Man from Deming, New Mexico faces federal meth trafficking charge

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Lorenzo Sanchez, 39, of Deming, New Mexico, appeared in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico today for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

            According to the criminal complaint, Sanchez allegedly possessed approximately 809 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle at the time of a traffic stop in Luna County, New Mexico on Aug. 22, 2019. Sanchez also allegedly possessed $5,000 from selling narcotics.

            On April 23, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations and other law enforcement agencies tried to arrest Sanchez at a home between Deming and Columbus, New Mexico on an arrest warrant issued in federal court. However, Sanchez barricaded himself inside the home.  After a three-hour standoff, Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Sanchez without incident. 

            Sanchez is currently in custody pending a detention hearing on April 30.  If convicted, he faces up to life imprisonment for the charged offenses.   A criminal complaint is only an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

            The Homeland Security Investigations and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Border Drug Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Saltman is prosecuting this case.