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Gael Rodriguez Pleads Guilty to Carjacking in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In a shocking turn of events, Gael Rodriguez, a 20-year-old from Mexico, pleaded guilty to carjacking in federal court on March 23. The defendant will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment and other court records, on January 16, Rodriguez approached an elderly victim in northwest Albuquerque outside her apartment complex and asked her for a cigarette. The victim responded that she had no cigarettes and Rodriguez then demanded her purse and the keys for her vehicle. When the victim resisted, Rodriguez slashed her hand with a knife, causing her to drop the keys. Rodriguez grabbed the keys and fled in the victim’s vehicle.
An Albuquerque Police Officer was dispatched to the scene and relayed a description of the vehicle and Rodriguez to the Rio Rancho and Corrales police departments. Police were able to locate the vehicle in Corrales. After a pursuit on foot, police subdued and arrested Rodriguez.
Rodriguez faces up to 15 years in prison for his crimes. The FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Corrales Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.
The victim in this case suffered serious injuries, including a slashed hand. The community is left shaken by the brazen nature of the crime. Rodriguez’s guilty plea is a significant step towards justice for the victim and the people of New Mexico.
The Albuquerque community is grateful for the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crimes Task Force, the Albuquerque Police Department, and the Corrales Police Department. Their dedication to keeping our streets safe is commendable.
Gael Rodriguez, 20, of Mexico, is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court. The exact date of sentencing has not been scheduled.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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