An Artesia resident, Sammie Joe Peralta, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. The sentencing follows his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Court documents show that on April 3, 2024, Peralta sold 859 grams of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl pills to an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations at a gas station in Artesia, New Mexico. Upon arrest, authorities found Peralta in possession of three handguns and an additional 126 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Peralta will serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: "Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, made the announcement today."
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting the case.
This announcement was released on November 13 following the conclusion of the federal government shutdown.
