California Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charge in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Tracy Estelle Fuentez, 43, of Fresno, Calif., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge.

The DEA arrested Fuentez in April 2017, after seizing approximately 1.5 kilograms (3.31 pounds) of methamphetamine from her luggage during an interdiction investigation on April 27, 2017, in Albuquerque.  Fuentez was indicted on May 24, 2017, and was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on April 27, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M.

During today’s proceedings, Fuentez pled guilty to a felony information charging her with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  In entering the guilty plea, Fuentez admitted possessing methamphetamine while traveling through Albuquerque on April 27, 2017, and that she intended to distribute the methamphetamine to other individuals.

At sentencing, Fuentez faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison.  She remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. 

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard R. Thomas.