United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ROSWELL, N.M. - In spring 2017, federal, state and local agencies joined forces to disrupt and dismantle a criminal organization that allegedly was trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and numerous firearms in southeastern New Mexico.  Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney, Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Borak of the El Paso Division of the DEA, Special Agent in Charge John J. Durastanti of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and (ATF), Acting Special Agent in Charge Jack P. Staton of Homeland Security (HSI) in El Paso, U.S. Marshal Conrad E. Candelaria, and Commander James McCormick of the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force today announced the results of their investigative efforts, which included the filing of federal drug trafficking and firearms charges against 15 defendants.

The investigation, which was initiated by the DEA, ATF and the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, initially targeted a methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in southeastern New Mexico that allegedly was supplied by Daniel P. Bruton, 38, of Artesia, N.M., and Marcos A. Martinez, 30, of Roswell, N.M.  The investigative team quickly expanded to include HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, the New Mexico State Police, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, and the investigative targets expanded to include other alleged drug traffickers in Eddy and Chaves Counties.  The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.  During the investigation, which concluded with a major law enforcement operation yesterday, law enforcement authorities seized more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 44 firearms.

Based on the investigation, a federal grand jury returned five indictments on Oct. 5, 2017, charging 15 defendants with federal methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses.  One of the indictments charges 10 individuals, including Bruton and Martinez, who are alleged to be members of the criminal organization that was the original target of the investigation.  That 34-count indictment alleges that Bruton, Martinez and their co-defendants conspired to violate the federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws from May 2017 through Oct. 2017 in Eddy and Chaves Counties and elsewhere in New Mexico.  The indictment includes 55 overt acts that discuss the conspiracy’s operations, including the quantities of methamphetamine - ranging from multiple ounces to five pounds - allegedly distributed by the defendants on a routine basis.  It also describes the firearms - including assault rifles that allegedly were to be smuggled into Mexico - allegedly used by the defendants in relation to their drug trafficking activities. 

In announcing the results of the investigation, Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney said, “This investigation was a coordinated effort to crackdown on drug trafficking in Eddy and Chaves Counties and to improve the quality of life for the good people who live there.  It was part of our continuing statewide fight against drug trafficking and the violence that goes hand-in-hand with it.  The federal, state and local law enforcement community remains committed to keeping New Mexico’s smaller communities safe from drug trafficking organizations that think they can go unnoticed operating in our smaller cities and towns.”

“Yesterday’s arrests show the value of information sharing and coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to target criminal organizations that are responsible for the drug related violence in our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Borak of DEA’s El Paso Division.  “By working together to reduce drug trafficking and use across the Nation, we are making our communities safer and our families stronger.”

“The results of this enforcement initiative exceeded our expectations.  Our goal is simple:  by working together with our law enforcement partners in targeting armed traffickers and trigger pullers keeping them from interacting with the good people of New Mexico," stated Special Agent in Charge John J. Durastanti of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and (ATF).  “I wish to acknowledge the leadership of Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney and his office as these prosecutions move forward.”
Commander James McCormick of the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force said, “This was a good cooperative investigation that will have a large impact on trafficking methamphetamine and gun violence in our community.”

Twelve of the 15 defendants charged in the five federal indictments are in custody, including seven who were arrested during a major law enforcement operation yesterday.  Three defendants have yet to be arrested and are considered fugitives.

Martinez and Jason Cunningham, 37, of Carlsbad made their initial appearances in federal court in Las Cruces this morning.  They remain in federal custody pending detention hearings, which are schedule for Oct. 11, 2017, in Las Cruces. 

The following defendants made their initial appearances in federal court in Roswell this morning:  Daniel P. Bruton, 38, of Artesia, N.M., Sergio Mario Chavez, 33, of Artesia, 33, Kenneth R. Dickerson, 56, of Carlsbad, Isela Hernandez, 25, of Roswell, Joshua A. Masters, 42, of Carlsbad, Timothy G. Tanner, 28, of Carlsbad, Jerry O. Twaddle, 37, of Carlsbad, Ethen G. Watts, 27, of Carlsbad, Linda M. Watts, 28, of Carlsbad, and Randi I. Young, 25, of Carlsbad.   They remain in federal custody pending detention hearings, which are currently scheduled for Oct. 11, 2017, in Las Cruces.

Erick Miranda-Santos, 21, of Carlsbad, Robert C. Ponce, 42, of Artesia, and Chelcy Vasquez, 25, of Dexter, N.M., have yet to be arrested and are considered fugitives.  Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these fugitives is asked to contact the DEA, Las Cruces Resident Office at 575-526-0700.

“HSI will continue to work jointly with our law enforcement partners in its mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations that threaten public safety and national security,” said Jack P. Staton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “This enforcement operation exemplifies what that collaboration and team work can accomplish to make our communities safer.”

The U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico Conrad E. Candelaria said, “The apprehensions made yesterday illustrate the continued cooperation and vigilance of New Mexico’s law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. There is no doubt that the apprehension of these individuals will prevent further acts of criminal behavior and reduce the harm to our citizens in Southeastern New Mexico.”

These cases were investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Office of the DEA, ATF, HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, the New Mexico State Police, the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, the HIDTA Region VI Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office.  The following agencies participated in yesterday’s law enforcement operation in Carlsbad, Artesia and Roswell:  the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Office of Law Enforcement & Security, the HIDTA Region VI Lea County Drug Task Force, the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, the Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Task Force, the Artesia Police Department, the Carlsbad Police Department, the Hobbs Police Department, the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Roswell Police Department.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Clara N. Cobos and Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee L. Camacho of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the cases filed as the result of the investigation.

The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force.  The HIDTA Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Roswell Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the Chaves County Sherriff’s Office.  The High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.  HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.

Summary of the Federal Charges

Indictment in United States v. Daniel P. Bruton, et al., 17-CR-2690

Count 1 of the Indictment charges the 10 defendants with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  If convicted on this count, defendants Daniel P. Bruton, Marcos A. Martinez, Jerry. O. Twaddle, Ethen G. Watts, and Isela Hernandez each face a statutory penalty of a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.  If convicted, defendants Kenneth R. Dickerson, Robert C. Ponce and Erick L. Miranda-Santos each face a statutory penalty of a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine.  If convicted, defendants Linda M. Watts and Chelcy A. Vasquez each face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $1 million fine.

Counts 2, 3 and 25 charge certain defendants with distributing a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on each of these counts is imprisonment for 20 years and a $1 million fine.

Counts 4 and 5 charge one of the defendants with distributing more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on each of these counts is a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine.

Counts 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 24, 28, 29 and 32 charge certain defendants with using communication facilities to facilitate drug trafficking crimes.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on each of these counts is imprisonment for four years and a $250,000 fine.

Counts 8, 16, 18, 23, and 26 charge certain defendants with possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.  The statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.

Counts 9 and 20 charge certain defendants with possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for 20 years and a $1 million fine.

Counts 13 and 21 charge certain defendants with being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for 10 years and a $250,000 fine.

Counts 15 and 31 charge certain defendants with possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.  The statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.

Count 27 charges one defendant with possession of a firearm during an in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  The statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for not less than five years, which must be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed and a $250,000 fine.

Count 30 charges certain defendants with distribution of more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.  The statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.

Count 33 charges one defendant with attempt to possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance of methamphetamine.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for 20 years and a $1 million fine.

Count 34 charges one defendant with receiving, concealing and facilitating the transportation of four AR-15 assault rifles from the United States.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for 10 years and a $250,000 fine.

Charges against Defendants

Daniel P. Bruton, 38, of Artesia, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 6, 8-10, 12, 15 and 24-27 of the indictment.  Bruton was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017.

Marcos A. Martinez, 30, of Roswell, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 16, 22, 23, 28-30, 32 and 34 of the indictment.  Martinez was arrested on Oct. 1, 2017.

Jerry O. Twaddle, 37, of Carlsbad, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 19, 28 and 31 of the indictment.   Twaddle was transferred from state custody into federal custody on Oct. 5, 2017.

Ethen G. Watts, 27, of Carlsbad, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 2, 4-14 and 16-19 of the indictment.  Ethen Watts was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017.

Kenneth R. Dickerson, 56, of Carlsbad, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 17 and 18 of the indictment.  Dickerson was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017.

Robert C. Ponce, 42, of Carlsbad, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 11, 14, 20 and 21 of the indictment.  Ponce has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive.

Erick L. Miranda-Santos, 21, of Artesia, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 22 and 23 of the indictment.  Miranda-Santos has yet to be arrested and considered a fugitive.

Linda M. Watts, 28, of Carlsbad, N.M., is charged in Counts 1 through 3 of the indictment.  Linda Watts was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017.

Isela Hernandez, 25, of Roswell, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 29 and 30 of the indictment.  Hernandez was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017.

Chelcy A. Vasquez, 25, of Dexter, N.M., is charged in Counts 1, 32 and 33 of the indictment. Vasquez has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive. 

Indictment in United States v. Sergio Mario Chavez, 17-CR-2691

Sergio Mario Chavez, 33, of Artesia, N.M., is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine on July 18, 2017, in Eddy County, N.M.  The statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for is a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.  Chavez was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017.

Indictment in United States v. Jason R. Cunningham, 17-CR-2692

Jason R. Cunningham, 37, of Carlsbad, is charged with distributing a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine on Sept. 27, 2016, in Eddy County, N.M.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for 20 years and a $1 million fine. Cunningham was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017. 

Indictment in United States v. Joshua A. Masters, et al., 17-CR-2693

Joshua A. Masters, 42, and Randi I. Young, 25, both of Carlsbad, N.M., are charged with distributing methamphetamine on March 8, 2017, in Eddy County, N.M.  Masters also is charged with distributing methamphetamine on Jan. 26, 2017, in Eddy County, N.M.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on this count is imprisonment for 20 years and a $1 million fine.  Masters was arrested on Oct. 4, 2017, and Young was transferred from state custody to federal custody on Oct. 5, 2017.

Indictment in United States v. Timothy G. Tanner, 17-CR-2695

Timothy G. Tanner, 28, of Carlsbad, N.M., is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number on June 2, 2016, and possession of more than five grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Aug. 4, 2016, in Eddy County, N.M.  Tanner was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior convictions on drug trafficking and evidence tampering offenses.  The maximum statutory penalty for a conviction on the firearms charges is imprisonment for 10 years and a $250,000 fine.  The statutory penalty for a conviction on the methamphetamine trafficking charge is imprisonment for a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years and a $5 million fine.  Tanner is currently in state custody and will be transferred into federal custody to face the federal charges against him.

Charges in indictments and criminal complaints are only accusations.  Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The DEA El Paso Division encourages parents, and their children to visit the following interactive websites at www.justthinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.