Career Offender from California Sentenced to Twenty Years for Conviction on Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Marcos Anthony Correa, 31, of San Bernardino, Calif., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking and firearms convictions.

The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, 8th Judicial District Attorney Donald Gallegos, Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEA’s El Paso Division, Special Agent in Charge Thomas G. Atteberry of the Phoenix Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pete N. Kassetas of the New Mexico State Police.    

U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said that Correa, a career criminal, was prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior felony convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. 

“I am very grateful for this program and for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to get violent career criminals off our streets.  It is important that our communities know about the local/state/federal cooperation that is holding these criminals accountable,” said 8^th Judicial District Attorney Donald Gallegos.

Correa was charged in a four-count indictment filed on Aug. 12, 2014, with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The indictment was subsequently superseded on Sept. 9, 2014, to reflect an increase of the quantity of methamphetamine involved.  Correa was charged with committing the four offenses on May 30, 2014, in Colfax County, N.M.  At the time, Correa was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including evading a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance for sale, transporting a controlled substance with a participation in a criminal street gang enhancement and possession of heroin, resisting an officer.

Court records reflect that Correa was arrested on May 30, 2015, on related-state charges filed in the 8th Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico in Colfax County, N.M.  The state charges were dismissed in favor of federal prosecution.

On June 4, 2015, Correa pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  In entering the guilty plea, Correa admitted that on May 30, 2014, he possessed 87.3 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine that he intended to deliver to another person.  He further admitted possessing a semiautomatic pistol and ammunition in order to protect himself and his drugs in the event someone tried to rob him.

“This case highlights the impact we continue to have through the “worst of the worst” initiative.  We will continue to work together and pursue those who threaten our community through the smuggling and distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy.

“I commend the outstanding investigative efforts of all our law enforcement partners. ATF will continue to utilize the full weight of the federal firearms to reduce violent crime in New Mexico,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas G. Atteberry.
“The New Mexico State Police is committed to the safeguarding of our citizens and such apprehension of violent offenders is indicative of our ongoing efforts,” said New Mexico State Police Chief Pete N. Kassetas.  “We will continue partnering with law enforcement to ensure our citizens are safe and criminals are removed from the communities they jeopardize.”

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque offices of the DEA and ATF and the New Mexico State Police, with assistance from the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado prosecuted the case.