Orlando Sanchez, Jr., Methamphetamine Trafficking, New Mexico 2014

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A California man has been busted for smuggling a large quantity of methamphetamine into New Mexico. Orlando Sanchez, Jr., 39, of Montclaire, Calif., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge.

Sanchez was arrested on January 31, 2014, after a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy executed a traffic stop on his vehicle for a careless driving violation. A consensual search of Sanchez’s vehicle revealed that Sanchez was transporting approximately one pound of methamphetamine concealed in the engine compartment of his vehicle. Sanchez subsequently was indicted on February 26, 2014, and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on January 30, 2014, in Bernalillo County, N.M.

Today, Sanchez entered a guilty plea to a felony information charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In entering the guilty plea, Sanchez admitted that on January 30, 2014, he unlawfully possessed approximately 431.8 grams of methamphetamine with the intention of transporting it east to be sold in other states.

Sanchez has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

Sanchez faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by at least three years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting this case.

According to the plea agreement, Sanchez will be sentenced by the federal court at a later date. This is a developing story and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant – Orlando Sanchez, Jr., Crime – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, City and State – Albuquerque, N.M., Date – January 30, 2014, Sentence – Up to 20 years in prison followed by at least three years of supervised release.

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