Jamie Estrada, Computer Intrusion and False Statement, New Mexico 2013

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – Jamie Estrada, 41, of Los Lunas, N.M., pleaded guilty to the unlawful interception of electronic communications and false statement charges arising out of the unlawful interception of wire communications intended for others, including New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez and members of her staff.

In announcing Estrada’s guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said, ‘Each and every one of us has a right and an expectation of privacy in our electronic communications, including our emails, and those who violate the law by diverting, stealing or otherwise misappropriating our private communications should face serious consequences.’

‘The right to privacy has been a cornerstone of our democracy since its founding and remains true today in our high-tech world. All Americans, regardless of the jobs or the positions they hold, deserve to have their emails and other computer transactions protected from criminals who would steal and exploit confidential information for unlawful purposes,’ said Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee of the Albuquerque Division of the FBI.

Estrada was charged in a 14-count indictment filed in May 2013. The first 12 counts of the indictment alleged that, between July 2011 and June 2012, Estrada unlawfully intercepted wire communication intended for individuals who had email accounts on an internet domain owned by the Governor’s political organization. The final two counts charged Estrada with making false statements to the FBI in September 2012, in which he denied taking certain actions to unlawfully intercept wire communications as charged in the first 12 counts of the indictment.

According to court filings, in summer 2009, Governor Martinez, who was then the District Attorney in Dona Ana County, N.M., began assembling a political campaign as she prepared to enter the November 2010 gubernatorial race. In July 2009, a political supporter of the Governor registered an internet domain designated as susana2010.com for a two-year period through an online service.

In the indictment, Estrada was charged with unlawful interception of electronic communications and making false statements to the FBI. Estrada was a former campaign manager to Susana Martinez, who was then the District Attorney in Dona Ana County, N.M. and later became the Governor of New Mexico.

In this case, Estrada pleaded guilty to the following charges: unlawful interception of electronic communications (counts 1-12) and making false statements to the FBI (counts 13-14). Estrada is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date.

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