Multi Agency Law Enforcement Investigation Targets Violent Crime in Albuquerque
A multi-agency law enforcement investigation targeting firearm-related violent crime in southeast Albuquerque concluded on March 29, 2019, with an operation that included the execution of two federal arrest warrants, three state arrest warrants, and 15 federal search warrants.
During the operation, officers arrested 20 additional individuals on state narcotics and firearms charges, in addition to the five arrested on arrest warrants, and seized significant quantities of illegal drugs and weapons.
Federal authorities also filed detainers against six individuals currently in state custody based on federal arrest warrants issued as the result of the investigation.
Photo/Amber Avalona
The FBI, New Mexico State Police, and Albuquerque Police Department led the operation on Friday, and were assisted by the New Mexico Department of Corrections, New Mexico National Guard, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
Agents and officers seized 21 firearms, two stolen vehicles, 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and 1 pound of heroin.
Jeyden Bailey Barnhill, 24, and Samuel Ricardo Perez, 31, were arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging them with armed robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce, carjacking, and firearms offenses.
A detainer was filed against their co-defendant, Jared Christopher Barnhill, 28, who faces similar charges and is currently in state custody.
Detainers also were filed against the following five individuals who are facing federal charges as a result of the investigation and are currently in state custody:
Curtis Busker, 32, charged with bank robbery;
Joseph Chavez, 33, charged with using a knife to rob a business engaged in interstate commerce;
David Drake, 31, charged with being an addict in possession of a firearm and ammunition, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a short-barrel shotgun;
Derrick Mitchell, 32, charged with using threats of violence to rob a business engaged in interstate commerce;
Aaron Tom, 35, charged with using threats of violence to rob a business engaged in interstate commerce.
Charges in criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
