Aztec Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Charges

Justin Krantz, 32, of Aztec, N.M., faced a federal court in Albuquerque for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The gritty tale of his lawlessness took a turn today as Krantz admitted to violating federal firearms laws.

In November 2016, Krantz was arrested on an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition in San Juan County, N.M., on May 4, 2016. The prosecution revealed that Krantz’s previous conviction for drug trafficking had stripped him of the right to possess firearms or ammunition.

Today, before the federal court, Krantz admitted his guilt. The plea agreement outlined a sentence of 57 months in prison followed by supervised release to be determined by the court. As of this writing, the sentencing hearing remains unscheduled, and Krantz remains in custody.

The investigation into Krantz’s illegal arms was conducted by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva Fontanez is handling the prosecution.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who flout federal firearms laws after having been convicted of serious crimes. Krantz’s sentence will likely serve as a deterrent for others contemplating similar acts of defiance against the law.

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