Paul Salas Arrested

Paul Salas, 46, of Albuquerque, is facing federal armed robbery charges for allegedly robbing a Verizon store in Albuquerque. According to a criminal complaint, Salas brandished a firearm as he entered the store located at 8060 Academy Rd NE in Albuquerque and demanded money from the store’s safe.

The incident occurred on March 16, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M. Salas allegedly ordered a store employee to empty a cash register and the store safe, which contained approximately 22 new cellphones into Salas’ bag. Salas fled the store and was apprehended a short time later.

Salas was arrested on March 28, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with violating the Hobbs Act. A U.S. Magistrate Judge found probable cause to support the complaint and entered an order requiring Salas to remain in custody pending trial based on findings that Salas poses a risk of flight and danger to the community.

If convicted of the Hobbs Act robbery charge, Salas faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department, with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. Spiers is prosecuting the case as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. This initiative aims to remove repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible by working with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

The federal anti-violence initiative is a collaborative effort to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution. By working together, law enforcement agencies hope to reduce crime and improve public safety in New Mexico. The case against Salas is a prime example of this initiative in action, as he faces serious charges for allegedly committing a violent crime.