FBI: Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug Trafficking And Firearms Charges ... Forfeits Weapons, Vehicles, Cash

An Albuquerque man, Jerry Bezie, has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges, agreeing to forfeit several weapons, vehicles, and over $64,000 in cash seized during a raid at his residence. The FBI's SWAT team executed a search warrant on March 23, 2023, at Bezie's home in South Valley, uncovering over 16 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 11,400 grams of fentanyl pills, firearms, and other drug trafficking-related items.

In his plea agreement, Bezie acknowledged his possession of these drugs with the intent to distribute, as well as his illegal status as a convicted felon barred from owning firearms. The investigation linked him to another individual, Julian Leyba, who was also involved in fentanyl distribution along Central Avenue in Albuquerque. The FBI raided Leyba's home on the same day, discovering six firearms, including a machine gun, although no drugs were found there.

Leyba subsequently pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and a machine gun, receiving a sentence of 70 months in prison along with three years of supervised release. Bezie is set to face a mandatory sentence of 120 months in prison—60 months for drug trafficking and an additional 60 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that crime. He also faces the possibility of a fine up to $5 million or twice his financial gain from the offenses.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand and FBI Albuquerque Field Office Special Agent Raul Bujanda announced the developments in the case. The investigation was part of the FBI's Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) and was supported by local law enforcement agencies, including the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime in the Albuquerque area. Bezie's guilty plea and impending sentencing demonstrate the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in such illegal activities.