By Roger Lanse

Twelve individuals are facing methamphetamine trafficking charges as the result of a U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration-led investigation targeting a methamphetamine trafficking ring operating in Grant County. According to a federal indictment, the 13-month investigation ended Thursday, April 30, during an early morning law enforcement operation. The command center for the event was the National Guard Armory near Santa Clara.

The charges against the defendants are the result of an investigation that began in March 2014, aiming at a drug trafficking organization, allegedly led by Daniel Lee Jacquez, 33, of Silver City, that distributed methamphetamine in Grant County.

Arrested were: Jacquez, Toby Chapin Padilla, 43, of Santa Clara; Judah Grande Mondello, 30, of Arenas Valley; Eric James Ruiz, 36, of Arenas Valley; Gilbert J. Moreno, 25, of Silver City, and Anthony R. Davila, 24, of Silver City.

The remaining six were: Gary Lee Romero Jr., 30, of Santa Clara; Crystal Medina Gomez, 49, of Silver City; Kevin R. Carter, 53, of Glenwood; Lynette Medina, 41, of Silver City; Freddy J. Lucero, 46, of Silver City; and Bernice Holguin Miranda, 49, of Silver City.

The 12 alleged members of the methamphetamine trafficking ring are charged in a 34-count indictment that alleges a drug trafficking conspiracy, a series of substantive drug trafficking offenses, and a firearms offense. Count 1 alleges that from March 2014 through April 2015, all 12 conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Grant County. Eight counts charge certain defendants with distributing or possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 24 counts charge certain defendants with using communication devices (telephone) to facilitate drug trafficking crimes, and one charges a defendant with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The 12 defendants will make their initial appearances in federal court on Friday, May 1.

In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said, "Today we embarked on a coordinated effort to crackdown on drug trafficking in Grant County and improve the quality of life for people who live there. Today's arrests are part of our statewide fight against drug trafficking. The federal law enforcement community remains committed to safeguarding families throughout New Mexico."

During today's law enforcement operation, officers executed federal search warrants at seven residences and one business in Grant County. Seizures during the 13-month investigation, including today, total about seven ounces of meth, several pounds of marijuana, approximately $17,000 in cash, 28 firearms, three vehicles and seven motorcycles.

The case was investigated by the Las Cruces offices of the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Marshals Service and the New Mexico State Police participated in today's law enforcement operation. Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Garreth Winstead of the U.S. Attorney's Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting this case.

Charges in indictments are only accusations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.