Felon from Artesia Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

ALBUQUERQUE – Martin O. Madrid, 29, of Artesia, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to violating the federal firearms laws by unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.  Madrid entered the guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement

Madrid, whose prior criminal history includes felony convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse, battery against a household member, extortion, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, is being prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets violent, repeat 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 criminal convictions for federal prosecution offenders with the goal of making communities in New Mexico safer places for people to live and work.

Madrid was arrested on May 4, 2018, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition on April 18, 2018, in Eddy County, N.M.  According to the complaint, law enforcement officers responded to a missing person call for service on April 18, 2018.  During the search for the missing person, who was found in the company of Madrid, officers arrested Madrid on an outstanding arrest warrant.  Officers seized a loaded firearm and ammunition from Madrid incident to his arrest.

 Madrid was indicted on July 18, 2018, and was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  Madrid was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon. 

At sentencing, Madrid faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison.  He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Selesia L. Winston of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.