Christopher Leyba, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, New Mexico 2021

Albuquerque Man Charged with Gun Offense

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Christopher Leyba, 34, of Albuquerque, was arraigned in federal court on October 28 on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Leyba will remain in custody pending trial.

According to a criminal complaint, on September 7, Leyba allegedly drove a stolen vehicle to a motel in Albuquerque and exited the vehicle with a holstered gun on his hip.

Law enforcement officers searched Leyba’s vehicle on September 8 and found two handguns.

As a previously convicted felon, Leyba cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, Leyba faces up to 10 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva M. Fontanez prosecuting the case as part of the Operation Legend initiative.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/albuquerque-man-arraigned-gun-charge-under-operation-legend