34 arrested in connection with meth trafficking on Mescalero Apache Reservation and southern NM
Today in a new conference, New Mexico U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez announced the results of a significant methamphetamine trafficking investigation in Mescalero Apache Nation and Southern New Mexico.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 34 individuals are facing federal and tribal drug charges as a result of an 18 month milti-agency investigation spearheaded by the DEA and BIA.
Six of those individuals are considered fugitives. While they’ve been charged, they have yet to be indicted.
Martinez says the investigation was initiated in May 2014 in response to an increase of violent crime on the Mescalero Apache Reservation perpetrated by methamphetamine users.
The investigation later expanded to include two other drug trafficking organizations in southern New Mexico in portions of Lea and Otero Counties.
More then 10 kilograms, which is roughly 22 pounds, of methamphetamine were seized over the course of the investigation.
Members of the public with information on the six fugitives are asked to contact the DEA in Las Cruces at 575-526-0700. Tips can also be texted to Tip411.
Defendants Charged in Federal Indictments
The indictment filed in United States v. Saenz, 15-CR-4105 RB, charges Alvino L. Saenz, 49, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, with distribution of methamphetamine. Saenz was arrested on Dec. 11, 2015.
The indictment filed in United States v. Lester, 15-CR-4106 RB, charges Glen Joel Lester, 38, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, with distribution of methamphetamine. Lester has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.
The indictment filed in United States v. Rice, 15-CR-4107 RB, charges Wallace Rice, Jr., 44, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, with distribution of methamphetamine. Rice is in state custody on unrelated charges and will be transferred to federal custody to face the charge in the indictment.
The indictment filed in United States v. Saenz, et al., 15-CR-4110 RB, charges Lorenzo Y. Saenz, 51, and Rona Antone Morin, 44, both members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine. Saenz was arrested on Dec. 11, 2015. Morin has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.
The indictment filed in United States v. Tafoya, et al., 15-CR-4112 RB, charges the following eight non-Natives with methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering offenses:
Carlos Tafoya, Jr., 34, of Socorro, N.M., was arrested on Nov. 13, 2015.
Robin Lee Lovelace, 55, of Alamogordo, N.M., was arrested on Nov. 13, 2015.
Jerilyn Lee Muoz, 27, of Artesia, N.M., was arrested on Nov. 20, 2015.
Patricia Kay Portillo, 54, of Carrizozo, N.M., is in state custody on unrelated charges and will be transferred to federal custody to face the charges in the indictment.
Robert Alan Rutledge, 33, of Alamogordo, N.M., was arrested on Dec. 2, 2015.
Justin Aaron Hudkins, 33, of Alamogordo, N.M., was arrested on Nov. 20, 2015.
Audrey J. Gomez, 30, of Hobbs, N.M., was arrested on Nov. 20, 2015.
Tandie Sheree Bettag, 37, of Alamogordo, N.M., was arrested on Dec. 8, 2015, after she was transferred from state custody to federal custody.
The indictment filed in United States v. Herrera, et al., 15-CR-4407 RB, charges the following three non-Natives with methamphetamine trafficking offenses:
Octavio Herrera, 53, of Ruidoso Downs, N.M., has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.
Rumaldo Varela Enriquez, 45, of Lovington, N.M., has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.
Johnny Flowers, 50, of Hobbs, N.M., has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.
The criminal complaint filed in U.S. v. Boutte, et al., 15-MJ-4009, charges the following two non-Natives with methamphetamine trafficking offenses.
Cedric James Boutte, 32, of Clovis, N.M., is in state custody on unrelated charges and will be transferred to federal custody to face the federal charges against him.
Tanya Schree Cain, 33, of Clovis, N.M., was arrested on Nov. 20, 2015.
Members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the five federal fugitives (Rumaldo Varela Enriquez, Johnny Flowers, Octavio Herrera, Glen Joel Lester and Rona Antone Morin) are asked to contact the DEA in Las Cruces at (575) 526-0700. Tips also can be “texted” to Tip411.
Defendants Charged in Tribal Criminal Complaints
The following members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe are charged in Mescalero Apache Tribal Court with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine:
Geraldine Jacqueline Baca, 45 (not arrested)
Wynette R. Baca, 48
Niles Caje
Lydia Yolanda Cervantes, 57
Teresa Cooper
Raenette Rose Evans, 34
Louise Glossop, 28
Rosemary Harrington, 32
Timothy R. Johnson, 26
Cullen Kaydahzinne, 27
Theresa Rae Lester, 25 (not arrested)
Bryan P. Martinez, 32 (not arrested)
Ventura Peralta, 35
Sheri R. Platero, 36
Jeanette Robinson
Rebekah J. Victor, 32
Charges in indictments and criminal complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
