ALBUQUERQUE – Rufino Jody Martinez, 40, of Santa Fe County,
N.M., made an initial appearance in federal court today on a criminal complaint
charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The
charges against Martinez are the result of an FBI-led multi-agency effort to
reduce violent crime in northern New Mexico communities. U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson, Special Agent
in Charge James C. Langenberg of the FBI Albuquerque Division, New Mexico State
Police Chief Tim Johnson, and Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced
the results of the multi-agency collaboration today in a series of press
releases.
“Reducing
violent crime in America is one of the Department of Justice’s highest
priorities,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Federici. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to
working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect
the safety of New Mexicans by dismantling the violent criminal organizations
that are responsible for so much of the violence in our communities, jails, and
prisons.”
“The FBI
has been working closely with our law enforcement partners for years to weaken
and eventually eliminate this violent prison gang, arresting approximately 160
of its members and associates,” said Special Agent in Charge James C.
Langenberg. “This latest arrest should
send a clear message that those who plot to undermine the security of our
communities and correctional system will be held accountable.”
“Today’s operation should make citizens of
New Mexico proud in that many law enforcement agencies worked together for a
common goal; to eliminate violent career criminals from our communities,” said
New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson.
“80 New Mexico State Police officers were assigned to take part in
today’s successful operation. The New Mexico State Police is excited to be part
of the Violent Crimes Task Force. New
Mexico State Police will continue to work together with law enforcement partners
and conduct proactive police operations, targeting the most dangerous criminals
in New Mexico. The New Mexico State Police is committed to addressing the
concerns of New Mexicans impacted by crime.”
“Working
in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement agencies is an
important aspect of public safety, said Sheriff Mendoza. “This operation and arrest is a collaborative
effort to enforce current state and federal gun laws to ensure that those who
unlawfully posses firearms and terrorize our communities will be brought to
justice.” According to the
criminal complaint, Martinez allegedly committed this offense on October 24,
2018. The complaint alleges Martinez
went to a residence in Cuarteles, N.M., where he shot another man in the
groin. The victim drove himself to the
hospital and received medical attention following the shooting. Martinez allegedly also possessed additional
ammunition at his home on this date.
Martinez was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on
previous felony convictions for aggravated battery, battery upon a police
officer, attempted robbery, and possession of controlled substances.
Martinez
is currently in custody awaiting trial.
He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charged
offense. A complaint is only an
accusation. A criminal defendant is
presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The
Albuquerque office of the FBI investigated this case with the New Mexico State
Police, New Mexico Corrections Department, and Santa Fe County Sheriff’s
Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from
the Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case as part of the OCDETF
Program, a nationwide Department of Justice program that combines the resources
and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts,
in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking
organizations.
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