ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Richard Cortez, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty this week to one count of methamphetamine trafficking.
Cortez was charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine between July 21, 2016, and August 9, 2016, and with distributing methamphetamine on July 21, 2016. On October 2, 2017, Cortez pleaded guilty to the distribution charge and admitted distributing 45 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent on July 21, 2016. Cortez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He remains detained pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Cortez’s co-defendants, Guajira Maya Lovato, 44, and Daniel Loya, 31, were also charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine between July 21, 2016, and August 9, 2016, and with distributing methamphetamine on July 21, 2016. They have entered guilty pleas to methamphetamine trafficking charges and are awaiting sentencing hearings.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets ‘the worst of the worst’ offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also announced the sentencing of three other defendants for their convictions on drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Carlos Vasquez, 47, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was charged with distributing cocaine and methamphetamine on May 26, 2016, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on June 1, 2016. Vasquez was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of aggravated battery on a household member, attempted armed robbery, and abandonment or abuse of a child.
Candace Tapia, 37, was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She was charged with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine on June 8, 2016, in Bernalillo County. Tapia pleaded guilty to an information charging her with distribution of methamphetamine and admitted that on June 8, 2016, she distributed methamphetamine to another person.
Brandon Jason Hunt, 28, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, which he has already served, followed by three years of supervised release. He was charged with distributing methamphetamine on July 21, 2016.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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