Las Cruces man sentenced to 24 years for heroin possession

Update (December 10, 2024): Officers found and arrested Crawford on November 25, 2024. He was sentenced to 24 years today.

Several of Crawford's family members spoke and pleaded with the judge for leniency. Prosecutors argued that Crawford's criminal history and flight from his trial "indicated his absence of remorse and responsibility."

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A Las Cruces jury found 42-year-old Daniel Crawford guilty of heroin possession with intent to traffic.

Las Cruces Metro Narcotics agents caught Crawford in July 2020. They found drugs and equipment to make drugs, as well as conversations on his phone setting up drug transactions.

Court officials say that during a trial lunch break, Crawford left and did not return. The trial kept going, ending with a guilty verdict. Now the court says that if Crawford fails to show up for his sentencing, officials will issue a warrant.