Man from Las Vegas, New Mexico pleads guilty to federal charge of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

      ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Anthony Paul Salazar, 23, of Las Vegas, New Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Jan. 14 to a charge of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (cocaine base).

            In Salazar’s plea agreement, he admitted committing this offense in San Miguel County on Sept. 19, 2019.  Salazar stored 31 bundles of crack cocaine in a film container at his home in Las Vegas.  He intended to sell this crack cocaine.  The FBI and New Mexico State Police arrested Salazar and seized the drugs during the execution of a federal search warrant at his residence.

            Salazar is currently out of custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces up to 20 years in prison. 

            The FBI investigated this case with the New Mexico State Police.   Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.