Guajira Maya Lovato, Methamphetamine Trafficking, New Mexico 2016

Guajira Maya Lovato, 45, of Albuquerque, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for her role in a sprawling methamphetamine trafficking operation that spanned multiple indictments in Bernalillo County. The sentencing, handed down yesterday afternoon in federal court, marks the latest fallout from an ATF-led sweep in August 2016 that indicted 103 individuals on federal firearms and narcotics charges.

The investigation, part of a federal anti-violence initiative targeting ‘the worst of the worst’ offenders, focused on repeat criminals with violent histories. Federal agencies collaborated with state, local, and tribal law enforcement to push charges that carry stiff mandatory minimums, aiming to lock up repeat offenders for as long as possible. So far, 84 defendants have been convicted—83 by guilty plea—and 62 have been sentenced.

Lovato’s crimes stem from three separate indictments. The first charged her, Juan Jose Rivas, 33, Janet Bowman, 40, Anthony Barela, 34, and later Maria Citlaly Beltran-Ahumada, 37, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between June 21 and August 9, 2016, including a specific sale on June 22. On that day, Lovato admitted to negotiating the sale of two ounces of meth and helping complete the deal. Beltran-Ahumada pleaded guilty to an immigration charge and was sentenced in June 2017; Bowman’s case was dropped. Rivas and Barela pleaded guilty in July and August 2017, respectively, and await sentencing.

A second indictment tied Lovato and Desiree Otero, 24, to heroin distribution between July 20 and August 9, 2016, including a sale on July 20. Otero pleaded guilty in December 2016 and was sentenced in August 2017. The charges against Lovato in that case were dismissed. The third indictment charges her, Daniel Loya, 31, and Richard Cortez, 37, with conspiracy to distribute meth from July 21 to August 9, 2016, and a specific sale on July 21. Loya and Cortez pleaded guilty in September and October 2017 and await sentencing. Lovato is set to stand trial on these charges April 2, 2018.

Separately, Jonathan Griego, 27, also of Albuquerque, was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for methamphetamine trafficking. Griego was arrested alongside Jesus Ramirez, 28, and Richard Porras, 31, on criminal complaints in August 2016. They were later charged in a nine-count indictment with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute meth. Porras also faced charges for distributing meth on three separate occasions and for firearms offenses.

The operation remains one of the largest coordinated drug and gun enforcement actions in New Mexico’s recent history. With 19 cases still pending, federal prosecutors vow to continue pushing for maximum penalties under the anti-violence initiative. ‘These aren’t low-level users,’ said a DOJ spokesperson. ‘These are traffickers feeding addiction and violence in our neighborhoods. We’re taking them off the streets for good.’

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