ALBUQUERQUE – Tony Derrick Torrez, the man once known as a drug kingpin in Albuquerque, N.M., has pleaded guilty to federal charges of drug trafficking and firearms. The 33-year-old faces a sentence of 93 to 101 months in prison, followed by supervised release.
In a gritty proceeding, Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney announced the guilty plea along with law enforcement agencies including DEA, ATF, and APD. Torrez’s criminal empire crumbled when he was charged in 2015 for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and using firearms in drug trafficking.
The investigation launched after a road rage incident where Torrez shot and killed a child. Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers followed leads that led them to Torrez’s residence. They discovered shoeboxes filled with cash, paraphernalia, and what appeared to be THC “wax,” along with firearms and ammunition.
According to court documents, Torrez has confessed to distributing marijuana and illegal steroids while armed. His plea agreement also demands he forfeit $64,000 in drug proceeds and seized firearms.
Torrez was previously sentenced to 16 years for the road rage murder, but his federal sentence will run concurrently with that state sentence. The grim details of Torrez’s criminal career serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal drugs and firearms.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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