ALBUQUERQUE – Robert J. Lambe, 37, of Las Cruces, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Lambe was arrested on Oct. 15, 2014, on an indictment charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime on June 8, 2014, in Doña Ana County, N.M. The indictment was subsequently superseded on Feb. 18, 2015.
During today’s proceedings, Lambe pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a person addicted to controlled substances. In entering the guilty plea, Lambe admitted that on June 8, 2014, he possessed 25 grams of pure methamphetamine and a handgun. Lambe further admitted that at the time, he was an unlawful drug user and was addicted to a controlled substance and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
At sentencing, Lambe faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release. Lambe remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Las Cruces Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.