Armed Career Criminal from Roswell Pleads Guilty to Federal
Firearms and Drug Trafficking Charges
ALBUQUERQUE – Raymond Lariva, 30, of Roswell, N.M., pleaded
guilty this morning in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to federal firearms
and drug trafficking charges. The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney
Damon P. Martinez, 5th Judicial District Attorney Janetta B. Hicks, Special
Agent in Charge Bernard J. Zapor of the Phoenix Division of the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Phil Smith of the
Roswell Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said that Lariva was
prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the
worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative,
the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New
Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement
agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the
goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as
possible.
"We are pleased to join our federal partners in
removing these violent offenders from our community," said 5th Judicial
District Attorney Janetta B. Hicks.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard J. Zapor said taking
violent criminals off the streets and putting them behind bars has always been
a focus of ATF. “We commend the agents and officers who repeatedly risk their
lives to remove these violent offenders from our communities. I wish to
recognize the leadership of U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and his office for
their relentless prosecution of these violent offenders.”
Court records reflect that Lariva was arrested in Roswell on
state charges in Dec. 31, 2012, after he attempted to avoid capture on an
outstanding state warrant. On Oct. 15, 2013, Lariva was transferred to federal
custody to face related federal charges in a criminal complaint that had been
filed in Jan. 2013. The state charges subsequently were dismissed in favor of
federal prosecution.
According to court filings, on Dec. 31, 2012, an officer of
the Roswell Police Department came upon Lariva while responding to a call. The
officer, who recognized Lariva and was aware of a pending warrant for his
arrest, attempted to make contact with Lariva. Lariva took off running and a
foot chase ensued. During the chase, Lariva threw a small black pouch over his
shoulder followed by a phone case, identification card and other items. After
Lariva was arrested, officers retrieved the black pouch which contained
numerous small baggies containing methamphetamine. On Jan. 3, 2013, after
reviewing recorded telephone calls made by Lariva while in state custody,
officers found a loaded pistol and Lariva’s cellphone on the rooftop of a
building in the area in which the pursuit had taken place.
Lariva was indicted on Jan. 15, 2014, and charged with (1)
being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; (2) using and carrying
a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and (3)
possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleged
that Lariva committed the offenses charged in Chaves County, N.M., on Dec. 31,
2012. At the time, Lariva was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition
because he previously had been convicted of robbery, possession of a controlled
substance, conspiracy to commit burglary and being a felon in possession of a
firearm.
During today’s proceedings, Lariva entered a guilty plea to
the three-count indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
Lariva has been in federal custody since his arrest and
remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Lariva faces an enhanced sentence of not less than 15 years to life in prison
on the felon in possession and methamphetamine charges based on his status as
an armed career offender. He also will be sentenced to a mandatory five years
in prison for using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime which must be
served consecutive to the prison sentence imposed on the other two charges.
This case was investigated by the Roswell office of the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roswell Police
Department with assistance from the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces
Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
No comments:
Post a Comment