MAN FROM ALBUQUERQUE PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG POSSESSION AND FIREARM CHARGES

ALBUQUERQUE – Omil Cotto, 33, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to charges of methamphetamine possession with the intent to distribute and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

The evidence acquired during the investigation shows that at approximately 2:39 p.m., on May 31, 2018, multiple 911 calls were received regarding a road rage incident that occurred near the intersection of Edith and Montano in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Law enforcement obtained surveillance footage from a nearby business that showed Cotto was involved in a collision with another vehicle. The video showed Cotto exit his yellow Chevrolet Camaro and fire multiple rounds from a gun towards the other vehicle as it drove northbound on Edith Boulevard.

The subsequent investigation of the shooting led officers to a home in southwest Albuquerque where Cotto was found. Cotto was taken into custody and a search warrant was obtained for the home. Inside the home, officers found a backpack that contained two bundles of methamphetamine and a handgun. A rifle was also found in the residence.

According to his plea agreement, Cotto admitted that he possessed approximately 877 grams of pure methamphetamine and a pistol in his car while driving in Bernalillo County on May 31, 2018.  Cotto intended to distribute the methamphetamine in violation of federal law.  Cotto possessed the firearm for protection from anyone who tried to steal his methamphetamine. 

Cotto is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.  He faces 15 years in prison under his plea agreement. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter J. Eicker is prosecuting the case.  The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.