Albuquerque Supermarket Stickup: Jesse Barela Found Guilty

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jesse Barela, 35, of Albuquerque, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after a federal jury convicted him of robbing an Alberton’s Supermarket in November 2019. The verdict came down December 1, and Barela remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing, a date for which has not yet been set.

The brazen theft, which escalated into a violent confrontation, began when Barela and his brother, Julian Barela, 50, loaded a shopping cart with hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise and attempted to leave the store without paying. When a courageous store employee tried to intervene, the situation turned ugly.

According to court records and the indictment, Jesse Barela brandished what appeared to be a firearm, immediately escalating the threat level. Simultaneously, Julian Barela began assaulting the employee with a baton, delivering multiple blows. The pair then fled the scene, leaving the employee injured and shaken.

Federal prosecutors charged both men with interference with commerce by threats and violence. Julian Barela, facing the same charges, pleaded guilty on October 6. His sentencing is pending, and he is also currently in custody. The investigation, spearheaded by the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department as part of the FBI Violent Crime and Gangs Task Force, quickly identified the brothers as suspects.

Jesse Barela now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is handling the prosecution, promising a full accounting for the violent act committed at the Alberton’s Supermarket. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by retail workers every day.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing of both Jesse and Julian Barela. This conviction underscores the commitment of federal law enforcement to aggressively prosecute those who threaten the safety of our communities and disrupt legitimate commerce.