Feds target North Valley gang in Albuquerque after major raids
Federal agents raided eight Albuquerque homes during an investigation into a long-running criminal enterprise in the North Valley. The coordinated operation followed a multi-year multi-agency effort addressing violent crime across the metro area.
Federal officials say the gang has operated since the 1970s. Investigators believe the criminal enterprise has ties to drug cartels. A search warrant spans more than 90 pages.
The warrant lists gang nicknames including spider, ghost, and cyclone. The multi-agency effort began four years ago. Metro law enforcement agencies and the FBI worked together on the joint task force.
Officials looked into the group for drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Federal authorities tie the enterprise to hundreds of crimes. These offenses range from burglary to drug trafficking and murder.
In the last year, investigators linked the group to at least 16 homicides. The feds also tied members to 24 sex crimes. The group faces links to hundreds of assaults, burglaries, and auto thefts.
Federal records connect the gang to several specific homicides. The killings include the 2017 murder of Thomas Ramirez. They also include the 2022 death of Jeffrey Campbell during a drug dispute.
Investigators tied the gang to two killings last year. Those victims were Russell Werner and Jerry Campos. Federal agents continue to review these past violent cases.
Agents staged Valentine’s Day raids at eight separate houses. One targeted location was on Candelaria in the North Valley. Officers seized fentanyl, guns, ammunition, cash, and stolen vehicles.
The recent tactical operation targeted a dozen suspects. Several suspected members were taken into custody. Twelve individuals were identified as suspects by federal authorities:
- David Jaramillo
- Reynaldo Jaramillo
- Christopher Perez
- Felix Silva
- Justin Crowley
- Elton Walker
- Steven Gomez
- Charles Gomez
- Eric Gomez
- Jeremiah Martinez
- Stevo Paulino
- David Alarid
Crowley was released on Thursday. He made an initial court appearance on state drug charges. Paulino faces state charges as well.
State prosecutors want Paulino held in custody. They filed motions to detain him until his trial begins. Court hearings will proceed in state court.
Federal investigators also tied the group to a recent homicide outside the John Brooks Supermarket. A drug ring customer was stomped to death there, according to federal records. Juventino Hernandez was arrested and charged with that murder.
Federal task forces bring together local, county, and national law enforcement agencies to investigate organized crime networks. Pretrial detention hearings decide whether defendants remain in local jail facilities before their trials begin in Albuquerque.
Investigators continue to process the seized evidence from the search locations. Federal and state prosecutors will manage the resulting criminal cases.
