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United States of America v. Jaime Lopez
Date: 08-11-2025
Case Number: 2:25-cr-00608
Judge: Margaret I. Strickland
Court: The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (Dona Ana County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque
Defendant's Attorney: Click Here For The Best Las Cruces, New Mexico Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory
Las Cruces, New Mexico criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Fentanyl Trafficking and Illegal Firearm Possession
Doña Ana Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking and Illegal Firearm Possession
A previously convicted felon was sentenced to 96 months in prison after agents recovered fentanyl and a stolen firearm during an attempted arrest in Las Cruces.
On May 21, 2024, FBI task force officers and Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics agents attempted to stop a vehicle associated with an ongoing investigation into fentanyl trafficking. The driver, later identified as Jaime Lopez, 35, fled at a high rate of speed, and officers did not pursue due to public safety concerns. Agents later determined the vehicle had recently been purchased by Lopez and that he was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant for failure to appear.
Approximately three hours later, agents located the vehicle again in Las Cruces and observed Lopez exit a public establishment with two other individuals. As officers approached, Lopez fled on foot, discarding a package later found to contain approximately 690 fentanyl pills. Officers pursued and arrested Lopez a short time later.
Agents recovered a stolen handgun from a backpack inside the vehicle. In a post-arrest interview, Lopez admitted he fled because of the outstanding warrant and discarded the pills to avoid getting caught with them. He also admitted to possessing the firearm for protection, stating that he had previously sold drugs in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and feared retaliation from former associates.
At the time of the offense, Lopez was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions, including a 2005 conviction for second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder.
Lopez subsequently pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics, the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted the case.
96 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to five years of supervised release.
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Jaime Lopez?
The outcome was: 96 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Lopez will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Which court heard United States of America v. Jaime Lopez?
This case was heard in The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (Dona Ana County), NM. The presiding judge was Margaret I. Strickland.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Jaime Lopez?
Plaintiff's attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Las Cruces, New Mexico Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Jaime Lopez decided?
This case was decided on August 11, 2025.