Espanola Man Pleads Guilty in Taos Bank Robbery

ALBUQUERQUE – Troy Montoya, 24, of Espanola, N.M., has entered a guilty plea in federal court for his role in the October 6, 2016, robbery of the People’s Bank in Red River, NM.

Montoya, alongside co-defendants Jennifer Marissa Miera and Shawn Michael Goodrum Jr., was arrested after the heist. According to the charges, Montoya met with Miera on October 5th, 2016, to plan the bank’s take-down, purchasing gloves and masks for their escape.

Miera, a personal banker at the People’s Bank, attempted to involve Goodrum in the plot but was reportedly blackmailed by him instead. Goodrum threatened to expose Miera’s role if he did not receive a share of the proceeds.

The trio was indicted on November 1, 2016, facing charges of conspiracy and bank robbery. Montoya has now admitted to his involvement in planning and executing the crime, as well as serving as the getaway driver.

Montoya faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison at sentencing, which is yet to be scheduled. Miera, who also pleaded guilty, could receive up to 20 years if sentenced accordingly. Goodrum has entered a not-guilty plea and awaits trial.

This case was the result of a joint investigation by the Albuquerque FBI office, the Taos County Sheriff’s Office, and the Red River Marshal’s Office, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. Spiers.

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