Suspect accused in dozens of robberies over 5 months
Four co-defendants also face charges
An Albuquerque man accused in a five-month long string of robberies that targeted dozens of local restaurants and retailers has been indicted on 231 charges, according to court documents.
In total, prosecutors allege in the indictment filed Friday, Paul Salas, 46, robbed 52 businesses — five more than police listed last month in a Metro Court criminal complaint. He is also accused of robbing five people of personal belongings. Altogether, he faces 55 counts of armed robbery and two counts of robbery. Salas is also charged with crimes including kidnapping, child abuse, conspiracy and aggravated assault.
According to police, Salas robbed fast-food chains, retailers and cellular providers in every quadrant of the city from October to March. Police said Salas was caught in mid-March after robbing a Verizon store of iPhones and a tracking device, which they used to locate him.
Along with Salas, four others are facing charges for their roles in the series of robberies, indictments show.
Listed as his co-defendants are:
Matthew Sanchez, 27, who faces 66 charges, including 13 counts of armed robbery;
Dennis Romero, 35, who faces 25 charges, including four counts of armed robbery;
Sabrina Ireland, 25, who faces 25 charges, including four counts of armed robbery; and
Lamar Watts, 22, who faces 10 charges, including two counts of armed robbery.
Search warrants confirmed Sanchez’s involvement in several robberies, police said, though it’s unclear exactly how he was involved. Police wrote that Sanchez drives a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer that was seen at several robbery scenes.
Video from a Taco Bell showed Ireland driving a vehicle, Romero “checking the door to ensure it was open” and Salas entering the store and demanding money, according to a complaint.
Police said Salas told them that Watts drove him to a Napa Auto Parts store Jan. 18, which he robbed before heading to a Gamestop, where the two made off with electronics and cash.