DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION DISRUPTED, 3 SENTENCED FOR TRAFFICKING FENTANYL

On March 5th, 2025, Judge Daniel A. Bryant Sentenced Frank Chavez to 7 years in the Department of Corrections for Trafficking Fentanyl.

In August of 2024, a Drug Trafficking Organization was identified as operating within Otero and Lincoln Counties supplying illicit fentanyl from Arizona. This operation led to the arrest of Pearl Guillez of Tularosa NM, Andrew Sullivan of Alamogordo NM, and Frank Chavez of Capitan NM.

Within 30 days, Agents of the White Mountain Drug Task Force (WMDTF) identified and disrupted the Drug Trafficking Organization’s (DTO) operations.

Agents in Alamogordo executed 9 search warrants leading to the arrest of Pearl Guillez (of Tularosa) and Andrew Sullivan (of Alamogordo). These search warrants resulted in the seizure of over 12,000 fentanyl pills, and two firearms, one of which were stolen. Both Guillez and Sullivan are prohibited from the possession of firearms. Also identified in those search warrants, was Frank Chavez who was utilized as a connect to Arizona to supply the illicit fentanyl to New Mexico and had warrants for his arrest out of Arizona.

Lincoln County Agents with the WMDTF, with assistance from Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Ruidoso Police executed a high-risk search warrant at a residence in Capitan, New Mexico, to arrest Chavez and search for evidence.

Upon execution of this search warrant, Chavez refused to exit the residence and BORTAC utilized noise and flash distraction devices (flash bangs) and an explosive breaching charge to remove the door in an attempt to get Chavez to exit the residence. Chavez ultimately surrendered and exited the residence and was taken into custody.

During the search, Agents seized approximately 44 grams of illicit fentanyl. Under the rear seat of Chavez’s vehicle, agents located an area hollowed out (compartments) to transport large quantities of illegal narcotics.

Andrew Sullivan and Pearl Guillez were turned over to federal custody and were charged by DEA. They both pled to Federal drug trafficking charges. Andrew Sullivan was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Pearl Guillez was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison.

Frank Chavez pled to one count of trafficking by possession with intent to distribute. The Defendant will have to serve 7 years in the Department of Corrections followed by two years on probation and parole. Upon release from DOC Chavez will face his charges in Arizona.

This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Randy Summers and investigated by the White Mountain Drug Task Force, a task force comprised of agents from Otero County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Alamogordo Police Department, Ruidoso Police Department, US Border Patrol El Paso Sector and the Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA.

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