ALBUQUERQUE — In a grim turn of events for Taos County, 30-year-old Joseph Cordova has pleaded guilty to trafficking Oxycodone in federal court. The plea deal suggests Cordova will serve at least four years behind bars, followed by supervised release.
Cordova’s transgression came to light on September 30, 2016, when law enforcement discovered over a thousand pills in his possession during an investigation in Taos County. He was indicted for the June 5th, 2016, offense, which included heroin and cocaine as well.
Today’s proceeding saw Cordova admit to the charge of possessing Oxycodone with intent to distribute after officers discovered the pills in his vehicle. A sentencing hearing remains unscheduled.
This case was a collaborative effort between the DEA Albuquerque office and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter J. Eicker is handling the prosecution under the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative, which has been combating the opioid crisis in New Mexico since 2015.
The HOPE Initiative, a multifaceted approach to addressing addiction and trafficking, includes prevention, treatment, law enforcement, reentry programs, and strategic planning. The initiative is a partnership between the UNM Health Sciences Center, U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, community organizations, and local schools.
For more information on the New Mexico HOPE Initiative, visit www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.
Related Federal Cases
- Clovis Nurse Practitioner Accused of Oxycodone-for-Pills Scheme · New Mexico
- Mexican National Vega-Montoya Sentenced for Heroin Smuggling · Colorado
- Calif. Man Sentenced for Heroin Smuggling in NM · New Mexico
- Tran Syndicate Busted: Chemical Smuggling Ring Exposed · New Mexico
- Taos Carjacker Richard Howieson Faces Federal Charges · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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