Current:Home > Contact2nd defendant pleads guilty in drive-by shootings on homes of Democratic lawmakers -Trailblazer Capital Learning
2nd defendant pleads guilty in drive-by shootings on homes of Democratic lawmakers
View
Date:2025-04-17 16:09:43
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A second defendant has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of state and local lawmakers in Albuquerque after the 2022 election, the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Friday.
Demetrio Trujillo pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy, election interference and firearms-related charges, officials said. The 42-year-old will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge of the FBI Albuquerque field office, announced the developments in a news release.
Federal and state prosecutors allege that the attacks were orchestrated by former Republican candidate Solomon Peña following his electoral defeat in November 2022, as he made unfounded claims that the vote had been rigged against him.
Peña maintains his innocence. His trial scheduled for June.
The attacks on the homes of four Democratic officials, including the current state House speaker, took place in December 2022 and January 2023. The came amid a surge of threats and acts of intimidation against elections workers and public officials across the country after former President Donald Trump and his allies spread false claims about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
Demetrio’s son Jose Louise Trujillo previously pleaded guilty to illegal use of a firearm in connection with the shootings, as well as fentanyl possession with the intent to distribute.
Alexander Uballez, the U.S. attorney in Albuquerque, has said the shootings targeted the homes of two county commissioners shortly after and because of their certification of the 2022 election, in which Peña lost his bid to serve in the state Legislature. No one was injured, but in one case bullets passed through the bedroom of a state senator’s 10-year-old daughter.
Following the shootings, New Mexico state lawmakers enacted legislation that provides felony sanctions for intimidation of election regulators and allows some public officials and political candidates to keep their home address off government websites.
veryGood! (3744)
Related
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Manhattan prosecutor announces new indictments in Times Square brawl between police and migrants
- Cord cutters and cord nevers: ESPN, Fox and Warner sports streaming platform wants you
- Longtime GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state says she will not seek reelection
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Stock market today: Tokyo hits 30-year high, with many Asian markets shut for Lunar New Year holiday
- Brittany Mahomes Shares Message on Being Unapologetically Yourself While Making SI Swimsuit Debut
- NBA trade tracker: Gordon Hayward, Bojan Bogdanovic, Patrick Beverley on the move
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Tom Brady says he was 'surprised' Bill Belichick wasn't hired for head coaching job
Ranking
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Idaho Republicans oust House majority leader amid dispute over budget process
- Special counsel Robert Hur has completed report on Biden's handling of classified documents, Garland says
- No charges for off-duty officers in fatal shooting of 2 men outside Nebraska bar
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Vornado recalls 2 million garment steamers sold at Walmart, Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond due to serious burn risk
- AI-generated voices in robocalls can deceive voters. The FCC just made them illegal
- Usher to discuss upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas
Recommendation
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
The $11 Item Chopped Winner Chef Steve Benjamin Has Used Since Culinary School
Sex with a narcissist can be electric. It makes relationships with them more confusing.
MLB spring training schedule 2024: First games, report dates for every team
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
Near-total abortion ban rejected by Virginia House panel
Audit of $19,000 lectern purchase for Arkansas governor almost done
Why Matthew Stafford's Wife Kelly Was “Miserable” During His Super Bowl Season