Albuquerque man charged with robbery under Operation Legend

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jose Armijo, 36, of Albuquerque made an appearance in federal court today facing two counts of robbery by threats and violence. Armijo remains in custody.

            According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 30, 2018, Armijo allegedly entered a retail store with several accomplices and began placing high-value items into backpacks and laundry bags. As Armijo and his accomplices approached the store exit, Armijo allegedly brandished a firearm to threaten the store manager and security guard and left the store with stolen merchandise.

            On July 16, according to the complaint, Armijo and two accomplices allegedly entered another retail store and began collecting a large amount of merchandise. Armijo allegedly became verbally aggressive to a store employee at the same time his accomplices were leaving the store with stolen items. As Armijo attempted to leave the store with several items, including the cellular phone of a second store employee, he allegedly assaulted and threatened to shoot the first employee, who sustained injuries during the incident.

            If convicted, Armijo faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. A criminal complaint is only an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            The FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Mote is prosecuting the case as part of the Department of Justice's Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime.