Lante Porcha, Carjacking, Bank Robbery, Firearms Violations, New Mexico 2023

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A brazen carjacking and bank robbery in Albuquerque left one victim shaken, but fortunately unharmed. Lante Porcha, 30, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty to a string of terrifying crimes that took place on February 3, 2019, in the parking lot of Presbyterian Hospital.

Porcha approached a victim who was seated in his vehicle and asked for a cigarette or a lighter. He then pointed a handgun at the victim and threatened to shoot if he did anything. Porcha entered the passenger seat and ordered the victim to drive to a nearby accomplice, Chaz Estrada. The victim was eventually forced out of the vehicle, allowing Estrada to take the wheel and flee.

The same day, Porcha approached another victim at a drive-up ATM, again wielding a handgun. This time, the victim refused to comply and pushed the gun downward, causing it to discharge and sending a bullet between her legs. Porcha and Estrada fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.

Law enforcement responded quickly, stopping the stolen vehicle and arresting both Porcha and Estrada. The handgun and ammunition were recovered from the scene.

Porcha’s accomplice, Chaz Estrada, pleaded guilty to attempted bank robbery, being an accessory after the fact, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Estrada was sentenced to 8 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Lante Porcha, 30, of Albuquerque, was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in prison for his crimes. Upon his release, he will be subject to 5 years of supervised release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Trembley prosecuted the case.

Porcha’s sentencing brings an end to a harrowing chapter in Albuquerque’s crime history. The city can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that justice has been served, and the community is safer as a result.

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