Las Cruces, NM man pleads guilty to methamphetamine trafficking

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A Las Cruces man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to methamphetamine trafficking charges.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case.

Benjamin David Romero, 38, and co-defendant Roque Henry Atencio, 42, both of Las Cruces, were arrested Feb. 6 on a criminal complaint charging them with methamphetamine trafficking.  According to the complaint, Romero and Atencio sold two bags containing an aggregate of 47.35 grams of pure methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement agents in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, on April 2, 2015. 

Romero and Atencio were indicted April 21, 2016, and charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distributing methamphetamine. The indictment included forfeiture allegations requiring Romero and Atencio to forfeit $2,000 to the United States. 

During Thursday’s proceedings, Romero pleaded guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.  At sentencing, Romero faces a statutory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison.  Romero remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

Atencio has entered a not guilty plea, and is awaiting trial.  Charges in complaints and indictments are only accusations.  All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna R. Wright of the District of New Mexico’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting this case.