U.S. Attorney's Office Secures 14-Year Sentence for Arizona Drug Trafficker

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses following his arrest at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in New Mexico in 2023.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on April 27, 2023, David Maldonado, 44, entered a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 70, west of Alamogordo, New Mexico. A Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of illegal substances in Maldonado's vehicle.

Upon further inspection, agents discovered multiple illegal substances in Maldonado's backpack, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, psychedelic mushrooms, and marijuana. Agents also found a handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, and 69 rounds of ammunition. Maldonado, who was previously convicted of numerous felonies, is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Upon his release from prison, Maldonado will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Davon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.