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Press Release

U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing in Las Cruces Firearm Possession Case

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for being a prohibited possessor of a firearm and ammunition, following an investigation into drug trafficking allegations.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, in early 2023, the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Las Cruces Police Department began investigating Gabriel Lionel Garcia, 20, for his involvement in violent crime and drug trafficking. On February 15, 2024, law enforcement attempted to stop Garcia 's vehicle, but he fled recklessly. After a pursuit, Garcia was detained at his residence.

A search of his vehicle uncovered an AR-15 style rifle, ammunition, including a 60 round drum magazine, approximately 787 grams of suspected marijuana, and $2,244 in cash.

A picture containing outdoor, weapon

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Garcia admitted ownership of the rifle and drugs, stating he was prepared to fire when first encountered by law enforcement.

A picture containing several, clothes

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Garcia, who is an illegal user of controlled substances, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office and Las Cruces Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting the case.

Updated March 11, 2025

Topic
Firearms Offenses
Press Release Number: 25-93