Skip to main content
Press Release

Albuquerque man charged with drug trafficking and firearms violation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Richard “Fat Jesus” Wheeler, 38, of Albuquerque, made an initial appearance in federal court on July 29 on charges of distribution of methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Wheeler waived a detention hearing and will remain in custody pending trial.

            According to a criminal complaint, on three occasions from July 16 through July 22, Wheeler allegedly sold a total of approximately 773 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent in Albuquerque. During the transaction on July 16, Wheeler was allegedly armed with a pistol in plain view of the agent.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Wheeler faces a minimum of five years and up to life in prison

            The FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crime Gang Task Force (VCGTF) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Alexander Uballez are prosecuting the case.                                                                                          

Updated August 3, 2021

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses
Press Release Number: 21-148