An Albuquerque woman, Nora Baca, 67, pleaded guilty to methamphetamine trafficking after the first day of her trial. The plea came after evidence was presented regarding a search conducted by the FBI Violent Gang Task Force at Baca’s northeast Albuquerque residence on May 18, 2023. During this search, agents found about three pounds of methamphetamine in the bedroom of Baca’s housemate and codefendant.
Baca had been charged on September 10, 2024, following an investigation into a drug trafficking conspiracy involving both incarcerated and non-incarcerated gang members connected to the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, New Mexico. She faced charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On October 30, 2024, federal agents executed search warrants at 13 locations across New Mexico as part of this case. Despite being warned that law enforcement was approaching, additional methamphetamine and a firearm were found at Baca’s home.
During the proceedings, prosecutors described Baca as "a known large-scale methamphetamine dealer who had supplied others with drugs." This marks her second federal conviction for drug trafficking; she was previously sentenced to ten years in prison in 2012—a sentence later reduced under revised federal guidelines—and served four years of supervised release.
Baca admitted guilt to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After entering her plea, she was ordered held in custody pending sentencing. Under the terms of her plea agreement, she faces five years in federal prison along with supervised release and other penalties.
The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison; Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office; and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico.
The case was investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Division Violent Gang Task Force and United States Marshals Service with support from CoreCivic Intelligence Unit and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and David Hirsch are prosecuting.
