ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A convicted felon is now facing federal charges after being arrested following an FBI home search. 37-year-old Julian Leyba has three prior felony convictions in Bernalillo County between 2005 and 2013 for drug trafficking, evidence tampering, and drug possession charges.
On Thursday, Mar. 23, the FBI and New Mexico State Police executed a search warrant at Leyba’s home. Investigators found guns, one of which was stolen, including a semi-automatic assault rifle, four pistols, and a semi-automatic AR pistol. They also found ammunition, ammo magazines, and bulletproof vests.
Leyba is already facing state charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and having a stolen rifle. Now Leyba is facing federal charges as well. The charges are for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.
The FBI’s search of two Albuquerque homes led to the discovery of thousands of dollars in cash, around 100,000 fentanyl pills, vehicles, jewelry, and more. Police also arrested and charged 34-year-old Jerry Bezie as a result of the search. Bezie and Leyba were allegedly working together to sell drugs and guns.
A music video titled “Heartless” apparently helped investigators figure out what to look for when they raided the homes. The guns, cars, jewelry, and cash were featured heavily in the video. Those items were eventually included in the FBI’s search warrants and are now being held as evidence as both men find themselves behind bars.
