(The Center Square) – Two residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico, have been charged with separate fentanyl-related federal offenses this week, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
In one case, Jennifer Lynn Miller faces charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with escape for leaving the custody of Maya’s Place, a facility where she was legally confined. The 43-year-old will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
On September 21, 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a search warrant at the Querque Hotel and found several bundles of fentanyl and suspected meth in a room Miller allegedly rented.
Agents found a Bill of Sale in the room for a vehicle or vessel where the buyer’s name was listed as “Jennifer Miller.” Plus, the agents saw the name was associated with the room rental and the credit card used for the room purchase. Also, the address and phone number linked with the room rental were associated with the name “Miller.”
As a part of Miller’s release conditions pending indictment, Miller was released into a transitional housing program on October 10, 2023. However, she escaped 13 days later.
If convicted, Miller faces between 10 years and a life sentence for each of the drug offenses and up to five years of prison for the escape charge.
Additionally, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment against 42-year-old Buddy Eugene Gallegos. He faces three counts of possession with intent to distribute, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On April 13, 2022, Gallegos allegedly possessed 11 firearms and ammunition despite being a convicted felon. He allegedly did this to help with trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. If convicted, he faces up to a life sentence in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division investigated the case, while Assistant United States Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado is prosecuting it.
