Federal Convictions and Crime Trends: What Alamogordo and Otero County Residents Need to Know 9-12-25

This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced a series of federal convictions that reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and corruption. For residents of Alamogordo and Otero County, these developments arrive amid rising concerns about local safety and law enforcement accountability.

According to CrimeGrade.org, Otero County currently ranks in the bottom 30th percentile for safety nationwide, with a crime rate of 38.17 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. The central region of the county—including Alamogordo—sees the highest concentration of criminal activity, with over 950 reported incidents per year A. The projected cost of crime in Otero County for 2025 is $45.4 million, translating to $1,830 per household. 

Here are the week’s most significant federal convictions, prioritized by local relevance:

Mescalero Apache Tribal Members Convicted in Separate Federal Cases

Two convictions involving residents of the Mescalero Apache Reservation—located within Otero County—were announced this week:

• Carlos Caje was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for sexually abusing a minor.

• Spencer George Klinekole received 51 months for a violent assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Both cases were prosecuted under federal jurisdiction due to the location on tribal lands and the severity of the offenses.

Alamogordo Police Activity Highlights Local Crime Pressure

While not part of federal convictions, recent arrest logs from the Alamogordo Police Department show a steady stream of local offenses, including drug possession, domestic violence, and failure to appear in court B. These incidents reflect the broader crime trends that federal prosecutors are working to address in coordination with local agencies.

Solomon Peña Sentenced to 80 Years for Election-Related Violence

Former political candidate Solomon Peña received a landmark 960-month sentence (80 years) for orchestrating a politically motivated shooting spree and attempting to hire a hitman to silence witnesses. Though based in Albuquerque, Peña’s case has drawn attention statewide due to its implications for political extremism and public safety.

Las Cruces Man Sentenced for Meth and Fentanyl Possession

Guillermo Yanez was sentenced to 84 months after fleeing from officers and being found in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The case underscores the federal crackdown on synthetic drug distribution in southern New Mexico.

Albuquerque Man Gets 22 Years for Armed Robbery Spree

Demetrius Antonnie Bailey was sentenced to 22 years for a series of armed robberies targeting retail stores across Albuquerque. Prosecutors cited multiple incidents involving firearms and threats to store employees.

Shiprock Man Sentenced for Drive-By Shooting

Larence Cambridge received 102 months for a drive-by shooting that left one person seriously injured. The case was prosecuted under federal violent crime statutes due to the use of a firearm and the severity of the injuries.

Albuquerque Couple Indicted for Human Smuggling and Money Laundering

Nan Zhang and Sanjay Khurana were indicted for allegedly conspiring with human smugglers, converting rental properties into stash houses, and laundering proceeds through real estate transactions. Though not yet convicted, the indictment signals a major federal investigation into immigration-related financial crimes.

Arizona Man Sentenced for $24 Million Ponzi Scheme Affecting New Mexicans

John Lopez, an Arizona resident, was sentenced to 30 years and ordered to pay over $24 million in restitution for defrauding more than 100 victims—many from northern New Mexico—in a Ponzi-style investment scheme.

Community Impact and Next Steps

As federal convictions mount, Otero County residents are urged to remain vigilant and engaged. The Alamogordo Police Department continues to provide arrest logs and public safety updates via AlamogordoTownNews.org and KALHRadio.org. Meanwhile, local leaders are exploring new strategies to reduce crime-related costs, which currently account for 2.3% of the county’s median household income.

Citations:

• CrimeGrade.org: Otero County Crime Statistics

• NM Department of Public Safety: Uniform Crime Reports

• Alamogordo Police Activity Logs – Sept 2025

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