New Mexico Couple Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine Charge

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Valerie Braswell, 43, and Michael Braswell, 42, of Taos, New Mexico, were sentenced February 9, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Valerie Braswell to 30 months’ imprisonment, and Michael Braswell to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Valerie’s release from prison, she will begin a 2-year term of supervised release. After Michael’s release he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.  

On May 31, 2022, law enforcement utilized a cooperating witness who arranged for the delivery of 5 kilograms of methamphetamine to an Omaha location. Surveillance officers observed the Braswells arrive at the meet location in a vehicle where Michael exited the vehicle, removed a bag from the backseat and delivered it to the cooperating witness. Valerie was identified as the driver from surveillance cameras. The cooperating witness was wearing a recording device that captured Michael handing him a box containing 5 pounds of meth.

On July 10, 2022, the Braswells were stopped in Missouri and found in possession of approximately 3 grams of meth and a firearm (found on the passenger seat where Michael was sitting). After their arrest, Michael admitted they were coming back from a methamphetamine delivery and had made at least 4 other trips delivering approximately 10-15 pounds of methamphetamine on each trip. Valerie denied any knowledge of methamphetamine but did admit to going on prior trips with Michael.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.