On-duty firefighter, drug money linked

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Albuquerque firefighter linked to what federal agents call a major drug trafficking and money laundering operation is accused of making a transaction while he would have been in uniform, on the clock and possibly in a fire truck.

On Thursday, federal, state and local agents conducted a major sting taking down nine of 15 defendants named in a 29-count federal indictment. The men were all charged in connection with a drug trafficking and money laundering operation.

One of those arrested was Albuquerque Firefighter Steve Chavez. Chavez’ boss, Fire Chief James Breen, said the allegations against the seven-year veteran with the department came as an appalling surprise.

“Apparently Mr. Chavez had a secret life that nobody knew about,” Breen said. “Some of the allegations state he may have some connection with drug cartels.”

The indictment states all of the men including Chavez conspired in a the operation to traffic in methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana and to launder money.

According to the indictment, Chavez shuffled nearly $350,000 in and out of bank accounts over several weeks. It states he made eight withdrawals and deposits between two banks in one day.

However, the feds aren't the only ones investigating his banking habits. Two bank transactions are now on the radar of the fire department.

“There is one day a deposit was made when he was on a 24-hour shift,” Breen said.  That shift was Aug. 25, he added.

According to the indictment, on that day a deposit and withdrawal were made under Chavez's name.

Breen said since he was on shift, a bank trip would mean he would more than likely be on the clock, in uniform and in a fire truck.

“So whether he or he had a representative make a deposit, we don't know that yet,” Breen said.

Breen said he will be talking to Chavez's lieutenant who was on duty that day.

“If these allegations are true, then Firefighter Steve Chavez has not only betrayed his profession but also his fellow firefighters,” Breen said. “I can say that the Albuquerque Fire Department has no tolerance for criminal activity within our ranks.”

Breen said the department's code of conduct looks into allegations of wrongdoing on and off duty.   

Chavez was still in federal custody as of Friday.

Breen said a decision on his employment could be made within weeks.

The drug enforcement administration is calling this the Varela organization, named after the accused ringer leader Homero Varela. He is still on the run along with three others.