Cruz Abeita, a 27-year-old man from Algodones, New Mexico, has been convicted of a heinous crime. On December 30, 2016, Abeita robbed the Dancing Eagle Travel Center in Cibola County, New Mexico.
According to reports, Abeita entered the business alongside an associate and demanded that the cashier hand over money from the cash register. He threatened the cashier with an Airsoft replica pistol, which was disguised as a real firearm.
The investigation into the robbery was led by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, and the Laguna Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Murphy is prosecuting the case.
Abeita was arrested in February 2017, on an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a previous conviction of false imprisonment.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Abeita will face a sentence of 84 to 120 months in prison. He will also be subject to a term of supervised release, which will be determined by the court.
Abeita remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. The case against him serves as a stark reminder of the severity of the consequences for committing crimes of this nature.
Defendant: Cruz Abeita
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy and Violating the Hobbs Act
City and State: Algodones, New Mexico
Exact Date: December 30, 2016
Sentence or Outcome: 84 to 120 months in prison
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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