ESPAÑOLA, N.M. — Federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies say a 10-month effort to reduce violent crime in northern New Mexico has resulted in federal charges against 10 individuals identified as high-priority offenders.
The operation, known as Operation Tempest, was launched following Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s emergency declaration focused on crime concerns in Española and Rio Arriba County.
Officials announced the results during a news conference Wednesday, describing the initiative as a coordinated effort to target repeat offenders with extensive criminal histories.
According to U.S. Assistant Attorney Ryan Ellison, the defendants have prior convictions that include:
- Murder
- Robbery
- Child abuse
- Drug trafficking
- Burglary
Authorities say all 10 suspects are facing federal firearms charges, while some also face federal drug-related charges.
Law enforcement leaders said the strategy focused on individuals they believe have had an outsized impact on violent crime in the region.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Justin Garris said investigators viewed the suspects as key contributors to ongoing criminal activity and hoped removing them from the community would help reduce violence.
Officials also highlighted the difference between state and federal sentencing, noting that federal inmates generally serve a significant portion of their sentences before becoming eligible for release.
According to investigators, four defendants have already pleaded guilty.
Española Police Chief Jack Jones said the operation reflects a broader effort to improve public safety in northern New Mexico.
FBI officials also confirmed they are conducting similar crime-reduction operations in other parts of New Mexico but did not provide additional details.
