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Artesia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charges
ALBUQUERQUE – A 23-year-old Artesia man, identified as Anthony Herrera, has pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Herrera was arrested in July 2013 and was later indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as unlawfully possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun.
According to court filings, the investigation leading to the charge against Herrera arose out of a drive-by shooting incident on Aug. 5, 2012. On that day, Eddy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a drive-by shooting during which numerous shots were fired at a residence and a vehicle. After Herrera was identified as the individual who fired the shots by witnesses, Eddy County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at his home on Aug. 10, 2012, and found a .45 Caliber, semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. They also located a .12 gauge short-barreled shotgun and ammunition inside of Herrera’s truck.
During today’s proceedings, Herrera pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that he unlawfully possessed firearms, including an unregistered short-barreled shotgun, and ammunition in Aug. 2012.
Herrera has been in custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At his sentencing hearing, Herrera faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Roswell office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Artesia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Herrera’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the community, highlighting the dangers of felons possessing firearms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping our communities safe from violent crime.
In related news, the Artesia community is still reeling from the drive-by shooting incident that led to Herrera’s arrest. The incident has left many wondering how such a crime could have occurred and what can be done to prevent it in the future.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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