Joseph Matney, 41, of Albuquerque, has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in the armed robbery of a pharmacy and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone and Alprazolam.
According to the Department of Justice, Matney pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 to the charges stemming from the January 31, 2018, robbery of an Albuquerque pharmacy. During the robbery, Matney and a juvenile accomplice held employees at gunpoint and demanded opioid painkillers, anxiety pills, and money from behind the counter.
The duo fled the scene with over 2,500 pills before law enforcement arrived. However, their freedom was short-lived, as Matney was arrested on Feb. 12, 2018, in Denver, Colorado, after a search of his vehicle turned up 1,600 of the stolen prescription pills and a firearm.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department, with assistance from the Denver Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter J. Eicker prosecuted the case, which resulted in Matney’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.
Matney’s sentence of 18 years in federal prison will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. The severity of the sentence reflects the serious nature of the crimes committed, including the armed robbery of a pharmacy and the possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of prescription drug abuse and the violent crimes that often accompany it. The sentencing of Joseph Matney serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions and the commitment of law enforcement to combatting these crimes.
In addition to the prison sentence, Matney’s case also underscores the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Albuquerque Police Department, and the Denver Police Department was instrumental in bringing Matney to justice and holding him accountable for his actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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