Traffic stop leads to firearm charges in Operation Legend case

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jose Gamboa, 38, of Albuquerque made an appearance Sept. 18 in federal court, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. A detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.

            According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 5, Gamboa allegedly possessed firearm and ammunition while driving in Albuquerque. Gamboa allegedly purchased the gun illegally “on the streets” for $450 knowing he could not lawfully possess it because of prior convictions. Gamboa was convicted in 2008 for importation of marijuana.

            If convicted, Gamboa faces up to 10 years in prison. A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            The FBI Violent Crime Task Force and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice's Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Walsh is prosecuting the case.