New Mexico man pleads guilty to methamphetamine trafficking

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A New Mexico man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to methamphetamine trafficking charges under a plea agreement, and following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Ruben David Martinez III, 29, of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, was arrested in May and charged by criminal complaint with possessing methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute May 16 in Sierra County, New Mexico.

According to the criminal complaint, Martinez threw plastic bags containing more than 40 grams of methamphetamine and 9.22 grams of heroin from his vehicle as he fled from law enforcement officers, who were attempting to execute a traffic stop on his vehicle.

After the officers apprehended Martinez, they executed a search warrant on his vehicle and residence and seized 69.8 grams of methamphetamine, pills, multiple cellular phones, cash and drug paraphernalia.

During Tuesday’s change-of-plea hearing, Martinez pleaded guilty to a felony information charging him with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  In entering his guilty plea, Martinez admitted that on May 16 he possessed about 49 grams of methamphetamine when Sierra County (New Mexico) Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated a traffic stop and later arrested him.  Martinez further admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to other people.

At sentencing, Martinez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing that has yet to be scheduled.

New Mexico State Police and the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this investigation. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Beck, District of New Mexico, is prosecuting this case.