Anthony Ray Baca, Murder in Aid of Racketeering, New Mexico 2019

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Five members of the Syndicato New Mexico prison gang were sentenced to life in prison this week in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M. after juries convicted them in 2018 of committing murder in aid of racketeering.

Anthony Ray Baca, 55, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced to life in prison on June 12, 2019, for the murder of J.M., and to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to murder J.M. and conspiracy to murder D.S. and G.M.

Baca was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and murdering a person identified as J.M. on March 7, 2014, along with Carlos Herrera. The two were found guilty on March 12, 2018, of conspiracy to commit murder and murdering J.M.

Other defendants in this case have also been sentenced. Chris Garcia, 43, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty on January 25, 2018, to conspiracy to murder G.M and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He also pleaded guilty in separate cases to racketeering conspiracy, distribution of cocaine and heroin, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Garcia received a total sentence of 30 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI with assistance from the New Mexico Corrections Department, New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Correction Center, Albuquerque Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and the El Paso, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas and Knoxville FBI divisions.

The case highlights the ongoing threat of organized crime in New Mexico, and the importance of continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies to dismantle and prosecute these groups.

The sentences imposed in this case reflect the severity of the crimes committed, and the need for accountability from those who engage in violent and racketeering activity.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/five-syndicato-new-mexico-prison-gang-members-sentenced-life-prison-week-murders-aid-1