Friday, May 21, 2021

Woman from Farmington faces federal firearm, drug-trafficking charges

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mariah Jones, 30, of Farmington, New Mexico, was arraigned on May 20 in federal court on a three-count indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal grand jury indicted Jones on April 23. Jones will remain in custody pending trial.

            According to the indictment, on Feb. 24, 2020, in San Juan County, New Mexico, Jones allegedly was in possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine as well as a rifle. As a previously convicted felon, Jones cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition, and it is a crime to possess a firearm in relation to or in the furtherance of drug trafficking.

            An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Jones faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.

            The FBI and the Region II Narcotics Task Force in Farmington investigated this case with assistance from the Probation and Parole Office of the New Mexico Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.

No comments: