Albuquerque, New Mexico – In a shocking turn of events, Candy May Gonzales, a 34-year-old woman from Canutillo, Texas, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for her role in a massive cocaine trafficking operation in New Mexico.
Gonzales, along with her co-defendant Carlos Ivan Todd, 31, of Canutillo, Texas, was arrested on October 8, 2017 by U.S. Border Patrol agents at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint on I-25 near Las Cruces after they seized three bundles of cocaine concealed in the vehicle in which they were traveling.
The U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office charged Gonzales with participating in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy from August 2017 through October 8, 2017 and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on October 8, 2017. Gonzales subsequently pleaded guilty to a felony information charging her with conspiracy and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
During the sentencing hearing, Gonzales admitted that she and her co-defendant agreed with others to drive the cocaine from El Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the drugs would be distributed further.
On January 4, 2018, Gonzales’ co-defendant, Carlos Ivan Todd, pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced on May 16, 2018. The DEA and U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Balla prosecuted the case, securing a significant conviction for the state.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle against cocaine trafficking in New Mexico and the importance of coordination between law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.
Gonzales’ sentence marks a major milestone in the fight against narcotics trafficking in the region.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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