Date: 08-28-2016

Case Style: United States of America v. Steven M. Montoya

Case Number: 1:16-cr-01103-WJ

Judge: William P. Johnson

Court: United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (Bernalillo County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Eva Fontanez

Defendant's Attorney: Ben Wilson

Description: Albuquerque, NM - Albuquerque Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearm

Steven M. Montoya, 28, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty to violating the federal firearms laws. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Montoya will be sentenced to 52 months in prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.

Montoya was arrested on March 4, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm on March 3, 2016, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the complaint, on March 3, 2016, U.S. Probation (USPO) officers and FBI agents searched Montoya’s residence pursuant to the terms of his supervised release for his 2010 conviction on a cocaine trafficking charge. During the search, officers found a pistol, ammunition, a digital scale, $17,888 in cash, and four cellular phones containing messages requesting controlled substances from Montoya.

Montoya was indicted on the same charge on March 23, 2016. According to the indictment, Montoya was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted on involuntary manslaughter and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute.

During today’s proceedings, Montoya pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on March 3, 2016, USPO officers located and seized a pistol, ammunition, a digital scale, $17,888 in cash, and four cellular phones while executing a search of his residence. Montoya further admitted that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions. Montoya remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the USPO.

Outcome: Defendant pleaded guilty and will be sentenced to 52 months in prison.

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