A Las Cruces resident, Guillermo Yanez, 47, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. The sentencing follows an incident on May 15, 2024, when officers from the Las Cruces Police Department attempted to arrest Yanez on an outstanding warrant from El Paso, Texas related to tampering with evidence in a narcotics case.
When approached by law enforcement, Yanez fled on foot and jumped into an apartment complex. Officers observed him reaching into his waistband during the pursuit. Less-lethal munitions were deployed but did not stop him. He was eventually apprehended and found with methamphetamine and cash in his pocket.
A subsequent search of the area led officers to a container that held fentanyl-laced pills and powdered fentanyl. In total, authorities recovered about 50 grams of pure methamphetamine and 99 grams of fentanyl. During a post-arrest interview, Yanez admitted ownership of the drugs and said he had thrown the fentanyl container while fleeing. He also stated he distributed drugs to support his own methamphetamine use.
Yanez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute both substances. Upon release from prison, he will be under supervised release for four years.
“There is no parole in the federal system.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office announced the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from local police and metro narcotics agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted.
