District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Randy Matthew Peraza, 48, of Needles, California, was sentenced on Jan. 27 in federal court to three years in prison for bank robbery.

Peraza pleaded guilty on July 9, 2020. In his plea agreement, Peraza admitted to walking into a bank in Roswell, New Mexico, on March 13, 2020, announcing, “This is a robbery,” and demanding money from a bank teller. As the teller gathered cash, Peraza applied hand sanitizer to his hands and used a lighter to light his hands on fire. Peraza then took money from the teller, left the bank, walked across the street and sat in the grass where officers responding to the bank alarm found and arrested him.

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

The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Feuerhammer prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Quincee Zohnnie, 24, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court on Jan. 28 on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Zohnnie was ordered detained pending trial.

           According to a criminal complaint, on or about June 14, 2020, Zohnnie allegedly drove by and fired gunshots into an occupied house, intending to cause harm to John Doe. There was a child in the home at the time of the shooting.  The alleged incident occurred in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation. 

            If convicted, Zohnnie faces a minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in prison. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Luis Angel Rodriguez, 27, of La Mesa, New Mexico, made his initial appearance in federal court today where he was charged with knowingly derailing a train. Rodriguez will remain detained pending a preliminary hearing.

            According to a criminal complaint, in the early morning hours of Dec. 2, 2020, Rodriguez allegedly placed materials on a track causing a BNSF Railway train to derail in Vado, New Mexico. The derailment injured the conductor and engineer and caused damage to the railway and surrounding property.

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

            The FBI investigated this case in conjunction with BNSF Police and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Saltman is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jose Carlos Cisneros-Legarda, 22 of Albuquerque, made his initial appearance in federal court on Jan. 28 where he was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possessing a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cisneros-Legarda will remain detained pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 1.

            Cisneros-Legarda is a state probationer whose probation term runs through September 2022 for 2017 convictions for armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. According to a criminal complaint, between late January and early April 2020, Cisneros-Legarda allegedly posted multiple photos of himself on social media with large amounts of money.  He also allegedly utilized Facebook Live to stream live videos of himself driving in multiple vehicles, not all of which were equipped with an interlock device as required by his probation terms.

            On April 8, 2020, Cisneros-Legarda allegedly was live streaming video on Facebook Live in which he was observed in possession of a firearm. On April 9, 2020, a New Mexico Corrections Department Probation-Parole Division Officer along with members of the FBI Violent Crime Task Force and the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center Security Threat Intelligence Unit went to Cisneros-Legarda’s residence to conduct a search of his home pursuant to his probation conditions. A search of the premises uncovered three loaded handguns and approximately 26.7 grams of heroin.

            As a convicted felon, Cisneros-Legarda cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Cisneros-Legarda faces a minimum of five years and up to twenty years in prison.

            The FBI, the New Mexico Corrections Department, and the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center Security Threat Intelligence Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L Roybal is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Zachariah Stanley Joe, 29, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced on Jan. 14 in federal court to 15 years in prison.

            On Oct. 31, 2019, Joe pleaded guilty to second degree murder for killing a Navajo man in Shiprock on the Navajo Indian Reservation. In his plea agreement, Joe admitted that on Jan. 3, 2019, he killed the victim in callous and wanton disregard for human life. According to the plea, while drinking alcohol Joe got into a fight with the victim at a residence in Shiprock. After locking the victim and another man out of the residence, Joe armed himself with a kitchen knife and went outside where he stabbed the unarmed victim approximately ten times in his chest, side and neck. The victim died shortly afterward.

            Joe has been in federal custody since his arrest. Upon his release from prison, Joe will be subject to three years of supervised release.

           The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Cowen is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Brandon Jim, 35, of Zuni, New Mexico, was sentenced on Jan. 26 in federal court in Albuquerque to 11 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for robbery and aiding and abetting in Indian Country. Co-defendant Timothy Boone, 27, also of Zuni, was sentenced on July 16, 2020, in Albuquerque to 10 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for the same crime. Both men are members of the Zuni Pueblo.

            Jim pleaded guilty to this offense on March 4, 2020, while Boone pleaded guilty on July 18, 2019.  In their plea agreements, they admitted to using a gun and a knife to rob a minor, identified in court records as John Doe. By threat of violence, Jim and Boone took Doe’s belongings, including two cell phones, a fishing rod, a tackle box, a sweatshirt and .22 caliber ammunition. The crime was committed near Eustace Lake on the Zuni Pueblo.         

            The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa Dimas prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Michael Kelewood, 35, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court on Jan. 13 to a charge of escape from the custody of the Attorney General.

According to court records, on Aug. 9, 2019, Kelewood, who was confined at a halfway house in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, for a previous felony conviction, walked away from the halfway house without permission and did not return.  The United States Marshal’s Service located Kelewood a week later and arrested him.  Kelewood was charged on Dec. 3, 2020. 

Upon the guilty plea, the court sentenced Kelewood to eight months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Eduardo Enrique Zazueta, 27, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court Jan. 13, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

            Zazueta was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 17, 2020. According to the indictment, on Sept. 20, 2020, Zazueta allegedly possessed a 9mm pistol and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Zazueta cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

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

            The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case as part of Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Travis Clitso, 25, of Pinon, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 22 to three years and one month in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country. 

Clitso previously plead guilty on Oct. 8, 2020. According to his plea agreement, Clitso, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to hitchhiking near Cortez, Colorado, on Feb. 6, 2019. A driver picked up Clitso and agreed to give him a ride. They later stopped at a gas station in Shiprock, New Mexico, where Clitso pulled out a knife and stabbed the driver in the throat.  Clitso fled the scene, but police officers found and arrested him later the same day.  The driver suffered a large cut to his throat.  Emergency medical personnel flew him to Albuquerque for emergency treatment. He spent several days in the hospital for his injuries.     

            The Farmington office of the FBI and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Aliberti prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Santiago JonDaniel “Hush” Rooks, 21, of Albuquerque, made his initial appearance in federal court on Jan. 25 where he was charged with carjacking, brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rooks will remain detained pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 27.

            According to a criminal complaint, on Jan. 4, Rooks allegedly approached a victim in a driveway in southwest Albuquerque, pulled a gun from his waistband and demanded the keys for the victim’s truck. The victim relinquished his keys and Rooks allegedly fled in the vehicle.

            A Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy located the truck on I-25 and briefly gave chase before ceasing pursuit for safety after the vehicle left the interstate. Following the direction the vehicle had taken, the deputy found the truck abandoned with the doors left open. A loaded pistol was found inside the truck.

            Rooks has prior felony convictions for receiving and/or transferring a stolen vehicle and aggravated assault. As a convicted felon, Rooks cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

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

            The FBI and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Outler is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – James Darius Caje, 27, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was charged in federal court on Jan. 21 with sexual abuse of a minor. Caje will remain detained pending trial.

              According to a criminal complaint, on the night of Feb. 24 or early morning Feb. 25, 2020, Caje allegedly entered the bedroom of the victim, who was less than 16-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.

              A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Caje faces up to 15 years in prison.

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

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Clarence Michael Ransom, 53, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was sentenced on Jan. 20 to 35 years in federal prison for attempted production of child pornography, international parental kidnapping and failure to report international travel as a sex offender.

              Ransom pleaded guilty on June 23, 2020. In the plea agreement, Ransom admitted having at least ten sexually explicit conversations over an online social networking and dating platform in May 2019. Ransom believed he was chatting with a 14-year-old girl, but the other party to the conversations was an undercover law enforcement officer. Ransom admitted to using extremely sexual and coercive language to try to obtain sexually explicit photographs of the person he thought was a child. Ransom was in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, when he engaged in these conversations.

              Ransom also admitted kidnapping his two children from their mother, with whom he shared custody, and fleeing with them to Mexico on Oct. 8, 2019. Mexican law enforcement later arrested Ransom and transported him back to the United States for prosecution.

              Ransom is required to register as sex offender based on a 1991 conviction for engaging in an unlawful sexual act with a child under 12. Ransom violated federal requirements to update his sex offender registration and to notify the proper authorities when he left the United States.

             Upon his release from prison, Ransom will be subject to supervised release for life.

             The FBI and United States Marshal Service investigated this case with the assistance of the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Mark A. Saltman prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Stephen Yochim, 48, of Albuquerque, made his initial appearance on Jan. 19 in federal court where he was charged with transmitting threatening interstate communications. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 26.

              According to a criminal complaint, Yochim allegedly sent a series of messages from multiple Google email (gmail) accounts to an Albuquerque couple. In highly graphic language, the messages, received between Jan. 11 and Jan. 15, threatened physical violence against one of the recipients and expressed morbid joy at the prospect of cancer afflicting the other recipient. Included in the profane terms directed toward the family was the repeated use of an ethnic slur.

              “Those who engage in online threats and harassment cross a line and they should know that they will be subject to prosecution,” said Fred Federici, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico.

               "The type of behavior the defendant is accused of committing is unacceptable," said James Langenberg, Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque FBI Division. "The FBI will aggressively investigate those who maliciously threaten others and we will work closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office to hold these offenders accountable."

               A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Yochim faces up to five years in prison.

               The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A Hurtado is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Joe Pacheco-Romero, 33, of Albuquerque was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 13 to 17 years and six months in prison for attempted carjacking, interference with commerce by threats or violence, and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

              According to his plea agreement, Romero admitted to robbing an Albuquerque business on Oct. 17, 2018. Soon after, Romero broke into a nearby residence and attempted to steal the homeowner’s vehicle at gunpoint. The victim was able to escape and Romero fled the residence. Romero then attempted to carjack another vehicle, firing several shots and hitting the vehicle multiple times. The two victims inside the vehicle were able to put the car in reverse and escape.

              Immediately afterward, Romero entered a restaurant and attempted to rob a victim of his vehicle. When that attempt failed, Romero tried to rob a second victim of her vehicle. Suspecting a police officer was outside the restaurant, Romero directed a victim to call 911 and demand a getaway vehicle. Romero was soon apprehended by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) SWAT team. Romero was wounded by gunfire during the arrest.

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

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Albuquerque Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Scott Gibbs, 21, of Albuquerque was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 12 to seven years in prison for three counts of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

              According to the plea agreement, Gibbs committed three armed car jackings in Albuquerque. On Oct. 17, 2018, Gibbs and an accomplice approached two victims as they were gathering their belongings from their vehicle and carjacked them at gunpoint. About 45 minutes later, Gibbs and two accomplices approached another victim and stole the victim’s vehicle at gun point, punching the victim and stealing his keys, wallet, and phone in the process. An hour later, Gibbs and his two accomplices carjacked a third victim at gunpoint as he was getting out of his vehicle. Law enforcement apprehended Gibbs and his two accomplices soon after and located the three firearms used in the car jackings.            

              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. – Cisco Casaus-Alires, 20, of Albuquerque, made his initial appearance today in federal court where he was charged with robbery of mail, mail theft, bank fraud, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, stemming from three armed robberies of USPS letter carriers in Albuquerque. Casaus-Alires will remain detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Jan. 21.

              According to a criminal complaint, on Nov. 7, 2020, Casaus-Alires allegedly robbed a 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 allegedly robbed another letter carrier at gunpoint. Casaus-Alires allegedly 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 allegedly robbed a third letter carrier at gunpoint, demanding the letter carrier’s wallet, phone and USPS keys. As Casaus-Alires allegedly took mail and parcels from the USPS vehicle, he asked the letter carrier where “the good stuff” is delivered, then fled the area. The following day, Casaus-Alires allegedly used the letter carrier’s credit card, which had been in his wallet when it was stolen, to make two purchases.

              A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Casaus-Alires faces a minimum of 21 years for his use of a firearm to commit the three robberies and up to 30 years in prison for the other crimes.

              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.

            The Department of Justice has created a webpage listing each defendant charged in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The list includes the name of the defendant, case number, charges, a link to any DOJ press releases relating to the case, and the status of the case:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/investigations-regarding-violence-capitol

Every case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Following arrests, or surrender, defendants must appear before district court magistrate/judge where the arrest takes place, in accordance with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – David Richard Chavez, 57, of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court today to possession of an unregistered destructive device and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

              According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 26, 2020, Chavez barricaded himself inside his home when officers arrived in response to a domestic dispute between Chavez and his wife. Chavez threatened to burn down the couple’s home and later attempted to do so using two Molotov cocktails. At the time, Chavez also possessed a stolen .380 caliber pistol and 36 rounds of ammunition.

              Chavez has five prior felony convictions from New Mexico and Montana, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, theft and criminal endangerment. As a previously convicted felon, Chavez cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

              Chavez will remain in custody pending sentencing. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Chavez faces up to four years and nine months in prison.

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fred Federici issued the following statement:

The United States Attorney’s Office wishes to extend its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Barth family and our colleagues at the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the passing of Chief Deputy District Attorney Chuck Barth. Chuck devoted his professional life to law enforcement, working as a Secret Service agent, prosecutor at the DA’s office, and as a long-time colleague and friend as a career prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In his latest role as Chief Deputy District Attorney, Chuck was a valued partner to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in helping to coordinate our offices’ joint efforts to fight crime in Albuquerque.

Chuck’s passing is a tremendous loss to the Albuquerque community, and to many of us within the office who worked alongside him for years, a tremendous personal loss. Like his colleagues at the D.A.’s Office, we will miss Chuck and his sense of humor.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christopher Bryant, 47, of Fort Stanton, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on Jan. 12 to possession of child pornography. Bryant will remain in custody pending sentencing.

              In the plea agreement, Bryant admitted that on or about Aug. 13, 2020, he used a social media application on his cell phone to obtain images of child pornography and then emailed the images to himself. Bryant also admitted that he knew the images depicted children engaging in sexually explicit conduct and that the images were of real children, rather than computer generated images or adult actors portraying children. “At the time of the offense, Bryant was a detective for the Ruidoso Police Department.”

               By the terms of the plea agreement, Bryant will serve three years in federal prison. Bryant must also register as a sex offender.

               The case was investigated by the FBI with the support of the Ruidoso Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Dustin Segovia are prosecuting the case.

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

              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 her legs. After she told him to stop, Johnson then grabbed the flight attendant inappropriately. 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.

               Johnson will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces six months in prison.

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

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mundo Charles Barela, 19, of Mescalero, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on Jan. 6 in federal court to voluntary manslaughter in Indian country.

           In the plea agreement, Barela admitted to stabbing a man on the evening of July 20, 2020, during a quarrel and “in the heat of passion.” Barela stabbed the victim several times in the victim’s throat, chest and abdomen. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The attack took place on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and the victim was an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

            Barela will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

            The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Edward Romero, 31, of Albuquerque pleaded guilty in federal court on Dec. 9 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

              According to his plea agreement, Romero arrived at the U Pull and Pay, a self-serve used auto parts business in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, on March 9. Romero and a companion engaged in an argument with the victim in the parking lot and followed the victim into the store. When Romero’s companion and the victim began to fight, Romero pulled out his firearm and fired at the victim. Romero and his companion then fled in Romero’s vehicle, and Romero was arrested soon afterward by law enforcement.

              As a convicted felon, Romero cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. By the terms of the plea agreement, Romero faces up to 10 years in prison and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Mote is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tyler Sando, 30, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Jemez, made his initial appearance today in federal court where he was charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sando will remain detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Jan. 7.

            According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 11, Sando allegedly got out of his vehicle, approached the victim and proceeded to strike the victim about the head and face without provocation. Sando allegedly returned to his car and left. The assault occurred on the Jemez Pueblo Reservation in Sandoval County, New Mexico.

Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to Sandoval Regional Medical Center, and the victim later was transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital due to the severity of the injuries.

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

            The FBI and the Jemez Pueblo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Cecilia Ann Gillespie, 31, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court on Dec. 30 with robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, mail theft and conspiracy to defraud the United States. A detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4.

              On Oct. 13, a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier was robbed at gunpoint at an apartment complex in Albuquerque. The suspects took mail keys and several pieces of U.S. Mail. On Nov. 23, a USPS letter carrier was robbed at gunpoint of two trays of mail in Albuquerque. The suspects allegedly fled both times in a white Dodge Avenger. A criminal complaint alleges that the vehicle used in the crimes belongs to Gillespie and that Gillespie was the driver in both armed robberies.

               According to the complaint, on Dec. 11, U.S. Postal Inspectors located the white Dodge Avenger and allegedly observed Gillespie getting into the car. On Dec. 11, Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police conducted a search of the residence where the vehicle had been located. Inspectors found stolen mail, including stolen checks, both opened and unopened. Gillespie was one of the occupants on the lease.

               If convicted, Gillespie faces a minimum of seven and up to 25 years in prison. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

              The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Daniel Hansen, 21, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court today with attempted bank robbery. A detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 5.

              According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 16, Hansen allegedly entered a bank and was informed by a teller that transactions must be conducted at the drive-through window. Hansen then allegedly approached the drive-through window on foot, told a teller that he would like to make a withdrawal, and was provided a withdrawal slip and a pen. Hansen allegedly returned the withdrawal slip with a demand for money. Understanding the bank was being robbed, the tellers backed away from the teller line and activated the security alarm. Hansen then allegedly returned to the vehicle in which he had arrived and fled.

              Hansen was later identified through his involvement in an unrelated incident.

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

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

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – United States Attorney John C. Anderson, 45, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has announced his resignation effective 11:59 pm on Jan. 2, 2021.  After his resignation, he plans to join a private law firm in the Santa Fe area.

            Mr. Anderson was nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney in November of 2017 and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Feb. 15, 2018. 

            “John Anderson has performed his duties as U.S. Attorney in a manner that has brought great credit upon the Department and himself,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “John’s leadership has been defined by his commitment to the rule of law and his unwavering dedication to the Department’s principal mission of securing the safety and welfare of the people of the United States. In the District of New Mexico, this has included promoting state and local partnerships, while spearheading the cause of building long-term, sustained efforts to take violent criminals off the streets of Albuquerque. John has been resolute in his commitment to fighting for justice on behalf of victims of crime throughout New Mexico, including in our Indian communities. I am deeply appreciative of the many different facets of John’s service.”

            Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Anderson had been with the law firm of Holland & Hart in Santa Fe since 2013, where his legal practice focused on complex litigation and government investigations. Mr. Anderson previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of New Mexico from 2008 to 2013, primarily focusing on the investigation and prosecution of white-collar crime. Before serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Anderson was a litigation associate at the New York City law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP from 2004 to 2008, where his practice focused on antitrust, securities and general commercial litigation.

            Mr. Anderson received his A.B. from Bowdoin College and his J.D. cum laude from Fordham University School of Law in New York City. Mr. Anderson clerked for Judge Paul J. Kelly, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Santa Fe, N.M., from 2003 to 2004.

            Mr. Anderson has provided the following statement:

            Serving as United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico has been the highest honor of my career. I am deeply grateful to the President, to Attorneys General Sessions and Barr, and to Senators Udall and Heinrich, for their support and confidence in entrusting me with the solemn responsibility of serving as United States Attorney. I am also exceptionally thankful for my family, without whose constant love and support I would never have been able fulfill the obligations of this office. Perhaps most of all, I am indebted to the career men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico who work tirelessly to promote public safety and ensure that justice is done. It has been a privilege to call them my colleagues.

            I am undeniably proud of what this Office has accomplished over the last three years. Through increasing federal involvement and the deployment of federal resources, we have made significant strides toward reducing violent and dangerous crime in Albuquerque. In doing so we have forged ever stronger partnerships between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. I am hopeful that these partnerships will endure and flourish long after I am gone.

            We have redoubled our commitment to the cause of justice in New Mexico’s tribal communities, where violence remains an unacceptably common reality of life for too many Native Americans. I am grateful to have been able to increase the number of prosecutors dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of crimes in Indian Country and continually amazed at the selflessness and dedication of our victim-witness advocates. I am similarly proud that New Mexico has taken a leading role in addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, including through the addition of a contractor dedicated to developing and implementing national and local protocols to address this issue.

            At the same time, we have significantly increased our efforts to combat transnational organized crime, especially on our southern border with Mexico. The flow of illegal drugs into the United States, and the illegal export of firearms from the United States into Mexico, make for a deadly combination on both sides of the border, and the callous business of cross-border human trafficking similarly endangers innocent lives. I am honored to have been a part of a sustained effort to combat these pernicious and illegal endeavors.

            In each these areas, our efforts would be for naught without the selfless dedication of our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. To all of them, I offer my deepest admiration and gratitude.

            Within our Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has acted with diligence and commitment to ensure the integrity of federal programs and the just resolution of civil claims.

Finally, during my tenure I have been privileged to hire 34 Assistant United States Attorneys. More than any other achievement or accomplishment, they will inform my legacy. I have the utmost confidence in every one of them. From my new vantage as a private citizen, and with a quiet pride, I will watch their careers progress, cheer their successes, and celebrate their achievements.

            Much work, of course, will remain for my successors. Violent crime continues to represent a stubborn impediment to New Mexico’s ability to realize its full potential, and the increasing flow of mass-produced methamphetamine across our southern border promises only to exacerbate that challenge. At the same time, too many in our Native American communities live in fear of violence, and without adequate law enforcement resources.

            Nonetheless, I leave the U.S. Attorney’s Office optimistic for its future and confident that it will continue to pursue justice with vigor, while remaining faithful to its enduring principles and those of the Department of Justice.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dustin John Charles, 37, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was charged in federal court today after an arrest for cyberstalking.

              According to a criminal complaint, on April 29, Charles allegedly posted a photo of a Las Cruces police officer on Facebook and stated that he was having dreams of killing the officer. Charles allegedly sent a Facebook friend request to the officer. The officer noticed a Facebook post by Charles claiming to have captured a burglary suspect on camera. The post included a link to the photo of the officer that Charles allegedly had posted.

              On Sept. 5, Charles allegedly sent an email to the New Mexico office of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that included a reference to killing the Las Cruces officer. The following day, Charles allegedly sent the ACLU a similarly threatening email.

              On Nov. 30, in response to a Las Cruces Sun-News Facebook post regarding Las Cruces’ new Chief of Police, Charles allegedly replied indicating that he would be more likely to shoot a Las Cruces police officer than allow himself to be pulled over.

              By federal law, the use of any interactive computer service to engage in conduct intended to harass or intimidate another person is a felony. If convicted, Charles faces up to five years in prison. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

              The FBI investigated this case in conjunction with the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kellam Nichols, 36, of Bernalillo, New Mexico, was charged in federal court on Dec. 10 with Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery. Nichols will remain in custody pending trial.

              According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 5, 2017, Nichols allegedly entered a KFC restaurant, demanded money and threatened an employee. Nichols allegedly took money from the register and fled in a blue, two-door car.

              Three days later, Nichols allegedly entered a Starbucks, walked behind the counter and grabbed an employee from behind. The startled employee screamed, attracting the attention of another employee, and Nichols allegedly fled the store in a blue, two-door car. Nichols then allegedly proceeded to and entered a Walgreens Pharmacy in the same shopping center. Nichols reportedly jumped the counter and demanded money. Nichols then allegedly left the store with money from the register.

              An officer located Nichols’ vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Nichols allegedly fled at a high rate of speed before crashing into a vehicle stopped at an intersection.

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

              The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case in conjunction with the Bernalillo Police Department and the Santa Ana Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Michael Anthony Hernandez, 44, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court for a detention hearing on Dec. 16 on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Hernandez will remain in custody pending trial.

            According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 1, agents executed search warrants on two residences occupied by Hernandez. As agents approached Hernandez at one of the residences, Hernandez allegedly retreated inside the house before fleeing through the back door with a duffle bag containing approximately 27 pounds of methamphetamine. In the two residences, agents recovered additional drugs and other items consistent with drug trafficking.

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

            The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Community Action Team investigated this case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) program’s Operation Atonement. OCDETF is a nationwide Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo, Randy M. Castellano and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Estevan Hernandez, 20, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court on Dec. 9 on five counts of armed robbery.

              According to a criminal complaint, Hernandez allegedly robbed five Albuquerque restaurants from Aug. 6 through Nov. 4. During the final robbery, Hernandez allegedly entered a McDonald’s and approached a cash register. Hernandez allegedly pulled a handgun, pointed it at an employee and demanded that the employee get the manager, which she did. Hernandez then allegedly demanded that the manager open the register, and Hernandez took the entire till.

              As responding officers converged on the restaurant, an officer spotted Hernandez as he got into a black sedan and fled. An Albuquerque Police air unit tracked the vehicle as a pursuit ensued, and Hernandez was ultimately taken into custody.

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

              The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah J. Mease is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ricky Coho, 49, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court today on a charge of assault in Indian Country. Coho remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 18.

              According to a criminal complaint, on April 8 on the Navajo Nation, Coho allegedly shook, lifted and dropped the victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, before dragging her into his house and assaulting her with a metal rod. Jane Doe was transported to the Zuni Hospital and then flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital for brain surgery.

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

              The FBI investigated this case in conjunction with the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Arturo Gilberto Estrada, 22, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty in federal court on Dec. 7 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

             According to his plea agreement, Estrada admitted that he tried to enter the United States at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in Don͂a Ana County, New Mexico, on July 31 with four wrapped bundles of 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl and 1.2 kilograms of heroin hidden in the rear passenger side panel of the vehicle. Estrada intended to distribute the drugs, which he was smuggling into the United States in exchange for $10,000. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspected the vehicle and located the hidden contraband.

             Estrada is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. 

             U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Maroquez Clah, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Red Valley, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court on Dec. 15 to 37 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Clah was also ordered to pay restitution of $4,500.

           Clah previously pleaded guilty to this offense on Sept. 21. In his plea agreement, Clah admitted that on Aug. 30, 2019, he was driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol, which resulted in the death of the passenger in his vehicle. The single-car incident occurred on Navajo Route 13 in Red Valley.

           The FBI and the Navajo Division of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jake Martin Roybal, 43, of Pojoaque, New Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court on a federal domestic violence charge for assaulting his wife.

              Roybal pleaded guilty on Sept. 10. In the plea agreement, Roybal admitted to knowingly and recklessly assaulting the victim on the Pueblo of Pojoaque in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, on Oct. 22, 2019. As a result of this conviction, Roybal will be placed on two years of supervised probation, prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol and ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and attend counseling for domestic violence. Roybal will also be prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition and explosives.

              The case was originally charged as a citation through the Central Violation Bureau, which processes citations written by federal officers for petty misdemeanor offenses. In certain circumstances, a citation can result in formal criminal charges.

               In April of 2019, John C. Anderson, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, implemented a misdemeanor docket through the Central Violations Bureau with the approval of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. The program allows tribal officers to issue federal citations for forty-six misdemeanor offenses occurring on tribal lands, including criminal trespass, simple possession of narcotics, deprivation of property of a household member, criminal damage to property, and certain traffic offenses. Citations also may be issued to non-natives on or passing through tribal lands where the crime directly affects tribal members or tribal interests.  These citations include misdemeanor violations of non-native versus native domestic violence.

              The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has been working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services and with local tribal police departments including the Pueblo of Isleta and the Pueblo of Pojoaque to train officers in the process of issuing these citations.

 “The goal of this additional CVB docket is to close jurisdictional gaps and thereby improve public safety within Indian Country. In this case, the CVB docket has allowed us to hold a domestic violence offender, accountable in federal court. within Indian Country,” said Anderson.

              The Pojoaque Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Indian Affairs Northern Pueblos Agency investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jared Barnhill, 29, of Albuquerque, New Mexico was sentenced in federal court on Dec. 1 to 18 years in prison on three counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence and two counts of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.

            In Barnhill’s plea agreement, he admitted to committing three armed robberies of businesses in Albuquerque. On June 28, 2018, Barnhill robbed a gas station convenience store. He entered the store, brandished a gun, and demanded money and merchandise from an employee. Barnhill robbed another business on July 3, 2018, and a third business on July 5, 2018.   

              A co-defendant in the case, Jeyden Barnhill, pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2019, to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence. Barnhill was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Another co-defendant, Samuel Perez, was indicted on Apr. 24, 2019 and is still awaiting trial.  Charges in an indictment are only accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

            The FBI investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Outler prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Thomas McIntosh, 33, of Española, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Dec. 10 to embezzlement and theft from Indian tribal organization.

              According to his plea agreement, McIntosh admitted he worked at the Totavi Station on the San Ildefonso Pueblo San Ildefonso Pueblo where his responsibilities included administration of New Mexico State Lottery sales.  Between Mar. 19 and April 4, McIntosh intentionally and unlawfully accessed lottery tickets in order to determine the winning tickets, purchased them, and attempted to claim the winnings for himself.   McIntosh also admitted he intentionally altered business records and continued to embezzle winnings from cash registers and the New Mexico State Lottery.  

              McIntosh faces up to one year in prison. His plea agreement calls for restitution, a mandatory fine, and probation.

              The Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jacob Merkel, 22, of Albuquerque was sentenced in federal court to 13 years in prison for one count of interference with interstate commerce by robbery and violence and one count of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to crime of violence, and possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of such crime. 

             Merkel previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 24. According to his plea agreement, Merkel admitted to traveling to Tobacco Town in Albuquerque with the intention of robbing it on Nov. 29, 2019. Merkel also admitted to wearing a black mask and a black hat and robbing the store at gunpoint. He fired a shot at the clerk while fleeing the building. Merkel and co-defendant, Vicente Perez fled, but were identified and followed by Albuquerque Police. While Perez attempted to evade the police, a tire on his car blew out, disabling it, and Perez and Merkel fled on foot. Perez surrendered after a brief pursuit; Merkel was arrested shortly afterward.

              Co-defendant, Vicente Perez was sentenced on Oct. 29 to six years in federal prison for his part in the crime.

              In addition to his prison sentence, Merkel will be subject to three years of supervised release.

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Derick Martin Garcia Pacheco, 32, of Albuquerque, has been charged in a criminal complaint with assault on a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Garcia is scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court on Dec. 15 at 9:28 a.m.

              According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 11 at 7:20 a.m., Garcia allegedly shot a special agent of the FBI as the agent was in the process of executing a search warrant on the premises. The agent was wearing a marked vest identifying him as an FBI agent, and agents had knocked, identified themselves as FBI, and announced that they had a warrant. The injured agent was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for care.

              “On behalf of the Department of Justice, I want to extend to the injured federal agent our best wishes for a speedy and full recovery," said John Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our federal, state and local law enforcement officers face on a daily basis in Albuquerque, and of the pressing need to confront the subculture of violence that is taking root in our city. Officers should be able to perform their duties without fear of becoming victims of potentially deadly gun violence in Albuquerque. We remain committed to prosecuting dangerous crime whenever and wherever it presents itself to make clear that such actions are not acceptable in Albuquerque and the District of New Mexico.”

              “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said James C. Langenberg, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. “FBI special agents courageously accept the danger as part of their job. Fortunately, our agent who was shot on Friday while performing his duty is out of the hospital and recovering. His bravery is an inspiration to all of us at the FBI who have sworn an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and defend the American people, regardless of the sacrifices that may be asked of us.”

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

               The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Holland S. Kastrin and Sarah J. Mease are prosecuting the case.

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Josea Michael Kazhe, 20, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was sentenced on Dec. 8 to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

            In his plea agreement, Kazhe admitted to assaulting another man with a chainsaw on the Mescalero Apache Reservation on Dec. 24, 2019. The victim’s injury was so serious he required emergency transportation to University Medical Center in El Paso.

            Following his prison term, Kazhe will serve two years of supervised release.    

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

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Carlton Craig Sandoval, 39, of Window Rock, Arizona, and a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison on Dec. 2 after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Indian Country.

              On Jan. 1, police encountered Sandoval after responding to a 911 call from Navajo, New Mexico, reporting a fight outside a group of homes. Officers found Sandoval at the scene sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, where he refused to comply with officers’ inquiries and requests. An officer observed an open beer can and a rifle on the front passenger seat. The officers arrested Sandoval, who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on previous felony convictions.

              Sandoval pleaded guilty on June 3. Upon his release from prison, Sandoval will be subject to three years of supervised release.

              The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Window Rock Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Copey Ferlin Henderson, 27, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque today to sexually abusing a child in Indian Country.

             According to the plea agreement, Henderson admitted that on May 16, 2019, he engaged in sexual activity with a child, who at the time of the offense was older than 12 but younger than 16. Henderson, who was 25 at the time, committed the offense in Cibola County on the Navajo Nation. 

             Henderson is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison. 

             The Ramah Navajo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jay Bickford, 48, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court for a detention hearing on November 24, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bickford will remain in custody pending trial.

              According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 21, Bickford allegedly was driving a motorcycle with no plate or temporary tag, resulting in a traffic stop by law enforcement. A query through the National Crime Information Center revealed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen, leading to a search of Bickford’s backpack in which the investigating officer allegedly found a loaded handgun.

              As a previously convicted felon, Bickford cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Bickford faces up to 10 years in prison.

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

              The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Tierney is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Martin Duran, 49, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court on Nov. 25 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Duran will remain in custody pending trail.

              According to a criminal complaint, a search of Duran’s home on Oct. 28 revealed individually packaged methamphetamine and heroin, as well as pistol and shotgun ammunition. As a convicted felon, Duran cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

              A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Duran faces up to 30 years in prison.

             The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon K. Stanford is prosecuting the case.

               ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –Tristian Cadman, of Tohajilee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder and using a firearm in a crime of violence.

               A grand jury indicted Cadman on Sept. 11, 2019.  In his plea agreement, Cadman admitted that early in the morning of Aug. 21, 2019, he and an associate armed themselves and attempted to rob the victim and the victim’s companion. Following a scuffle, Cadman shot and killed the victim.  The murder took place on the Navajo Nation. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Cadman faces 10 years to life in prison.

               The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –Tavor Tom, a resident of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court today to the second-degree murder of a tribal member. 

             In the plea agreement, Tom admitted to committing this offense on July 1, 2019, in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation.  Tom repeatedly stabbed the victim in her home.  After the murder, Tom stole the victim’s car and fled the scene, eventually crashing into a fence on the side of a highway.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Tom faces up to life in federal prison.

             The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  – Emery Garcia, 36, of San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of San Felipe, appeared in federal court on Nov. 9 on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. On Nov. 12 Garcia was ordered detained pending trial.

             According to a criminal complaint, on Oct. 8, Garcia allegedly attempted to enter a home through a window and attacked one of the residents, a child, with a board when the resident tried to stop him. Garcia then allegedly struck a second resident who attempted to intervene. The alleged incident occurred on San Felipe Pueblo.

             A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Garcia faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and up to life in prison.

             The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kari Johnson, 33, of Gallup, New Mexico was sentenced on Nov. 2 in federal court in Albuquerque to two years and three months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for residential burglary.

            Johnson pleaded guilty to this offense on Sept. 11, 2019.  According to court documents, on Feb. 19, 2016, Johnson and her co-defendant, Eric Martinez, forcibly broke into the home of the victims, who are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, and stole an array of their personal items worth more than $60,000 dollars. The crime occurred on the Navajo Nation and Johnson and Martinez are both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.

           Martinez, 33, of Mentmore, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to an indictment on Nov. 13, 2019, and was sentenced on Aug. 27 to two years and 3 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release.

           The Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations services investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Cowen prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ramon Gomez, 41, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was sentenced on Nov. 4 in federal court to seven years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

              Gomez pleaded guilty on Jan. 30. In his plea agreement, Gomez admitted to possessing 111.836 grams of methamphetamine on April 17, 2019, that he intended to sell to other individuals.  The methamphetamine was found in Gomez’s residence during execution of a search warrant.

              Upon release from prison, Gomez will serve five years of supervised release. 

              The FBI and Las Cruces/Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics agents investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley H. Bartlett prosecuted the case.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson today announced the federal indictments of 18 individuals in the Roswell, New Mexico, area on charges ranging from distribution of methamphetamine to money laundering. The charges are contained three separate indictments totaling 66 counts.

            According to the indictments and other court records, the defendants allegedly conspired to traffic large amounts of methamphetamine in and around Roswell. The investigation began in 2019 when the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force began an investigation of a Roswell resident who was selling significant quantities of methamphetamine.

            “Methamphetamine is a persistent scourge on our state, and southeastern New Mexico has been substantially impacted by methamphetamine trafficking and use,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “This investigation prevented over 100 pounds of methamphetamine from reaching our streets and stopped that methamphetamine from further damaging our communities. This operation is yet another example of our federal agencies working collaboratively with state and local law enforcement partners to reduce dangerous crime in this district. My office is prosecuting 18 individuals on a variety of drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges, and putting others on notice that if you traffic methamphetamine in New Mexico, you will be found and prosecuted.”

              Investigators executed four search warrants at locations in Roswell and Dexter, New Mexico. As of today, 17 defendants have been arrested, while one defendant is not yet in custody.

              The investigation included agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force.

              “A year ago, we established a Post of Duty in Roswell to quickly and efficiently respond to requests for DEA assistance from local law enforcement, and to further investigative efforts throughout the southeastern region of the state of New Mexico,” said Kyle W. Williamson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “This is one of the successful operations as a result of this post of duty. DEA will continue to work with other federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to leverage and strengthen our respective resources to pursue those who would threaten our communities.”

              “This joint effort is a direct reflection of the incredible cooperation between our law enforcement partners and will provide these communities with peace of mind and a stronger sense of community security,” said Sonya K. Chavez, United States Marshal for the District of New Mexico.

              “HSI remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking in Southeast New Mexico,” said Erik P. Breitzke, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI El Paso.  “I commend the hard work of all involved to successfully plan and execute an operation of this magnitude, especially during an unprecedented pandemic, to ensure that dangerous drugs are kept off our streets.”

               “It takes a significant amount of coordination, cooperation, and hard work from numerous agencies to investigate a case of this scale,” stated Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez, Jr., of the Phoenix Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI is fully committed to investigating money laundering by transnational drug trafficking organizations.”

               This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

               The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Roswell Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the Chaves County Sherriff’s Office. The HIDTA Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department. Both are part of the New Mexico HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. 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 Las Cruces branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting this case.