Fentanyl Trafficking Case Ends in 19.5-Year Sentence for Las Cruces Man
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 19 and a half years in prison for fatally shooting another man during a fentanyl drug deal, following his guilty plea to multiple federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Rudy Garcia, 38, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, arranged a deal for the victim and an acquaintance to purchase 100 fentanyl-laced pills for $500 from Garcia’s ex-wife. The deal turned deadly when Garcia shot the victim with a shotgun during a confrontation at a motel on January 24, 2022.
Garcia expressed concern that the victim had developed a reputation for conducting ‘drug rips’ and did not want any trouble during the deal. However, when the victim allegedly reached for a pistol, Garcia exited the vehicle, pulled out his shotgun, and shot the victim. The victim died from the gunshot wound.
Garcia was arrested and charged with conspiracy, distribution of fentanyl, using and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime resulting in death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Following his arrest, Garcia admitted to his involvement in the drug deal and the shooting during an interview with detectives. Surveillance footage and witness accounts corroborated the events leading to the victim’s death.
Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging said firearm, and causing death through use of said firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Garcia will be subject to three years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Randy M. Castellano prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
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- Robert “Fat Head” Padilla, Murder, New Mexico 2023 · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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