Las Cruces brothers sentenced for drug trafficking, firearms offenses
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- Two Las Cruces brothers received prison sentences after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearms offenses, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico said.
Thirty-two-year-old Eddie Linarez and 28-year-old Nathan Quintana were sentenced in federal court after law enforcement seized fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and multiple guns while searching their home and truck.
Court documents said that on March 7, 2024, federal and local authorities executed a search warrant at the brothers' home. They detained Linarez in the driveway and searched his truck and home.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said agents found a backpack with methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, a loaded gun and $7,000 in cash.
(Courtesy: USAONM)
In Quintana's bedroom, agents found five guns. Officials said one of the guns was next to a bag containing fentanyl. In the closet, agents found more fentanyl and cocaine.
Agents found more narcotics, a digital scale with narcotics residue and $2,000 in cash in other parts of the home, officials said.
(Courtesy: USAONM)
On March 6, 20246, FBI and Metro Narcotics agents executed a second search warrant at the home. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Linarez approached the home around the same time and drove away at a high rate of speed when agents tried to stop him.
During the pursuit, Linarez drove around a stopped school bus and entered into oncoming traffic, officials said. Agents later lost sight of him and ended the pursuit.
Linarez surrendered to law enforcement six days later, officials said.
Linarez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
He was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Quintana pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
He was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
There's no parole in the federal system.
