A man from Albuquerque, Jerry Bezie, 36, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentencing follows an investigation by the FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force, which began after Bezie displayed gang ties, firearms, and significant wealth on social media.
On March 23, 2023, agents executed a search warrant at Bezie’s home in the South Valley. They found a loaded pistol under a bag of Xanax pills in the master bedroom, along with blue fentanyl pills marked “M-30” near the toilet. A backpack containing crystal methamphetamine was discovered close to a semi-automatic assault rifle. Another pistol was located next to a bag of cash. Outside the residence, authorities found about 114,000 fentanyl pills inside a diaper box in Bezie’s Hummer H2. Bezie admitted ownership of the drugs, firearms, and cash and said he tried to flush some pills down the toilet.
Investigators seized more than seven kilograms of methamphetamine, over 100,000 fentanyl pills, $64,000 in cash, several firearms, and body armor during the operation.
While detained at Cibola County Correctional Center, Bezie continued illegal activities by trafficking drugs within the facility and participating in an assault on a correctional officer.
Bezie pleaded guilty to multiple charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine; possessing a firearm during drug trafficking; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. After serving his sentence, he will be placed on supervised release for five years.
As part of his punishment, Bezie must forfeit $64,000 in cash as well as vehicles such as a 2018 Polaris Slingshot motorcycle and CanAm ATV; two trailers; his Albuquerque home; five firearms; hundreds of rounds of ammunition; ballistic vests; jewelry; a gold-colored money counter; and seven cell phones.
“There is no parole in the federal system,” according to officials.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office announced the sentencing. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force with support from local law enforcement agencies including the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec prosecuted the case.
