away the firearm, and Madriaga shot the victim. Madriaga then pointed his weapon at the victim and ordered him to open the cash register. The victim, who lay seriously injured and bleeding on the floor, was unable to open the register. After failing to open the cash register himself, Madriaga fled the gas station. The victim required immediate surgery and was hospitalized for 21 days due to the gunshot injury inflicted by Madriaga.

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

          The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department and Rio Rancho Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eva M. Fontanez and Niki Tapia-Brito prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Douglas Smith, 71, of Española, New Mexico, was convicted today by a federal jury of involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country. A sentencing date has not been set.

            According to a criminal complaint and other court records, in the early morning hours of May 5, 2018, Smith shot a woman he believed was trying to break into his mother’s camper trailer. Smith walked outside his residence to investigate a motion sensor alarm, armed with a .22 caliber handgun. When he saw someone at the door of the camper trailer, he fired multiple rounds, one of which struck the victim in the upper left temple, killing her. No weapons or burglary tools were located near the victim.

            The incident occurred on the Santa Clara Pueblo and the victim was an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo. Smith is non-Indian. Smith faces up to eight years in prison.

            The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Española Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Novaline Wilson and Kyle Nayback are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – John Seibel, 25, Robert Pettit, 51, and Barbara Dockery, 64, all of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court today for their parts in a drug trafficking organization run by Seibel (the Seibel DTO). Detention hearings for each defendant are scheduled for June 21.

            On June 9, a federal grand jury indicted Seibel and Pettit on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, two counts of distribution of 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and four counts of distribution of 40 grams and more of fentanyl.

            Dockery is charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

            The defendants were arrested on June 15 in a joint law enforcement operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). A DEA Task Force executed warrants at five locations in Albuquerque, including the residences of Seibel, Pettit, and Dockery. In Dockery’s residence, law enforcement located approximately 3,838.3 gross grams of fentanyl and 924.2 gross grams of methamphetamine allegedly belonging to the Seibel DTO.

            The indictment alleges that from March 26 to June 9, Seibel, Pettit and others conspired to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to court records, Seibel, assisted by his co-conspirators included Pettit and Dockery, allegedly sold “blues,” which are counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as fentanyl pills manufactured in Albuquerque using a pill press machine.

             “For some time we’ve known the damage methamphetamine trafficking has caused to our communities, and we are now seeing the devastation caused by counterfeit fentanyl pills, which sadly includes overdose deaths,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Fred J. Federici. “Prosecution of those who manufacture and distribute these illicit and dangerous narcotics is and must remain a top priority for the District of New Mexico.”

              “The drug trafficking organizations that produce and distribute these potentially-lethal counterfeit pills containing fentanyl care only about one thing: maximizing profits,” said Kyle W. Williamson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “DEA will continue to disrupt and dismantle these DTOs to break the wave of fentanyl flooding and endangering our communities.”

            Indictments and complaints are only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Seibel, Pettit and Dockery face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

           Among the agencies that participated in the investigation were the DEA Albuquerque District Office, DEA El Paso Division, DEA El Paso Division SRT, DEA Las Cruces District Office, DEA St. Louis Division, DEA South Central Laboratory, DEA Aviation, FBI Albuquerque Field Office, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Pueblo of Laguna Police Department, Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Department, Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, Rio Rancho Police Department, Torrance County Sheriff’s Office, Belen Police Department and Albuquerque Fire & Rescue.

            The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting this case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jose Alfredo Morales, 30, of La Union, New Mexico, was charged today in federal court with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Morales will remain in custody pending trial.

            According to a criminal complaint, on May 15 officers from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported assault involving strangulation at a residence in La Union. The officers obtained a warrant to search the residence in which they allegedly found multiple rounds of ammunition.

           On May 19, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives obtained a federal search warrant for the home, of which Morales is the sole resident, and allegedly located multiple rounds of ammunition.

            Morales has prior felony convictions, including for shooting at or from a motor vehicle, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery upon a peace officer. As a convicted felon, Morales cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

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

            The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jose Torrez, 48, of Albuquerque, was sentenced on June 10 in federal court to 17 consecutive years in prison on two separate cases. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to a combined term of five years of supervised release.

           In one case, Torrez pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2020, to conspiracy to kidnap. According to the defendants’ plea agreements, Torrez, Chase Smothermon, 32, and Mariah Ferry, 22, along with other co-conspirators took part in a scheme to retaliate against two victims who they believed stole marijuana and money from Smothermon’s home where he resided with Ferry.  On Aug. 5, Smothermon called Torrez and told him his someone had stolen marijuana and money from his home. Torrez told Smothermon he believed the victims, J.S. and M.T., were responsible for taking the drugs and money. On Aug. 8, 2017, Torrez alerted Smothermon that J.S. was present at Torrez’s home. Smothermon went to Torrez’s home to retaliate against J.S. and try to get his drugs and money back. Ferry drove Smothermon to Torrez’s home where Smothermon and co-conspirators brutally beat J.S. with a baseball bat and the butt of a gun.

            Smothermon and co-conspirators then put J.S. in the trunk of Ferry’s car and bound J.S.’s hands, ankles, and mouth with tape.  Ferry drove Smothermon and J.S. to another co-conspirator’s home where J.S. died shortly thereafter. Ferry and Smothermon then mutilated J.S.’s body in a shed.  Later the same day, Smothermon contacted M.T. under a ruse that Smothermon wanted to buy marijuana from M.T.  When M.T. arrived at Smothermon’s home, Smothermon, Ferry and others bound, gagged and assaulted M.T. for hours. After several hours, two other co-conspirators escorted a bound and badly beaten M.T. out of Smothermon’s home and drove him to another location where M.T. was held overnight before M.T. was released.  On Aug. 9, 2017, Ferry drove Smothermon and another co-conspirator to a rural area in New Mexico where they buried J.S.’s body in a shallow grave.

            Ferry pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2020, to kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap, resulting in the death of J.S. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison on June 26, 2020.

            Smothermon pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2020, to kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap, resulting in the death of J.S. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Aug. 28, 2020.

            For this case, Torrez was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The DEA and FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The Narcotics section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

            In the other case, Torrez pleaded guilty on July 19, 2019, to conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of solen mail. According to the plea agreement, Torrez participated in a scheme with his wife and co-defendant, Christina Torrez, 46, to steal mail containing credit cards, debit cards, checks and personal information that could be used to commit more theft. Torrez and his wife accessed bank accounts using stolen identities and withdrew money from the accounts.  They used stolen credit and debit cards to buy merchandise from various stores totaling more than $10,000. They also cashed checks from multiple banks and credit unions using false identification. During the scheme, Torrez and his wife obtained United States Postal Service uniforms, badges and keys to assist them in stealing mail.

           Christina Torrez pleaded guilty to conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of stolen mail on July 19, 2019. On Jan. 30, 2020, she was sentenced to three years and three months in prison.

           For this case, Torrez was sentenced to three years in prison to run consecutively with the 14-year sentence for the kidnapping case for a total of 17 years. The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department, the Sandia Tribal Police and the Laguna Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ronnie Tiznado, 47, of Dulce, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, was sentenced on June 14 in federal court to two years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Tiznado pleaded guilty on Feb. 27, 2020.

         According to his plea agreement, Tiznado assaulted the victim on June 2, 2019, in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Tiznado admitted to throwing the victim to the ground and hitting her with his fists.  The victim suffered serious bodily injuries as a result of the assault.

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

         The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Frederick T. Mendenhall is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Erich Deolax Riker, 44, of Portales, New Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court to seven years and three months in prison for failing to update his sex offender registration.

            On Sept. 22, 2020, Riker pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with this offense. According to the indictment and other court records, Riker, under the name of Jamie Lee Wood, was previously convicted of three separate criminal sexual offenses in Minnesota.

            While living in Portales, New Mexico, Riker was arrested by the New Mexico State Police on Nov. 13, 2019, in the course of an unrelated criminal investigation. Riker had failed to register as a sex offender in Roosevelt County, New Mexico between Oct. 10, 2019, and Nov. 13, 2019. He also had previously failed to register as a sex offender in Oregon and Minnesota.

            Upon his release from prison, Riker will be subject to five years of supervised release and a lifetime of sex offender registration pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act upon his release.

            The Roswell office of the United States Marshal Service investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police. The Criminal Division of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Shakeam Kinney, 32, of Albuquerque, was sentenced in federal court on June 10 to 22 years and five months in prison for interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence, possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime and being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. Kinney pleaded guilty on Feb. 7, 2020.

             According to the plea agreement and other court records, on March 19, 2018, Kinney and his accomplice, Lalonzo Simmons, 46, entered an Albuquerque business through the back of the store armed with firearms when they encountered two employees. Kinney demanded the phone of one of the employees, and when the employee initially did not give Kinney the phone Kinney discharged his weapon. Shortly after, Kinney and Simmons fled the store after taking the money from the register. 

             On Apr. 3, 2018, Kinney and Simmons robbed an Albuquerque marijuana dispensary at gunpoint and fled the store with stolen money and large amounts of marijuana. On May 1, 2018, Kinney and Simmons, robbed another Albuquerque dispensary at gunpoint. Kinney entered the business and discharged his weapon into the ceiling, demanding money and merchandise and threating an employee. Kinney and Simmons fled the store with stolen money and marijuana. Soon after, Kinney was arrested by law enforcement at his apartment.

             On Dec. 26, 2019, Simmons pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence, possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Simmons is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, which has not been scheduled yet.

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

             The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Trembley prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – James Darius Caje, 27, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, pleaded guilty on June 10 in federal court to sexual abuse of a minor. Caje will remain in custody pending sentencing.

            According to the plea agreement and other court records, on the night of Feb. 24 or early morning Feb. 25, 2020, Caje allegedly entered the bedroom of the victim, who was 14-years old, and sexually assaulted her. The following day, the victim reported the assault to a school counsellor, who then reported it to law enforcement. The assault occurred on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

            By the terms of the plea agreement, Caje faces 10 years in prison.

            The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mundo Barela, 19, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was sentenced in federal court on June 8 to nine years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

           Barela pleaded guilty on Jan. 6. According to his plea agreement, on or about July 20, 2020, Barela unlawfully killed John Doe in the heat of passion during a sudden altercation in Otero County, New Mexico. Barela stabbed the victim in the throat, chest and stomach during the incident causing fatal injuries to John Doe. The incident took place on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

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

            The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – David “Flaco” Chavez, 43, and Ednamay De La Rosa, 38, both of Albuquerque, have been charged with being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. At a hearing on June 7, Chavez was ordered detained pending trial. De La Rosa made an initial appearance in court on June 10 and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for June 14.

            According to a criminal complaint, on June 2 agents with the FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crime Gang Task Force (VCGTF), detectives with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Albuquerque Police Department executed federal search warrants on Chavez’s and De La Rosa’s residences. Ammunition allegedly was located by agents during the search of Chavez’s residence. Among the items allegedly located by agents during the search of De La Rosa’s residence were four firearms and various types of ammunition as well as a suppressor and a 50-round drum magazine.

           At the time of the alleged offenses, Chavez was serving a term of supervised release for a 2014 conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm during, in relation to and in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. De La Rosa also has a prior felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin. As previously convicted felons, Chavez and De La Rosa cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

            A complaint is only an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chavez and De La Rosa face up to 10 years in prison.

            The Albuquerque VCGTF investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Lyle Ryan Begaye, 44, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation of Fort Defiance, Arizona, was sentenced on June 2 in federal court to three years and 10 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Begaye pleaded guilty on Nov. 2, 2020.

              In his plea agreement, Begaye admitted to assaulting the victim on June 1, 2020, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Begaye became jealous and struck the victim with his fist approximately 30 times on multiple parts of her body. Begaye struck the victim once for each letter in the first and last name of three men he believed she was being unfaithful with. Begaye then physically prevented the victim from leaving the residence.  The victim was allowed to seek medical treatment only after assuring Begaye that she would not contact law enforcement. Begaye’s assault caused serious injuries, including fractures to the victim’s spine, broken ribs, extreme pain and hemorrhaging.

               Emphasizing Begaye’s prior criminal history as “a serial terrorizer of women,” the court ordered Begaye to serve 200 hours of community service, which the court desired to be applied to battered women’s shelters. Upon his release from prison, Begaye will be subject to three years of supervised release.

               The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Lester Padilla, 48, was sentenced in federal court on June 8 to 12 years and 7 months in prison for robbing three Wells Fargo Bank locations in Española and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Padilla pleaded to an indictment on Sept. 24, 2020.

        According to an indictment and other court records, on Sept. 9, 2019, Padilla entered a Wells Fargo Bank in Española and handed a teller a demand note that read, “Give me your loose cash or I’ll shoot you.” The teller handed money from the cash drawers and Padilla left the bank. Padilla walked to a nearby convenience store and solicited a ride.

        On September 24, 2019, Padilla entered a Wells Fargo Bank in Santa Fe and handed a demand note to a teller. The teller gave Padilla money and Padilla fled the bank. On Sept. 26, 2019, the FBI received a tip that Padilla had entered a pizza restaurant in Santa Fe and paper and requested a pen to write a note. Padilla then left the restaurant and walked to a third Wells Fargo Bank, where he once again handed a teller a demand note stating, “Give me the money or I will shoot you.”

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

         The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Española Police Department and the Santa Fe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva Fontanez prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Orlando “Orly” Roybal, 39, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court on June 7 with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Roybal will remain in custody pending trial.

            According to a criminal complaint, on June 2 agents with the FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crime Gang Task Force (VCGTF) and the New Mexico State Police executed a search warrant on an apartment allegedly used by Roybal. At the time, Roybal was serving a term of supervised release for a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and had registered a different address with his probation officer.

            Among the items allegedly located by agents during the search were 2.9 pounds of methamphetamine, 41 fentanyl tablets, a dozen firearms, several ammunition magazines and more than a thousand rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Roybal cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Roybal faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

            The Albuquerque VCGTF investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander M. Uballez is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Matthew “Stacks” Woods, 32, of Indiana, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 8 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by means of force, threats, fraud and coercion and aiding and abetting. Woods will remain in custody pending sentencing.

          Woods and his co-conspirators, Cornelius “Chip” Galloway, and Marcus “Taylor Made” Taylor, were charged in a superseding indictment on Dec. 3, 2019, with seven counts of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking. The charges included two counts of sex trafficking of minors.

          In his plea agreement, Woods admitted to his part in the conspiracy to recruit, maintain, advertise, and transport victims for the purpose of prostitution. The victims were expected to work when they were told, with no say over their hours, fees or the locations in which they were to perform sex acts. The victims were not allowed to keep any of the money paid for their services.

          According to the plea, Galloway was the leader of the organization, Taylor transported the victims, and Woods physically punished victims for non-compliance.

          Woods faces 15 to 18 years in prison, up to lifetime supervised release, and will be required to register as a sex offender. His sentencing date has not been set.

          Galloway pleaded guilty on March 17, 2020, and was sentenced on Aug. 4, 2020, to 17 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Taylor pleaded guilty on May 21, 2020 and was sentenced on May 21, 2021 to eight years in prison followed by 10 years supervised release. Both are required to register as sex offenders.

          The Homeland Security Investigations and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack E. Burkhead and Letitia C. Simms are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mathias Neal, 21, from Sheep Springs, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 3 to an information charging him with second degree murder in Indian Country.

         According to his plea agreement, on or about July 12, 2015, Neal and an accomplice got into a physical altercation with John Doe while at a chapter house, a local governance building, in San Juan County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. During the altercation, Neal punched and kicked the victim while he was on the ground and hit him with brass knuckles and rocks to his head and throat, causing fatal injuries. Neal admitted being aware that John Doe tried to run away and not fight back. As a result of the beating, John Doe died at the scene and was dragged to a windmill area by Neal and his accomplice.

         Neal is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, which has not been scheduled yet. He faces life in prison.

         The case was investigated by the Farmington Office of the FBI and the Navajo Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Asiel Christian Norton, 43, of Venice, California, made an initial appearance in federal court on June 8 for a charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants. Norton will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for June 10.

            According to a criminal complaint, on June 4 Norton was a passenger on a Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Nashville. After takeoff, Norton allegedly rushed to the front of the aircraft and began pounding on the door to the flight deck. When a flight attendant attempted to intervene, Norton allegedly pushed the attendant. Other passengers then assisted the attendant in subduing Norton. The situation caused the flight to be redirected into Albuquerque, where Norton was arrested.

            It is a violation of federal law on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States to interfere with a flight attendant in the performance of their duties or to lessen their ability to perform those duties by assault or intimidation. If convicted, Norton faces up to 20 years in prison. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            “We take all threats to the safety of air travelers very seriously, and we will vigorously enforce the laws intended to protect air travelers and others placed in danger by breaches in flight security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Fred J. Federici. “I am also grateful for the actions of those involved in this incident who helped ensure a safe outcome for the travelers on the airplane.”

            “The FBI has no tolerance for individuals who interfere with flight operations and endanger the safety of passengers and airline personnel,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. “I am pleased many people aboard the flight felt the same way, judging by the courageous attendants and passengers who sprang into action to restrain this person. As more Americans return to the skies, the FBI reminds travelers that misbehavior on board aircraft will not be tolerated and, if warranted, will be thoroughly investigated and referred for prosecution.”

            The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and Stephen White are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Troy Douglas Blaylock, Sr., 58, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, pleaded guilty on June 1 in federal court to knowingly engaging in sexual contact with a minor under 12 years old in Indian Country. Blaylock will remain in custody pending sentencing.

           In the plea agreement, Blaylock admitted to engaging in sex with a nine-year old victim at his residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation on or about August 20, 2020. The victim is also an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

           By the terms of the agreement, Blaylock faces 22 years in federal prison.

           The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Dustin Segovia are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alton James Johnson, 43, of Yuba City, California, was sentenced on May 26 in federal court to six months in prison for assaulting two flight attendants while he was a passenger. Johnson pleaded guilty on Jan. 12.

            According to the plea agreement, on Dec. 23, 2019, during a flight from San Diego, CA, to Albuquerque, Johnson repeatedly touched a female flight attendant up and down the backs of her legs. After she told him to stop, Johnson then grabbed the flight attendant by the buttocks. When a second flight attendant stepped in and asked Johnson not to touch any flight attendants, Johnson forcefully grabbed the second flight attendant by the arm. Johnson admitting to being under the influence of alcohol but conceded that he was in control of his actions when he committed the assaults.

            The FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alliah Jawaun Soseeah, 23, of Zuni, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, was sentenced on May 26 in federal court to nine years in prison for two counts of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a minor in Indian Country.

            Soseeah pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2020.  In his plea agreement, Soseeah admitted that between Nov. 25 and Nov 29, 2017, at his home on the Zuni Pueblo, he used a thumbtack to cut and puncture the back of the 23-month old victim. Soseeah also admitted that on Nov. 30, 2017, he assaulted the child again by hitting and dropping the victim, causing a serious head injury.

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

          The Gallup Resident Office of the FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa Dimas prosecuted the case.

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ALBQUERQUE, N.M. – Amado Martin Vargas Hernandez, 57, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court on May 24 for a single misdemeanor count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

          In the plea agreement, Vargas Hernandez admitted that on Nov. 14, 2019, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, he unlawfully possessed bird parts, including feathers of sharp-shinned hawks, American kestrels, greater roadrunners, red-tailed hawks, northern flickers, white-winged doves, crested caracaras, Cooper’s hawks, bald eagles, golden eagles, and barred owls. Federal law prohibits the possession, use, and sale of the feathers or other parts of protected birds, as well as the unauthorized killing of these birds, to help ensure that their populations remain healthy and sustainable.

          Vargas Hernandez was sentenced to one year of probation. As part of his sentence, Vargas Hernandez agrees to pay a fine of $250 to the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund Account. Additionally, Vargas Hernandez forfeits any interest in the feathers, parts, and products of the protected birds seized during the course of the investigation of this case.

          The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) investigated this case. FWS is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges as well as thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts.

          Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Paul James Jaramillo, III, 31, of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, was arraigned in federal court on May 24 on an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Jaramillo will remain in custody pending trial.

            According to the indictment filed on May 12, 2021, Jaramillo allegedly committed this offense in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, on March 11 by being in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.

            An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Jaramillo faces up to 20 years in prison on each count if convicted as charged in the indictment.

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

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ricardo Arce, Vicki Sowell and Jonathan Gonzalez have been charged in federal court with hostage taking.

           Arce, 40, of Chaparral, New Mexico, and Sowell, 35, of El Paso, Texas, were arrested on April 28. Sowell was charged in court and ordered detained on May 5. Arce was charged in court and ordered detained on May 7. Both will remain detained pending trial. Gonzales, 34, of Chaparral, was arrested on May 12 and made a first appearance in court on May 21. A detention hearing for Gonzalez is scheduled for May 26.

          The defendants allegedly participated in an alien smuggling organization that held victims hostage for money and assaulted the victims.

            According to a criminal complaint, on April 4 a citizen of the country of Georgia entered the United States from Juarez, Mexico, into El Paso. The victim later met people who allegedly were a part of an alien smuggling organization and paid them to transport him to New York where his family lives. They allegedly transported the victim to an unknown location and would not allow him to leave. They allegedly assaulted the victim by punching, kicking and hitting him and threatened that unless they received more money they would kill him. After the victim provided contact information for his family in Georgia, the defendants allegedly sent videos of the victim being assaulted and told the family that they would continue to harm or kill the victim if they did not pay.

            On approximately April 25, the family contacted law enforcement in Georgia, who then contacted the FBI. On April 27, law enforcement recovered the victim at a barbershop in the El Paso area.

            On approximately April 13, a citizen of Honduras entered the United States from Juarez. On approximately April 14, this second victim was taken to a trailer where approximately 14 other individuals allegedly were held. The victim was then taken to another trailer and later to a house where he encountered the victim from Georgia. The defendants allegedly assaulted the second victim multiple times on video and threatened his life if he did not pay them. On approximately April 17, the defendants allegedly contacted the victim’s family in Dallas, Texas, and demanded money for the victim’s release. On April 27, law enforcement recovered the victim at a pizza restaurant in the El Paso area.

            “Anyone targeting and seeking to extort money from individuals who illegally cross the United States’ border should take heed that our office will vigorously prosecute all manner of violence and threats of violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Fred J. Federici.

          “Those who seek to exploit and prey upon the vulnerable will be held accountable for these heinous crimes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge for FBI El Paso Jeffrey L. Coburn. “I want to thank our FBI El Paso Violent Crime squad, FBI SWAT, our local law enforcement partners, and victim services for their help and support. It takes incredibly special people willing to put his or her life on the line to hold these violent criminals accountable for the emotional and physical harm they caused the victims and their families. And to do this day after day is the true definition of being a public servant.”

            A complaint is only an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison.

            The FBI El Paso Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the FBI Las Cruces Resident Agency, El Paso Police Department, Las Cruces Police Department, Otero County Sheriff's Office, Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector and Border Patrol El Paso Sector Special Operations Detachment BORTAC. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Ramirez, Luis Martinez and Rachel Feuerhammer are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mariah Jones, 30, of Farmington, New Mexico, was arraigned on May 20 in federal court on a three-count indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal grand jury indicted Jones on April 23. Jones will remain in custody pending trial.

            According to the indictment, on Feb. 24, 2020, in San Juan County, New Mexico, Jones allegedly was in possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine as well as a rifle. As a previously convicted felon, Jones cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition, and it is a crime to possess a firearm in relation to or in the furtherance of drug trafficking.

            An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Jones faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.

            The FBI and the Region II Narcotics Task Force in Farmington investigated this case with assistance from the Probation and Parole Office of the New Mexico Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Richard Kuykendall, 41, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court on May 20 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Kuykendall will remain detained pending trial.

            As alleged in a criminal complaint and other court records, on May 12 in an alley in northeast Albuquerque, Kuykendall was attempting to enter the back seat of a car through the rear passenger-side door when someone inside the vehicle shot at him. Kuykendall allegedly maneuvered around the car and entered the vehicle through the rear driver-side door, then got back out of the vehicle with an object in his hand and walked to a nearby dumpster where he lingered a few moments.

            Kuykendall allegedly returned to the vehicle and entered into the driver’s seat. He then allegedly drove the car to a hospital a few miles away. Kuykendall allegedly fled the scene, leaving three dead individuals inside the vehicle.

            Albuquerque police searched the dumpster to which Kuykendall allegedly had walked with an object in hand. Police located a handgun inside the dumpster, as well as two more firearms inside the vehicle Kuykendall allegedly drove to the hospital. As a previously convicted felon, Kuykendall cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

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

            The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Armando Segovia, 31, of Gallup, New Mexico, was arraigned today in federal court on an indictment charging him with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child who had not attained the age of 12. A federal grand jury indicted Segovia on April 14. Segovia will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 24.

            According to the indictment, on or about July 1, 2016, and Nov. 1, 2016, Segovia, who is non-Indian, allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, in Indian Country in McKinley County, New Mexico. The victim is an Indian by law.

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

           The FBI investigated this case jointly with the Gallup Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Van Deventer is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Everett Paquin, 58, of Bosque Farms, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, was arraigned today in federal court on a three-count indictment of assault with a deadly weapon, witness tampering and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. A federal grand jury indicted Paquin on April 22. Paquin will remain detained pending trial.

            According to the indictment, on or about Dec. 31, 2020, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, on the Pueblo of Isleta, Paquin allegedly assaulted the victim, known in court records as Jane Doe, with a knife. Jane Doe is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta. Paquin also allegedly prevented Jane Doe from contacting the police.

When police made contact with Paquin after the assault, he was allegedly in possession of a loaded firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Paquin cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

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

            The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Joshua Rico, 25, of Pecos, New Mexico, was arraigned today in federal court on a five-count indictment charging him with coercion and enticement of minors. A federal grand jury indicted Rico on May 12. Rico will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 21.

            According to the indictment and other court records, beginning as early as January 2018, Rico allegedly used multiple profiles on the social media platform Snapchat to coerce minor girls into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos and engage in sexual acts. Using his position as a high school basketball coach to target girls he knew, Rico allegedly used fictitious profiles under the names “Chris Lujan” and “Erik Romero” as well as a profile in his own name to threaten, coerce and manipulate at least four minor victims. Rico allegedly sent photos of his own genitalia, requested explicit photos and videos from the victims, and threatened to expose compromising photos and videos to extort sexual acts for his own gratification.

            The New Mexico State Police, the FBI, and the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory investigated this case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. PSC is an initiative designed to help law enforcement and community leaders develop a coordinated strategy to prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual predators, abusers, and pornographers who target children through the internet. The ICAC program is a nation-wide network of task forces consisting of federal, state and local law enforcement dedicated to this issue and are key partners in Project Safe Childhood. 

            “Cases like this remind of us the importance of vigilance,” said Fred J. Federici, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. “We must stress, especially to minors, the risks of electronically sharing material of a sensitive or compromising nature. But law enforcement must also be vigilant in our duty to investigate and prosecute those who exploit new and emerging technologies to target unsuspecting victims. It is the perpetrators, not the victims, who are responsible for their crimes and manipulation.”

             “Protecting our children, and ensuring they are safe is one of the most important things we do in law enforcement” said Robert Thornton, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “As access to technology increases, so does the means for those who would do harm to our kids. The New Mexico State Police is proud of our working relationship with the FBI and Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory that allows us to investigate these offenses.”

             “Online predators seeking to exploit children unfortunately are becoming more common,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The FBI hopes these charges send a warning to perpetrators there is nowhere in cyberspace they can escape justice. We also want to urge young people to be careful with their online communications and to be thoughtful about the content they share.”

            An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rico faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

            Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Mease and Jaymie L. Roybal are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Felix Curtis, 26, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on May 14 in federal court to involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

            A grand jury indicted Curtis on Aug. 11, 2020.  According to the indictment and other court documents, Curtis committed this offense on Sept. 14, 2019 in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation.  Curtis was driving while intoxicated when he caused an accident that killed a man, identified in court records as John Doe. Curtis admitted to operating the vehicle without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life when he knew and should have known that his conduct imperiled the lives of others.

            Curtis remains out of custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled at this time. He faces up to eight years in prison.

            The Farmington Resident Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Shiprock Office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Police Department, the New Mexico State Police, and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cowen is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ivan Allen, 40, of Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced on May 17 in federal court to 21 months in prison for assaulting federal officers. Allen was indicted on April 24, 2019, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2019.

            Allen, who is non-Indian, assaulted two officers of the Pueblo of Laguna Tribal Police Department, who are commissioned as Special Law Enforcement Officers by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Justice Services. Allen committed the offense on March 26, 2019, on the Pueblo of Laguna in Cibola County, New Mexico.

            In his plea agreement, Allen admitted that on March 26, 2019, he was driving eastbound on Interstate 40 at a high rate of speed with the headlights of his vehicle off.  An officer with the Pueblo of Acoma Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Allen increased his speed and fled.  Allen hit a concrete barrier and two officers with the Pueblo of Laguna Police Department responded to the scene.  The officers used their public address system to command Allen to step out of his vehicle, which he initially ignored.  Eventually, Allen complied with the officers’ commands.  Upon reaching one of the police vehicles, Allen stiffened and fell backward onto the vehicle.  When the officers approached Allen to render assistance, Allen began to fight the officers. After almost ten minutes of resistance, Allen was subdued and arrested.

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

            The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Pueblo of Laguna Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raquel Ruiz-Velez and Kyle T. Nayback prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Patrick Yellowhair, 39, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on May 12 in federal court to seven and a half years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

            Yellowhair pleaded guilty to the offense on Feb. 15, 2019.  According to the plea agreement, Yellowhair and the victim were drinking on the afternoon of Oct. 2, 2018, when they began fighting. The victim briefly left the home before returning later in the evening and the two resumed their quarreling. In the plea agreement, Yellowhair admitted to stabbing the victim in the neck and shoulder around midnight or in the early morning of Oct. 3. The killing occurred in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation. 

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

            The Farmington Resident Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Police and the Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.

          ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –Fred J. Federici, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Phillip Land, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, announced the indictment of George Tom Skeet, 35, of Window Rock, Arizona, for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

          Skeet made an initial appearance in federal court on May 10. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 23.

          The two-count indictment alleges that on Jan. 18, 2019, and Feb. 5, 2019, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, Skeet sold and offered for sale red-tailed hawk, bald eagle and golden eagle feathers.  The birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. To help ensure that hawk, eagle, and other bird populations remain healthy and sustainable, these laws prohibit the possession, use, and sale of the feathers or other parts of federally-protected birds, as well as the unauthorized killing of these birds.

          “One of our highest priorities is to combat wildlife trafficking and investigate individuals who are involved in the unlawful commercialization of our nation's fish and wildlife," said SAC Land. "This successful indictment was the result of working together with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico.  We will continue to work closely with all our law enforcement partners to root out those individuals who exploit protected wildlife species for their own financial gain.”    

          If convicted, Skeet faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $2,000 fine, and a $100 special penalty assessment. An indictment is only an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

          The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

          The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dieter D. Douglas, 35, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on May 11 in federal court to eight years and 4 months in prison for assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

           Douglas pleaded guilty to two counts of the offense on July 14, 2020. In his plea agreement, Douglas admitted to assaulting the victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, on Oct. 3, 2018, and again on May 14, 2019, at a home in Shiprock on the Navajo Nation. During these incidents Douglas covered the victim’s mouth and strangled her with his hands. As a result, Douglas caused the victim to lose consciousness during both incidents.

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

           The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jerod Walker, 22, of Española, New Mexico, was sentenced in federal court on May 6 to two years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

              Walker pleaded guilty to these offenses on July 22, 2020. According to the plea agreement, on Feb. 1, 2020, Walker was in possession of a handgun and cocaine base (also known as crack cocaine) in a bag located inside his girlfriend’s vehicle. The incident occurred in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Due to his drug addiction, Walker is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

              Upon completion of his prison sentence, Walker will be subject to three years of supervised release.

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Albuquerque Resident Agency, the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Probation Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Fred J. Federici recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9, through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

          “This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

          “During National Police Week, our Nation stands to honor all fallen officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to ensure the safety of communities throughout our country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Fred J. Federici. “This is a time to celebrate and recognize the brave men and women of law enforcement who put themselves at risk each day in the service of their communities.  For their hard work, dedication and service, we salute them.”

          In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

          Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

          During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.

          Additionally, according to statistics reported by the FBI through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website. 

          The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 p.m. EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to Oct. 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2021.

          Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.   

          To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Daniel “Grumpy” Hernandez, 33, of Silver City, New Mexico, was convicted by a federal jury on May 6 on seven counts of a 10-count indictment. Hernandez and his co-conspirator, Savannah Padilla, were indicted on Nov. 13, 2019.

            Hernandez pleaded guilty on April 29 to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Hernandez cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

            The jury found Hernandez guilty of conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, theft of a firearm, possessing a stolen firearm, and two additional counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            On Feb. 23, Padilla pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to the plea agreement, on or about Sept. 7, 2018, and continuing to on or about Sept. 8, 2018, Hernandez and Padilla committed a carjacking in Grant County, New Mexico. Hernandez and Padilla demanded money from the victim at gunpoint, and later demanded that the victim get out of the driver’s seat and into the back seat of the vehicle. The victim fled in fear for his life.

            Hernandez was acquitted on a separate count of carjacking and a separate count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for a different incident on Sept. 7, 2018.

            A sentencing date has not been scheduled. Hernandez and Padilla each face up to 15 years in prison for the carjacking charges, and an additional seven years to be served consecutively for the brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence charges.

            The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Silver City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Yvon Loretto, 62, of Nambe, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Nambe, was sentenced in federal court on May 5 to 15 years in prison for abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.

           Loretto pleaded guilty on Aug. 11, 2020. According to the plea agreement, on or between Oct. 1, 2016, and Oct. 31, 2016, Loretto sexually abused the victim, who at the time was less than 12 years old. The assault occurred on the Pueblo of Nambe in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.

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

           The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Joshua Cordova, 39, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 5 to mail fraud and theft of federal funds. Cordova was indicted on Dec. 17, 2019.

            From approximately 2010 to December 2018, Cordova was employed by Sandia Corporation and later National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, which were contracted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to operate Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Cordova’s duties included providing training to military, law enforcement and emergency response personnel in the use of equipment developed at SNL. Beginning in late 2012, Cordova applied for and was issued a purchasing card funded by DOE for the limited purpose of procuring equipment and materials necessary for Cordova to perform his duties at SNL.

            In the plea agreement, Cordova admitted that from at least September 2014 through September 2018 he fraudulently used his purchasing card to procure items for the personal use of himself and his family and associates. These items included: jewelry; watches, clothing; shoes; golf clubs and golf accessories; exercise equipment; toys; barber equipment, furnishings and supplies; building materials; and home appliances.

            To conceal the fraudulent use of his purchasing card, Cordova made misrepresentations and false statements, claiming in his monthly reconciliation reports the purchases were legitimate items. For example, in August 2017, Cordova purchased a diamond ring for $944 from Amazon.com that was shipped to his home. In his monthly report, he represented the purchase as “2 carbon fiber Manfredo 510 tripods.”

            A sentencing date has not been scheduled. Cordova faces up to 20 years in prison.

            The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Vasquez is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Rastice Lee Burdex, 28, of Albuquerque, was arraigned on April 26 in federal court on an indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal grand jury indicted Burdex on Sept. 10, 2020. Burdex will remain detained pending trial.

            According to the indictment and other court records, on Aug. 20, 2020, Albuquerque Police stopped the vehicle in which Burdex was traveling. A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a loaded handgun beneath the drivers’ seat.

            Burdex was previously convicted of aggravated battery against a household member with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Burdex cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

            An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Burdex faces up to 10 years in prison.

            The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander M. Uballez is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –  Mark Anthony Hill, 33, of Smith Lake, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on April 28 in federal court to three years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Hill pleaded guilty to the crime on Dec. 14, 2020.

              According to the plea agreement and other court records, Hill assaulted the victim on Aug. 23, 2020, in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Hill pushed the victim to the ground and struck him with his fists. Hill then retrieved a baseball bat and struck the victim in the head and torso causing serious injuries, including fractures to the victim’s jaw, skull and nasal passage, a torn left ear and a dislocated shoulder. After being airlifted to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Albuquerque, the victim needed surgery and two days of medical care for injuries sustained in the assault.

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

             The Crownpoint District of the Navajo Nation Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Richard Kessler, 49, of Albuquerque, who allegedly stole investment funds from his clients, was arraigned April 28 in federal court on an indictment for mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and failure to file tax returns. A federal grand jury indicted Kessler on March 12.

            According to the indictment and other court records, Kessler allegedly failed to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017. Kessler operated as a financial advisor and investment broker under the business name Guardian Group Investments, LLC. From on or about Feb. 26, 2016, to Aug. 23, 2016, Kessler allegedly used his position to induce investors into providing him access to investment funds that he diverted to his own benefit and use. Kessler allegedly placed investors’ funds into a business savings account, which is specifically prohibited by New Mexico securities regulations. On several occasions, Kessler moved funds from that account into his personal checking account.

            Kessler allegedly fraudulently converted over $123,000 from four victims. Kessler allegedly did not provide the victims with documentation of their investments that would have shown that their money had not been invested as they were told. Kessler allegedly used money from certain victims to pay others to conceal the fraud.

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

            IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schied is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Anthony Clark Davila Garza, 39, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 6 to cyberstalking and destruction of government property.

            According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 1, 2018, Davila Garza used a vehicle to ram and severely damage metal entry gates at White Sands Missile Range, a United States Army facility in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Davila Garza also admitted in his plea that on Aug. 19, 2019, he posted a threat on Facebook, making specific reference to certain individuals. When one of the individuals responded to ask why Davila Garza would make such a threat, Davila Garza contacted the individual by making a voice call through Facebook’s Messenger feature and reiterated the threat.

            Davila Garza faces up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and up to ten years for destruction of government property. He will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

            The FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Thaddeus Ponce, 58, of Mescalero, New Mexico, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was sentenced in federal court on April 15 to 18 months in prison for influencing federal officials by threat.

              Ponce pleaded guilty to this offense on Feb. 5, 2021. According to the plea agreement, Ponce admitted to calling the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) emergency dispatch multiple times from Aug. 10, 2019, to Oct. 7, 2019, in Otero County, New Mexico. Ponce threatened to kill federal dispatch operators and their families during numerous recorded calls. The BIA dispatch center is located on the Mescalero Reservation.

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

              The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jason Christopher Davis, 48, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was sentenced in federal court on April 7 to 15 years in prison for production of child pornography. Davis pleaded guilty on Oct. 3, 2018.

            According to Davis’ guilty plea and other court records, on May 17, 2015, Davis produced a pornographic video of a five-year-old child and uploaded the video onto his laptop computer. At the time of the offense, Davis was employed as a Supervisory U.S. Border Patrol Agent.

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

            The Las Cruces office of Homeland Security Investigations, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Las Cruces Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Office of Professional Responsibility of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Management Inquiry Team of the U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI, and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office. 

             Assistant U.S. 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 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 information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc.  Individuals with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse are encouraged to contact the Children’s Advocacy Center at (575) 526-3437 or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

             The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico.  There are 86 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.  Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.

ALBUQUERQUE – Lowell Begay, 38, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 16 to involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

            A grand jury indicted Begay and co-defendant Jerry Armenta on July 25, 2019.  According to the plea agreement and other court records, Begay committed the offense on Sept. 11, 2018, in San Juan County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Begay was intoxicated and recklessly handling a loaded firearm when he accidently fired it and killed a woman. In the plea agreement, Begay admitted his unlawful actions were without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life, and that he knew and should have known that his conduct imperiled the lives of others.

            Armenta pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2019, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 23, 2020, Armenta was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

            Begay will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to 8 years in prison.

            The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and the Navajo Nation Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cowen and Allison Jaros are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Steven Barbone, 38, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced to six years and four months in prison on April 12 for assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.

              Barbone pleaded guilty to this offense on May 12, 2020. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, in Sept. 2019, Barbone arrived under the influence of alcohol at his estranged wife’s home on the Navajo Nation and held Jane Doe against her will for two days. Barbone admitted to punching Jane Doe and using a taser to cause bodily harm. At some point, Barbone injected Jane Doe with methamphetamine under threat and without her consent. Jane Doe was hospitalized for three days to treat and recover from her injuries.

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

              The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fredrick T. Mendenhall prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dagoberto Ruiz, 25, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 7 to bank robbery.

             A grand jury indicted Ruiz on June 11, 2019. In the plea agreement and other court documents, Ruiz admitted to entering a bank in Albuquerque on May 20, 2019, and robbing it using a demand note. After the teller handed Ruiz a bag of money, Ruiz left the bank, but was later located and arrested by law enforcement.

             Ruiz will remain in custody pending sentencing. Ruiz faces 20 years in prison for this offense.

             The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kevin Ernest Lewis, 32, from Crownpoint, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced April 12, 2021, in federal court to five years in prison for assault of a minor resulting in substantial bodily injury in Indian Country.

            Lewis pleaded guilty on Feb. 5, 2020. In his plea, Lewis admitted to hitting his then-girlfriend while she was holding their four-month-old child. During the attack, Lewis knocked the child onto the ground, causing the infant to suffer a skull fracture and intracranial bleeding. The crime occurred on the Navajo Nation in McKinley County, New Mexico.

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

            The Navajo Nation Tribal Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros prosecuted this case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tavor Tom, 20, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced in federal court on April 7 to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder in Indian Country.

              Tom pleaded guilty to this offense on Nov. 24, 2020. According to the plea agreement and other documents, on July 1, 2019, Tom drove to his aunt’s house and stabbed her to death in in San Juan County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Tom stole the victim’s vehicle and drove to a nearby Walmart to steal dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. Tom was later arrested by law enforcement after crashing into a fence outside a church while under the influence of dextromethorphan.

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

               The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Nation Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.