FBI Albuquerque
Office of Public Affairs
(505) 889-1300
April 28, 2016

FBI, Law Enforcement Partners Target Prison Gang in New Mexico

A team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers on Thursday executed 22 arrest warrants (21 federal, one state) and search warrants on eight residences in connection with an operation targeting the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM) Prison Gang.

Nine individuals were arrested by teams composed of Albuquerque and El Paso FBI SWAT teams, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.

Another 10 defendants were transferred from the custody of the New Mexico Department of Corrections to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Three individuals remain at large and are considered fugitives:

A team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers on Thursday executed 22 arrest warrants (21 federal, one state) and search warrants on eight residences in connection with an operation targeting the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM) Prison Gang.

Shauna Gutierrez, 36, of Belen, charged with violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR)-conspiracy to murder/attempt murder.

Fugitive Paul Enrique Rivera

Paul Enrique Rivera, “Oso,” 44, of Los Lunas, charged with VICAR-conspiracy to murder/attempt murder.

Fugitive Leroy Torrez

Leroy Torrez, 40, of Albuquerque, is wanted on a federal felon in possession of a firearm charge.

An additional defendant was arrested and charged federally as a felon in possession.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of these fugitives should contact the FBI (24 hours) at 505-889-1300 or send tips to https://tips.fbi.gov.

Three teams from the New Mexico Probation and Parole Division conducted an inspection of 11 identified SNM members currently on state probation, while the New Mexico Corrections Department locked down three of its facilities to conduct cell searches of SNM members in custody.

The defendants have been charged as part of a VICAR and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act indictment.

This operation was Phase II of Operation Atonement, in which more than 40 SNM members and associates were indicted and arrested in December 2015.

Angel DeLeon, 38, is still a fugitive from the earlier operation. His wanted poster can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/cei/angel-deleon/

The agencies involved in this investigation include the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, New Mexico Corrections Department, New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Correctional Center, Albuquerque Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Rio Rancho Police Department.

Those arrested are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque on Friday at 1:30 p.m.

More information will be released following the court appearances.

The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.