POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)September 2, 2026Hillsborough

FBI-led 'Operation Tempest' charges 10 individuals in Rio Arriba County

Federal, state, and tribal agencies have charged 10 individuals with violent crimes, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession following a coordinated multi-agency operation. The initiative, known as Operation Tempest, targets high-priority criminal activity linked to drug cartels in northern New Mexico.

law enforcementcrimenarcoticsfirearmspublic safety
Read the full story at Noticias Tampa Bay (Univision)

Why It Matters

The operation results in the federal prosecution of 10 individuals for serious criminal charges, impacting public safety and law enforcement priorities in Rio Arriba County and surrounding tribal lands.

Key Facts

  • Operation Tempest resulted in the criminal processing of 10 individuals identified as high-priority threats.
  • Charges include drug trafficking (methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl), illegal firearm possession, and illegal ammunition possession.
  • Larry Martinez is scheduled for sentencing on October 20, 2026.
  • Jerome Naranjo is scheduled for sentencing on November 10, 2026.
  • Joe Gomez is scheduled for sentencing on September 10, 2026.
  • Michael Mena is charged with possession of over 5 grams of methamphetamine.
  • The operation was initiated following a September 2025 summit between federal prosecutors and law enforcement leaders.
  • Participating agencies include the FBI, Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico State Police, Española Police, BIA, and various tribal police departments.

Who's Mentioned

personPaul H. Alejo“Charged with drug and firearm offenses”personFelix Anthony Lewis“Charged with illegal firearm/ammunition possession”personLarry Martinez“Pled guilty to illegal ammunition possession; sentencing Oct 20, 2026”other10“Number of individuals charged”personAndrew Madrid“Charged with illegal firearm/ammunition possession”organizationFBI“Lead agency for Operation Tempest”personNatasha Ninette DeCosta“Charged with drug distribution and firearm possession”personJacob Martinez“Charged with drug distribution and firearm possession”locationRio Arriba County“Primary location of the operation”personJustin A. Garris“Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque division”personJerome Naranjo“Pled guilty to firearm/ammunition possession; sentencing Nov 10, 2026”personGino Tapia“Charged with illegal firearm/ammunition possession”personJoe Gomez“Pled guilty to firearm/ammunition possession; sentencing Sept 10, 2026”personMichael Mena“Charged with drug distribution and firearm possession”