CARLSBAD, NM – A year-long federal investigation culminated in a massive takedown in Carlsbad, New Mexico, today, with seventeen individuals charged and twelve arrested for allegedly running a sophisticated drug and firearms trafficking operation. The bust, a joint effort between the ATF, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations, ripped through Eddy County, exposing a network distributing deadly narcotics and illegal weapons.
The investigation began in February 2022 when agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force (PVDTF) received credible intelligence about drug trafficking activity in southeastern New Mexico. What started as a tip quickly spiraled into a complex case revealing a drug trafficking organization actively peddling methamphetamine, cocaine, and the increasingly lethal fentanyl within the city of Carlsbad.
Among those facing the most serious charges are Jesus Daniel Sonora-Gonzalez, 29, of Carlsbad, Guerrero Muro, 33, of Midland, Texas, and Marco Antonio Torres-Vivas, 40, of Carlsbad. All three are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances including 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and 500 grams and more of fentanyl, along with nine counts of distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and one count of attempt to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl. If convicted, these men could spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
Separate indictments target Damon Michael Johnsey, 28, and Kelly Lamar Burke, 31, both of Carlsbad. They’re accused of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams and more of fentanyl, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Johnsey has a prior conviction for possession of a controlled substance, while Burke’s record includes abuse of a child and possession of a controlled substance. Both face potential life sentences if found guilty.
The scope of the operation extends to a wider circle of alleged co-conspirators. Kinny Gonzalez, 29; his sister Kassandra Lee Perales, 32; her boyfriend Carlos Michael Venegas Jr., 24; Amber Kathleen Owen, 50; Brian Kain Purdy, aka “Guero,” 41; Sabino Alfonso Maldonado, aka “Flaco,” 31; Jared Michael Moore, aka “Ghost,” 42; all of Carlsbad; and Jesus Alonso Cerezo-Espidio, aka “Pitufo,” 50, of Mexico, have all been indicted with charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute various narcotics, smuggling goods, attempting to smuggle firearms, and using firearms in relation to drug crimes. Gonzalez, Perales, Venegas, Owen, and Cerezo-Espidio face up to life in prison if convicted, while Moore faces up to 20 years. Purdy and Maldonado each face up to 10 years.
Manuel Pineda Montoya, 43, of Carlsbad, was also charged July 19 with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, led by Alexander M.M. Uballez, is prosecuting the case, promising a full and vigorous pursuit of justice for those involved in poisoning the streets of Carlsbad with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities anticipate further arrests as they dismantle the remaining pieces of this criminal enterprise.
Related Federal Cases
- US Justice Department, Drug and Arms Trafficking, Washington D.C., … · New York
- Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez, Texas Drug Trafficking, Beaumont TX, 2023 · Louisiana
- Ray Lee Ransom, Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Fort Worth TX, 2023 · Illinois
- Jessie Jesus Marquez, Methamphetamine Trafficking, NM 2023 · Illinois
- Luis Angel Briseño-Lopez, Drug Trafficking, New Mexico 2024 · Texas
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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