Solomon Peña, a former candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives, has been sentenced to 80 years in prison after being found guilty of organizing shootings at the homes of public officials and plotting to kill witnesses following his defeat in the November 2022 election.
Court documents and trial evidence showed that Peña, 42, lost his bid for District 14 during the midterm elections. Afterward, he falsely claimed election fraud and pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners not to certify the results. When they refused, Peña recruited Jose Trujillo and Demetrio Trujillo to carry out shootings at several officials’ homes. He provided cash, instructions, addresses, and personally took part in one attack. One shooting involved a fully automatic machine gun; bullets struck areas where children had recently been or were sleeping.
After his arrest, Peña attempted to have Jose and Demetrio Trujillo killed to prevent them from testifying against him. He offered other inmates money and a vehicle in exchange for their deaths.
On March 23, 2025, a federal jury convicted Peña on all counts: conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm, four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities, four counts related to using or carrying a firearm during violent crimes, and three counts of solicitation to commit violence.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in our elections,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “This sentence shows that through the tireless work of our agents and prosecutors we will protect our democracy and bring offenders to justice.”
“The FBI is committed to protecting the American people and bringing justice to those who try to harm others and disrupt our democratic processes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell. “We are grateful for our local and federal partners who worked tirelessly to ensure Solomon Peña is no longer a harm to the public.”
Peña will also face three years of supervised release after prison as well as restitution payments and a $250,000 fine.
Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty on charges including conspiracy; interference with federally protected activities; using, carrying, or discharging a firearm during violent crime; as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He received a sentence of 37 months in prison.
Demetrio Trujillo pleaded guilty on similar charges including two counts related to interference with federally protected activities; two firearms offenses (including discharging); plus conspiracy. He was sentenced to 180 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office along with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for New Mexico as well as Trial Attorney William Gullotta from the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
