California Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Charge in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Orlando Sanchez, Jr., 39, of Montclaire, Calif., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge.

Sanchez was arrested on a criminal complaint on Jan. 31, 2014, after a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy executed a traffic stop on his vehicle for a careless driving violation.  A consensual search of Sanchez’s vehicle revealed that Sanchez was transporting approximately one pound of methamphetamine concealed in the engine compartment of his vehicle.  Sanchez subsequently was indicted on Feb. 26, 2014, and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Jan. 30, 2014, in Bernalillo County, N.M.

Today, Sanchez entered a guilty plea to a felony information charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  In entering the guilty plea, Sanchez admitted that on Jan. 30, 2014, he unlawfully possessed approximately 431.8 grams of methamphetamine with the intention of transporting it east to be sold in other states.

Sanchez has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.  At sentencing, Sanchez faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by at least three years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting this case.