Ninth Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb announced that Bernardo Baca, age 42, of Clovis, was sentenced today before the Honorable Matthew Chandler. On May 12, 2017, Baca was found guilty by a Curry County jury of Trafficking Controlled Substances, a second degree felony; Distribution of Marijuana, a fourth degree felony; Tampering with Evidence, a fourth degree felony; and Resisting Arrest, a misdemeanor. The jury deliberated approximately one hour Friday afternoon after hearing testimony from law enforcement and the New Mexico Crime Lab analyst.
On May 3, 2016, a package containing methamphetamine and marijuana was located behind a dumpster in an alley on Mitchell Street. The drugs were originally placed by Baca intended for his incarcerated girlfriend to pick up when she went outside for recreation time. An informant led police to the drugs and Baca was later arrested.
The Honorable Matthew Chandler sentenced Baca to a total of 24 years in prison. Each felony count was enhanced by four years due to Baca having two prior felony convictions. The sentence in this case will run concurrently with the sentence Baca is already serving in the New Mexico Department of Corrections.
Assistant District Attorney Stephen Ralph prosecuted the case for the State of New Mexico. Criminal defense attorney Jonathan C. Miller of Albuquerque represented the defendant.
For more information, contact the District Attorney’s Office at 575-769-2246.
(News release from the New Mexico Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
