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Press Release

Man from Ranchos de Taos sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for carjacking

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

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tranquilino Valencia, 37, of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, was sentenced in federal court on April 7 to 12 years in prison for carjacking.

              Valencia pleaded guilty on May 28, 2020. According to the plea agreement, on Oct. 13, 2017, Valencia approached a group of campers at the Dalton Canyon Campground in San Miguel County, New Mexico, and carjacked one of the members at gunpoint. Valencia pointed his firearm at the victim and demanded his car keys, wallet and cellphone. Before driving off, Valencia fired a shot over the victim’s head and stole $50 before throwing the wallet out of the car window.

              The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado prosecuted the case.

Updated April 12, 2021

Press Release Number: 21-71