Jeffrey Blake Vanover, Explosives Possession, New Mexico 2018

A Roswell man is facing serious consequences after pleading guilty to a federal charge of unlawfully possessing explosives. Jeffrey Blake Vanover, 53, entered his guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The investigation revealed that Vanover was prohibited from possessing explosives due to his status as an unlawful drug user and addict, as well as having prior felony convictions. According to the indictment, Vanover had prior felony convictions for distribution of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and commercial burglary.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the HIDTA Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force. The HIDTA Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Roswell Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the Chaves County Sheriff's Office.

The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States.

At sentencing, Vanover faces a maximum penalty of ten years. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled. This case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of possessing explosives, especially for those with a history of drug abuse and felony convictions.

The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to keeping our communities safe and preventing the misuse of explosives.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/roswell-man-pleads-guilty-being-felon-and-drug-addict-unlawfully-possession-explosives