First of 10 defendants in NM pot ring sentenced
Federal agents say marijuana was grown illegally in Calif.
The first of 10 defendants charged in a wideranging marijuana distribution and money laundering investigation was sentenced to 2½ years in federal prison this week, forfeiting more than $22,000 in cash seized from his home that he claimed was poker winnings.
Antonio Ruelas, 32, of Rio Rancho pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in the marijuana distribution network run by Enrique Cavazos, 32, who, along with his wife, Lindsey, 33, also has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the FBI and Internal Revenue Service investigation.
Ruelas, who according to federal prosecutors had no record of employment for 10 years before his arrest, claimed money seized from his home was the result of his winnings as a professional poker player.
FBI and IRS agents believe Ruelas was one of a number of New Mexico marijuana dealers who received the drugs from Cavazos,
an Albuquerque-area businessman.
Federal agents believe Cavazos arranged for marijuana to be grown illegally in California and transported to New Mexico. Some federal informers claimed Cavazos shipped marijuana to several other states for sale — an allegation he disputes.
Cavazos also claims in court pleadings that he wagered substantial amounts of legitimate money on sports bets and won frequently, explaining at least some of the cash he used in his legitimate businesses.
Cavazos pleaded guilty last year to marijuana trafficking and money laundering charges under a plea agreement that recommended a sentence within the range of four to 10 years in federal prison.
Lindsey Cavazos also pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge under a plea agreement that recommends a sentence of five years of probation.
Up until their arrests in 2015, the Cavazos couple owned several businesses, including Café Bien, at Fourth and Central, and the used-car lot Love Auto.
They are scheduled for sentencing next week, and another defendant in the case, Daniel Nieto, 30, is scheduled to be sentenced later this month on a charge of possessing hashish oil.
The remaining six defendants have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting a trial that has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, federal agents believed Ruelas was one of several local New Mexico marijuana dealers supplied by Enrique Cavazos over a 10-year period.
Cavazos’ attorney, Ryan J. Villa, disputed the government’s contention that Cavazos was responsible for thousands of pounds of marijuana grown in California and transported here for sale each marijuana growing season.
In arguing for a lower sentence for Cavazos, Villa said in court filings that Cavazos and his wife were successful at numerous legitimate businesses, including real estate rentals, a trucking company, entertainment businesses and an auto dealership.
The government seized more than $2 million in assets from the couple.
But Villa said, “Much of this money is related to legitimate business and gambling proceeds. The government cannot establish that all this money is attributable to drug trafficking.”
As part of their plea agreements, the Cavazos couple agreed to forfeit their interest in $473,000 in cash, the bank accounts of several businesses they owned, interest in Las Vegas, N.M., properties, jewelry and more than 15 cars seized from Love Auto.