Multi-Agency Gang Investigation Leads to Charges, Firearm and Drug Seizures

LAS CRUCES – A months-long investigation into violent gang activity in the Las Cruces area has resulted in federal and state criminal charges, the seizure of firearms and narcotics, and the resolution of multiple violent crimes, according to law enforcement officials.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, FBI Albuquerque Field Office Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris and Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story announced the results of the investigation.

The Las Cruces Police Department Street Crimes Unit led the investigation in partnership with the Las Cruces/Doña Ana Metro Narcotics Agency, the FBI, the Safe Streets Task Force and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said officers executed about 58 legal processes, including search warrants, arrest warrants and court orders totaling more than 800 pages.

Investigators seized 19 firearms, three machine-gun conversion devices, two sets of body armor, about 265 grams of methamphetamine and about 200 grams of fentanyl, according to the announcement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico charged six defendants federally as part of Summer Heat, an FBI nationwide initiative targeting violent crime. The federal charges include firearm offenses, possession of body armor by a violent felon, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Additional defendants face state charges that include aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, unlawful handgun possession by a person younger than 19 and cocaine possession.

Information developed during the investigation also helped authorities solve 11 drive-by shootings in the Las Cruces area, officials said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said additional enforcement action is anticipated. The identities of those charged have not been released.

All persons mentioned are innocent until possibly found guilty by a court.

John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com