Roswell Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm Charges

LAS CRUCES, NM—In federal court in Las Cruces today, Roswell, New Mexico resident William Cadman, 29, pled guilty to a two-count information charging him with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cadman, who was arrested on December 10, 2010, remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

United States Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales said that the charges arose out of conduct occurring on December 10, 2010, in Chaves County, New Mexico. According to the criminal complaint, on that date, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force executed a state search warrant at Cadman’s residence in Roswell. During the search, agents found methamphetamine and a .45 caliber Kahr Arms semiautomatic carbine “Tommy Gun,” two other rifles, and a 9 mm handgun. Agents also searched a truck registered to Cadman and found methamphetamine under the passenger seat and hidden in a side panel.

During his plea hearing, Cadman admitted that he possessed 71 grams of pure methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Cadman also admitted that he possessed the four firearms found in his house. According to the information, Cadman was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had three prior felony convictions in New Mexico state district court for possession of methamphetamine.

At sentencing, Cadman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Roswell Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan J. Lichvarcik.