An Alamogordo man has been brought to justice for a heinous crime that shook the community. Jonah Apodaca, 31, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the unregistered weapon used to shoot and kill Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson.
The tragic incident occurred when Apodaca provided a sawed-off shotgun to Dominic Cruz De La O, who later used it to commit the crime. Apodaca’s DNA was found on the shotgun shell recovered from the chamber of the shotgun and ammunition from the magazine tube, linking him to the crime.
Apodaca faces up to 15 years in prison at sentencing, which has not been scheduled. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. The court has ordered him to remain in custody pending sentencing.
De La O, who was charged with possession of a firearm not registered with the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number, remains in custody pending trial.
The investigation into the case was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The guilty plea is a significant blow to those who would seek to harm law enforcement officers. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who worked together to bring Apodaca to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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