Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Charge in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Toni Baldonado, 25, of Tucson, Ariz., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking.  Baldonado entered her guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Baldonado after seizing approximately 1.55 kilograms (3.42 pounds) of methamphetamine from her luggage during an interdiction investigation in Albuquerque on June 17, 2016.  Baldonado was indicted on July 12, 2016, and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

According to court documents, Baldonado admitted that she was transporting the methamphetamine from Phoenix, Ariz., to Denver, Colo., in exchange for payment.  At sentencing, Baldonado faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison.  A sentencing has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. Spiers.