Task Force Targets Bandidos Motorcycle Club in Joint Enforcement Operation
At approximately 5:00 AM on August 31, 2023, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Ruidoso Police Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Willie Horton Drive. The warrant was executed as part of an ongoing investigation into the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. Sights were set on the Bandidos given the organization’s continued participation in murders, shootings, extortion, and other violent acts. The operation focused on 25 members within New Mexico chapters who appeared to be the most criminally active and loudest voices advocating for continued violence.
The search warrant was executed on premises in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Belen, Tome, Grants, San Rafael, Gallup, Farmington, Hobbs, Alamogordo, Ruidoso, Capitan, and Arabela. During the subsequent searches, law enforcement officers seized 151 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, numerous ballistics vests, and fentanyl, meth and cocaine. A stolen police radio was also recovered.
The search warrant on Willie Horton Drive was executed at Scott Stevens’ residence during which time numerous pieces of evidence were obtained. Future charges are pending, and the investigation is ongoing.
According to Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez: “The combined operation with all agencies dedicating resources to the Village of Ruidoso is greatly appreciated. We will not tolerate the intimidation tactics practiced by the Bandidos or any other outlaw motorcycle gang that comes to our village. The bogus persona these individuals expose is just a phony attempt to infiltrate our communities to gain our trust and make everyone believe they are a peaceful club.”
As a result of the operation, two individuals were arrested on state charges. They are Kenneth Martinez and Henry Mascarenas. Charges are also pending against Ed Sanchez Solis.
“The motorcycle is a symbol of freedom, of individualism, and the open road,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. “But today, a selfish few are trying to tell us who gets to enjoy our roads, what clothes they are required to wear, and with whom they can ride. The people of New Mexico have no more patience for violent bullies. Working together, the law enforcement agencies of New Mexico return the open road to the public who owns it.”
“Today, we joined forces to take significant law enforcement action to disrupt an outlaw motorcycle gang trying to establish a foothold in our communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “Along with our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, our efforts to combat organized violent crime will continue to be waged each and every day. I am grateful for the dedicated law enforcement professionals who work tirelessly to disrupt such criminal activity and fight for justice on behalf of the citizens we serve and protect.”
“The ongoing violence involving outlaw motorcycle gangs across our state has a negative impact on all the citizens of New Mexico. The law enforcement community owes it to those we serve to come together and stop this behavior,” said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “By working with our Federal, State, County, and local law enforcement partners on operations like this one, we are one step closer to preventing the spread of drugs and criminal mischief that accompanies outlaw motorcycle gangs.”
The OMGTF led the investigation, with assistance from the United States Bureau of Prisons, United States Probation Office, New Mexico Organized Crime Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and other law enforcement or corrections agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and David B. Hirsch are assisting with the investigation.
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