Las Cruces woman sentenced for armed fentanyl trafficking

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- A Las Cruces woman received an eight-year federal prison sentence for trafficking fentanyl. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico said 32-year-old Cassidy Shae Montoya also had a stolen gun and led deputies on a high-speed chase.

On July 30, 2025, Montoya drove away from Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office deputies after they tried to stop her near Vado. The U.S. Attorney's Office said she drove toward Las Cruces at 90-110 miles per hour.

She eventually hit a curb near Telshor Boulevard and Terrace Drive. Officials said she ran away from the vehicle before deputies apprehended her.

Deputies found a loaded handgun on the driver's side. It had been reported stolen in March 2025, officials said.

Deputies also found 356 fentanyl pills and $373 in cash.

Montoya said she meant to distribute the fentanyl and had the gun to protect herself, officials said. At the time, she had a felony conviction and knew she wasn't allowed to have a gun.

There's no parole in the federal system.