James Adam Metts, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, New Mexico 2023

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Albuquerque Men Charged with 2023 Crime Spree

ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that James Adam Metts and Demetrius Antonnie Bailey have been charged in relation to a summer 2023 crime spree.

Metts, 45, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the indictment, on July 11, 2023, Metts and Bailey allegedly took tools from Harbor Freight Tools using force, violence and fear of injury. During the incident, Metts pointed a firearm at John Doe 1, an employee of Brosnan Security at Harbor Freight Tools.

Following the July robbery, Metts allegedly robbed a Metro by T-Mobile of cash and merchandise using force, violence and fear of injury on Aug. 26, a T-Mobile on Sept. 1, another Metro by T-Mobile on Sept. 9, a Verizon on Sept. 12, another T-Mobile on Sept. 14, and a JC Penney and third T-Mobile on Sept. 16. During the Sept. 16 incident at T-Mobile, Metts allegedly brandished a firearm.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Metts faces a minimum of seven years and up to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.

Bailey, 40, of Albuquerque, previously appeared in federal court on an indictment charging him with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bailey will face up to 20 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release if convicted.