Larry Mitchell Hopkins pleads guilty to federal firearm charge in New Mexico

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Larry Mitchell Hopkins, who is also known as Johnny Horton Jr., 70, of Flora Vista, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            A grand jury indicted Hopkins for this offense on April 24, 2019.  In his plea agreement, Hopkins admitted committing this offense in San Juan County by possessing nine pistols, rifles, and shotguns on Nov. 28, 2017.  Hopkins also admitted possessing ammunition after being previously convicted of felony offenses in Michigan, Oregon, and South Dakota, including illegal weapon possession and impersonating a peace officer.

            Hopkins is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces up to 10 years in prison for this offense.

            The FBI investigated this case.  The Sunland Park Police Department assisted in arresting Hopkins.  Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Kraehe is prosecuting the case.