Albuquerque Man Charged with Violating the Hobbs Act and Federal Firearms Laws

ALBUQUERQUE – Raiff Hayes, 24, of Albuquerque, N.M., made his initial appearance in federal court this morning on a criminal complaint charging him with violating the Hobbs Act and federal firearms laws by robbing a commercial business at gunpoint.  Hayes remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for tomorrow morning.

The criminal complaint, which was filed on Aug. 5, 2015, alleges that Hayes robbed ABQ Interlock, a business located at 2444 Menaul Blvd. NE in Albuquerque on the afternoon of July 27, 2015.  According to surveillance video from ABQ Interlock, Hayes allegedly pointed a firearm at two employees, fired a shot into the ceiling, placed a bag on the counter, and demanded that the employees place cash into his bag.  On July 28, 2015, one of the employees allegedly identified Hayes as the robber from a photo array.  

Hayes was arrested on the federal charges on Aug. 18, 2015, after he was transferred to federal custody from state custody where he was being held on related state charges.

If convicted on the Hobbs Act charge, Hayes faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.  If convicted of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, Hayes faces a statutory mandatory minimum of ten years that must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the Hobbs Act charge.  Defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the ATF office in Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Police Department with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman Cairns is prosecuting the case.