U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
Recent News About U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico released weekly figures on border-related crimes prosecuted in partnership with several agencies. Charges included illegal reentry after deportation and alien smuggling among others tied to new security areas near the border.
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A Border Patrol agent has been indicted for allegedly assaulting a handcuffed detainee and hiding evidence related to the incident last year in New Mexico. The agent faces up to twenty years if convicted but remains presumed innocent pending trial.
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Shane Austin Loretto has pleaded guilty after firing into an occupied vehicle on March 20, 2025, injuring one person seriously. Authorities tied him to the crime through witness accounts and recovered evidence at his home.
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An Albuquerque man received over eighteen years in prison for distributing narcotics including fentanyl and possessing illegal firearms after pleading guilty on multiple charges related to drug trafficking activities targeting Albuquerque.
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Jalal Makland Adeeb has been extradited from Costa Rica to New Mexico where he faces federal human trafficking charges. Authorities say this case highlights ongoing efforts against international smuggling networks involving multiple agencies.
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A Zuni man received a twelve-year federal prison sentence after firing shots at an occupied vehicle on tribal land last year. Authorities said no one was injured during the incident and that law enforcement later apprehended him after he attempted to flee.
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Marc Long has been sentenced to two years in prison for a scheme involving fraudulent COVID-19 unemployment claims targeting relief funds meant for New Mexico residents. Authorities say he used stolen identities and faces restitution payments as well as supervised release after serving his sentence.
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A Zuni man has been indicted on federal sexual abuse charges following an alleged assault last year. Authorities say Karl Devain Escobar faces serious penalties if convicted but remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Kenneth Manuel Aguirre from Las Cruces has been charged federally for alleged fentanyl trafficking while armed despite previous felony convictions. Authorities say he faces up to forty years if convicted.
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A Las Cruces man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearm offenses after authorities recovered narcotics and weapons during a search at his home. He faces at least 15 years in prison when sentenced.
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Cisco Whitehorse has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms after several shooting incidents on Navajo Nation land between July 2024 and September 2025. He faces up to fifteen years in prison following an investigation led by federal authorities.
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Federal authorities have charged an El Paso man following discovery of sixteen undocumented individuals at an alleged stash house tied to human smuggling operations near Las Cruces checkpoint. The suspect remains detained pending trial.
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Max Flores of Silver City has pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Authorities discovered weapons during two separate incidents while he was on probation for previous offenses.
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A Farmington woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving methamphetamine distribution and firearms offenses following an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. Authorities recovered large quantities of drugs after a high-speed chase.
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A Shiprock woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for stabbing another woman during an unprovoked attack. Authorities say Angelia Garcia admitted responsibility and will face supervised release after serving her sentence.
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A California man has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving child sex trafficking after transporting two minors from California to New Mexico for commercial sex acts. Another defendant admitted concealing the crime. Both await sentencing as authorities continue efforts against child exploitation.
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A To’hajiilee man faces federal charges after allegedly shooting two Navajo Nation police officers during an incident earlier this month. Authorities say both officers and the suspect were hospitalized following the exchange of gunfire.
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Damian Amarillo of Dulce has pleaded guilty to second degree murder for a fatal shooting on tribal land last year. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing and could face up to life in prison.
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A Mescalero man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor between December 2019 and February 2021. Authorities are seeking additional victims as sentencing approaches, with Torres facing up to 15 years in prison.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico released its weekly report on immigration-related prosecutions as part of Operation Take Back America. Charges included illegal reentry after deportation, alien smuggling, drug trafficking offenses, and violations tied to new military security regulations.