16 people facing federal charges for alleged role in Las Cruces drug trafficking network, DOJ says
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) – A total of 16 people are facing federal charges for their role in a drug trafficking network in Las Cruces, according to the Department of Justice.
Story continues below
Trending: Tent Rocks National Monument will reopen, BLM and Cochiti Pueblo say
Community: What's happening around New Mexico November 8-14
Weather: New Mexico governor declares emergency as western winter storm leaves thousands without power
The defendants include Armando Conrad Gonzales, a.k.a. "Forty," 43, Leticia Maria Rodriguez, 41, Jessica Juel Henderson, a.k.a. "JJ," 45, Veronica Levario, 39, Richard Regan Beserra, 47, Daniel Roberto Herrera, a.k.a. "Fat Boy," 33, Ernesto Salas Flores, 63, Beatriz Adriana Gonzalez, a.k.a. Beatriz Adriana Herrera-Gonzalez, 46, Sylvia Ann Parra, 52, Amanda Lea Weinrich, 38, Phillip Andrew Estell, a.k.a. "Flip," 43, D'Anna Michelle Chavez, 47, Bruce Martin King, 68, Angel Flores, 45, and Kenneth Eric Yeager, 44, all of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Antonio Valles, a.k.a. "Tony," 49, of Canutillo, Texas.
HSI and DEA, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New Mexico State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety and the New Mexico National Guard, executed search warrants at six properties associated with the drug trafficking conspiracy:
The operation resulted in a total of 24 arrests, with 16 individuals facing federal charges and eight facing state charges. Officials said they seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine mushrooms, marijuana, hydrocodone, 13 guns, and $2,200
"If drug traffickers think they can come set up shop in Southern New Mexico, they are mistaken," said Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-Jame in a news release. "This operation is just one example of how the DEA will partner with other law enforcement to put them out of business and bring them to justice."
If convicted, Weinrich, Parra, Estell, and Yeager face up to 20 years in prison. Herrera and Chavez face a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. A. Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Valles, Levario, Beserra, E. Flores, B. Gonzalez, King and A. Flores each face a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. Henderson faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.
