A man from Albuquerque, Jerry Bezie, 36, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentence follows an investigation by the FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force that began after Bezie displayed gang ties, weapons, and large amounts of cash on social media.
On March 23, 2023, agents executed a search warrant at Bezie’s home in the South Valley. During the search, law enforcement found a loaded pistol under a bag of Xanax pills in the master bedroom, blue fentanyl pills marked “M-30” near a toilet, and a backpack with crystal methamphetamine next to a semi-automatic assault rifle. Another pistol was located beside a bag of cash. In Bezie’s Hummer H2 parked outside, authorities discovered about 114,000 fentanyl pills stored in a diaper box.
Bezie admitted ownership of the drugs, firearms, and cash and told agents he tried to flush some pills down the toilet. In total, investigators seized more than seven kilograms of methamphetamine, over 100,000 fentanyl pills, $64,000 in cash, several firearms, and body armor.
While detained at Cibola County Correctional Center awaiting trial, Bezie continued illegal activities including drug trafficking and smuggling contraband. He also took part in an assault on a correctional officer.
Bezie pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as firearm charges related to drug trafficking. Upon release from prison he will serve five years of supervised release.
As part of his sentence Bezie must forfeit $64,000 in cash along with multiple vehicles—including two motorcycles and two trailers—his residence in Albuquerque, five firearms with ammunition, ballistic vests, jewelry, a gold-colored money counter and seven cell phones.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Violent Gang Task Force with support from local law enforcement agencies including the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec prosecuted the case.
