Las Cruces, N.M. – Benjamin David Romero, a 38-year-old local known as the meth kingpin of Las Cruces, was sentenced to five years in federal prison today for his role in a massive methamphetamine trafficking ring.
Romero and his co-defendant, Roque Henry Atencio, were apprehended on February 6, 2016, after selling nearly 50 grams of pure meth to undercover agents. The sale took place on April 2, 2015, in Doña Ana County.
The duo was indicted in April 2016 for participating in a conspiracy to distribute meth and distributing the drug on the same day. Romero entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office today, admitting his involvement in the sale of the methamphetamine.
Atencio, who pleaded guilty without a plea agreement on October 5, 2016, is facing a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is set for May 22, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Saltman of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Both Romero and Atencio were charged with $2,000 in forfeiture to the United States as part of their conviction.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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