An Albuquerque man has been charged with federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses after an FBI investigation into an alleged plan to arm an inmate for an escape from custody, according to a statement released on Apr. 16.
The case centers on Crisantos “Ventex” Garcia, 34, a suspected West Side Locos gang member and convicted felon. Authorities say Garcia stockpiled weapons and other resources as part of a scheme devised by Dakota Briscoe, who is serving a 25-year sentence for violent crimes including murder and armed carjackings.
Court documents state that law enforcement executed search warrants at three residences linked to Garcia in northwest Albuquerque on Feb. 13, 2025. During the searches, agents recovered more than a dozen firearms—including rifles and pistols—thousands of rounds of ammunition, ballistic vests, high-value vehicles such as a Dodge “Hellcat,” and about 151 grams of fentanyl pills. Laboratory testing reportedly identified Garcia’s DNA on two seized firearms. Investigators also found photographs of weapons and messages about pill sales on his cell phone.
Authorities allege that Briscoe directed Garcia to hide a firearm behind an ATM at the University of New Mexico Hospital’s second floor as part of the planned escape during Briscoe’s scheduled court appearance on Apr. 15, 2026. The plan involved faking a medical emergency so Briscoe would be transferred to the hospital; additional firearms, cash, and a stolen vehicle were allegedly staged nearby for use in the escape attempt. A letter obtained by investigators detailed coordination instructions for others involved in ensuring resources were available at designated locations.
Garcia was arrested by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office Desert Hawk Fugitive Task Force at a residence in Phoenix on Apr. 14 after attempting to flee law enforcement while accompanied by his minor stepson; he was apprehended after abandoning the child during pursuit.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Garcia faces charges including possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and being a felon in possession of firearms or ammunition. If convicted, he could face between ten years and forty years in prison pending trial scheduling.
Officials remind that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
