Georgia Couple Arrested in New Mexico on Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges

ALBUQUERQUE – Alex Thomas Burns, 24, of Atlanta, Ga., and Riana Latel Cunningham, 22, of Stockebridge, Ga., entered not guilty pleas this morning to a criminal complaint charging them with methamphetamine trafficking charges.

Burns and Cunningham were arrested on Feb. 3, 2015, in Albuquerque, N.M., on a criminal complaint charging them with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  According to the criminal complaint, Burns and Cunningham were arrested after officers allegedly found more than nine kilograms of methamphetamine in their vehicle during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 on the west side of Albuquerque.  The methamphetamine was found after Burns allegedly consented to have the officer search the vehicle.

If convicted of the charges in the criminal complaint, Burns and Cunningham each face a statutory maximum penalty of not less than ten years and not more than life in prison.  Charges in complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce of Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel R. Meyers.