Grimy Times Exclusive: Jennifer Padilla, a 39-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for her conviction on a methamphetamine trafficking charge.
The investigation into Padilla’s activities was undertaken as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets repeat offenders for federal prosecution. The initiative, which is aimed at removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico, was launched in support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborating with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
Padilla’s co-defendant, Felix Ulibarri, was indicted on July 28, 2016, and was charged with distributing methamphetamine on July 11, 2016. The indictment was superseded on August 9, 2016, to add Padilla, Leo Lopez, and Joseph Sena as defendants.
Padilla pleaded guilty to a felony information charging her with conspiracy on September 22, 2017. She admitted to facilitating a drug deal by introducing a buyer to Ulibarri, who supplied the methamphetamine.
As part of the investigation, 103 Bernalillo County residents were charged with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 84 of these defendants have been convicted, including 83 who have entered guilty pleas, and 55 of them have been sentenced.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Han.
In a separate matter, 16 of the defendants charged as a result of the ATF investigation have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
Two defendants are fugitives and the charges against two defendants have been dismissed.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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