Albuquerque Woman Charged with Escape and Federal Drug Trafficking Offenses

ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jennifer Lynn Miller with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with escape for leaving the custody of Maya’s Place, an institutional facility in which she was lawfully confined.  Miller, 43, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 21, 2023, Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at the Querque Hotel and discovered multiple bundles of fentanyl and suspected methamphetamine in a room allegedly rented by Miller.  Inside of the room, Agents found a Bill of Sale for a vehicle or vessel with the buyer’s name listed as “Jennifer Miller.”  Additionally, Agents found that “Jennifer Miller” was the name associated with the room rental and the credit card used to purchase the room.  The address and phone number provided for the room was linked to an address and phone number associated with the name “Miller.” On Oct. 10, 2023, as a part of Miller’s conditions of release pending indictment, Miller was released to the custody of Maya’s Place, a transitional housing program.   On October 23, 2023, Miller allegedly escaped from Maya’s Place in violation of her conditions of release.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Miller faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison for each of the drug offenses and 0-5 years of imprisonment for the escape charge.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Nichols is prosecuting the case.

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