Federal prosecution of a prison gang that began in the New Mexico prison system and grew into an intimidating criminal enterprise has been completed, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced Monday.The Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico was a major force in drug and gun trafficking utilizing murder, kidnapping, and other brutal methods to stay in power, and requiring acts of violence from those aspiring to become members.The federal investigation used undercover drug and firearm purchases, confidential sources, and court-ordered wiretaps to uncover SNM and other gangs trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in prisons and communities throughout the state.Among the highlights:–156 people were federally indicted for 325 overt acts between 1980-2024.– SNM members were charged of 13 murders, including the 2001 cold-case strangulation of two inmates in state facilities, and the 2007 and 2014 killing of two inmates suspected by SNM leaders of cooperating with law-enforcement.– A conspiracy in 2015 to assassinate the Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Corrections Department and high-ranking members of the New Mexico State Police was disrupted. It was intended as retaliation for the conviction of an SNM member who murdered Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jim McGrance.– The convictions of SNM’s leaders were upheld by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in October 2022, reinforcing the application of federal racketeering laws to prison-based criminal enterprises.– Six jury trials resulted in none convictions.– SNM members Anthony Ray Baca, Jody Rufino Martinez, Robert Padilla, Angel DeLeon, Joe Gallegos, Edward Troup, Carlos Hererra, Anthony Cordova, Arturo Arnulfo Garcia, Billy Garcia, Daniel Sanchez, and Sam Silva were all sentenced to life in prison.– Execution of 16 federal search warrants on Sept. 1, 2022, seized $1.8 million in cash, 1.1 million fentanyl pills, and 160 lbs. of methamphetamine.”It is impossible to overstate the enormity of this investigation,” said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. “For more than a decade, our team and partners stayed committed to dismantling violent crime and delivering justice for the victims and communities most impacted by this gang’s violence.”
Federal prosecution of a prison gang that began in the New Mexico prison system and grew into an intimidating criminal enterprise has been completed, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced Monday.
The Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico was a major force in drug and gun trafficking utilizing murder, kidnapping, and other brutal methods to stay in power, and requiring acts of violence from those aspiring to become members.
The federal investigation used undercover drug and firearm purchases, confidential sources, and court-ordered wiretaps to uncover SNM and other gangs trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in prisons and communities throughout the state.
Among the highlights:
–156 people were federally indicted for 325 overt acts between 1980-2024.
— SNM members were charged of 13 murders, including the 2001 cold-case strangulation of two inmates in state facilities, and the 2007 and 2014 killing of two inmates suspected by SNM leaders of cooperating with law-enforcement.
— A conspiracy in 2015 to assassinate the Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Corrections Department and high-ranking members of the New Mexico State Police was disrupted. It was intended as retaliation for the conviction of an SNM member who murdered Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jim McGrance.
— The convictions of SNM’s leaders were upheld by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in October 2022, reinforcing the application of federal racketeering laws to prison-based criminal enterprises.
— Six jury trials resulted in none convictions.
— SNM members Anthony Ray Baca, Jody Rufino Martinez, Robert Padilla, Angel DeLeon, Joe Gallegos, Edward Troup, Carlos Hererra, Anthony Cordova, Arturo Arnulfo Garcia, Billy Garcia, Daniel Sanchez, and Sam Silva were all sentenced to life in prison.
— Execution of 16 federal search warrants on Sept. 1, 2022, seized $1.8 million in cash, 1.1 million fentanyl pills, and 160 lbs. of methamphetamine.
“It is impossible to overstate the enormity of this investigation,” said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. “For more than a decade, our team and partners stayed committed to dismantling violent crime and delivering justice for the victims and communities most impacted by this gang’s violence.”
