Mike Jensen Pleads Guilty to Gun-Linked Meth Distribution

ALBUQUERQUE – Mike Jensen, 33, has entered a guilty plea in federal court, admitting his role in a methamphetamine trafficking scheme that included the use of firearms. The ATF-led investigation has targeted the city’s violent drug trade.

Jensen was arrested alongside Bernadette Aurora Tapia, 48, who also pleaded guilty to a meth charge. Together with Gaspar Leal, Brandon Candelaria, and Candace Tapia, they faced federal charges stemming from an April 2016 investigation that led to 59 indictments.

The ATF operation, which began in April 2016, aimed to tackle Albuquerque’s high violent crime rate. It involved local, state, and federal agencies using a variety of investigative techniques, including undercover operations.

Jensen was charged with distributing methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking on May 9, 2016. Today’s guilty plea pertains to the gun possession charge.

Bernadette Tapia faced conspiracy and distribution charges for her role in a June 8, 2016, meth distribution scheme. She admitted to conspiring with others to distribute the drug.

The ATF probe has led to 19 guilty pleas out of 104 defendants charged. Jensen and Tapia face lengthy prison terms if convicted. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Han and Samuel A. Hurtado, respectively.