Man from Albuquerque sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempted robbery

          ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – Israfil Madriaga, 23, of Albuquerque, was sentenced on June 16 in federal court to 15 years and nine months in prison for attempted interference with commerce by robbery and violence, using, carrying and discharging a firearm in furtherance during and in relation to a crime of violence and possessing a firearm in furtherance of such crime.

          Madriaga pleaded guilty to these offenses on June 12, 2019. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, on or about Oct. 6, 2017, Madriaga entered a Chervon gas station in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, armed with the intent of robbing it. Madriaga pointed his firearm at an employee and demanded money from the cash register. In fear for his life, the victim lunged at Madriaga in an attempt to take away the firearm, and Madriaga shot the victim. Madriaga then pointed his weapon at the victim and ordered him to open the cash register. The victim, who lay seriously injured and bleeding on the floor, was unable to open the register. After failing to open the cash register himself, Madriaga fled the gas station. The victim required immediate surgery and was hospitalized for 21 days due to the gunshot injury inflicted by Madriaga.

          Upon his release from prison, Madriaga will subject to three years of supervised release.

          The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department and Rio Rancho Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eva M. Fontanez and Niki Tapia-Brito prosecuted the case.