A federal jury in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has delivered a guilty verdict against Robert ‘Fat Head’ Padilla, a Syndicato De Nuevo Mexico associate, on eight felony offenses.
Padilla was convicted of one count each of violent crimes in aid of racketeering (murder), retaliating against a witness, killing while engaged in drug trafficking, using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging said firearms and causing death, witness tampering, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute buprenorphine, and possession of contraband in prison.
The jury delivered its verdict after just half a day of deliberation. Judge James O. Browning presided over the trial.
The charges against Padilla stem from his involvement in a drug trafficking operation that spanned from about September 17, 2018, to September 10, 2019. During this time, Padilla trafficked cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl.
On July 22, 2019, Padilla killed L.L., a former federal witness in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in retaliation for the victim providing information to law enforcement.
Padilla also used physical force against P.G. on November 25, 2020, in an attempt to influence, delay, and prevent P.G. from communicating to law enforcement information relating to drug trafficking and the murder of L.L.
On September 6, 2022, Padilla possessed with the intent to distribute more than 329 strips of suboxone while incarcerated at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe.
“Witnesses are the eyes and ears of the justice system. They are the embodiment of the fact that justice belongs to all of us, and we all play a role in keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “But some think that they can use violence to silence justice. Attacking a witness is more than an assault on a person, it is an assault on the values that hold our society together.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case. Padilla will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Padilla faces a mandatory term of life in prison.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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