ALBUQUERQUE - Jimmie Joe Lucero, 51, of Albuquerque, N.M., was arraigned today in federal court on an indictment charging him with violating the federal firearms laws. Lucero entered a not guilty plea to the indictment and remains detained pending trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
Lucero, whose prior criminal history includes at least eight prior felony convictions including convictions for assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and battery on a peace officer, is being prosecuted as part of the federal “worst of the worst" anti-violence initiative. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior felony convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
The FBI arrested Lucero on June 15, 2017, based on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the criminal complaint, FBI agents found a firearm in Lucero’s vehicle during the execution of a search warrant at Lucero’s residence. The indictment, which was filed on Sept. 21, 2017, charges Lucero with unlawfully possessing a firearm on June 15, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M., and alleges that Lucero was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.
Lucero is detailed pending trial. If convicted, Lucero faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Charges in criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
