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Multiple Robberies Rock Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – A brazen crime spree that left a trail of destruction in its wake has come to an end with the arrest and charging of James Adam Metts, a 45-year-old Albuquerque resident.
Metts, along with his alleged accomplice, Demetrius Antonnie Bailey, 40, of Albuquerque, stands accused of robbing multiple businesses in the Albuquerque area, including Harbor Freight Tools, Metro by T-Mobile, and Verizon, among others.
The chaos began on July 11, 2023, when Metts and Bailey allegedly stormed Harbor Freight Tools, using force, violence, and fear of injury to take tools from the premises. Metts is accused of pointing a firearm at a security guard during the incident.
Over the next few weeks, the duo allegedly struck again, hitting multiple businesses, including Metro by T-Mobile, T-Mobile, Verizon, and JC Penney. The most brazen of these robberies occurred on September 16, when Metts allegedly brandished a firearm during a robbery at T-Mobile.
Metts was charged 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. If convicted, he faces a minimum of seven years and up to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Bailey, who was previously charged with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, faces up to 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.
Metts and Bailey will remain in temporary custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for January 29, 2024.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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