JOINT NEWS RELEASE: Herminio Benavidez Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking; Forfeits Over $155,000 in Cash

Las Vegas, NM – Herminio Benavidez, age 47, has been sentenced to 10 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to multiple counts of drug trafficking, announced Fourth Judicial District Attorney Tom Clayton. The convictions stem from two separate cases involving the trafficking of cocaine and fentanyl, with the most recent incident occurring in January of this year.

District Judge Flora Gallegos accepted plea agreements in which Benavidez pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled substance (possession with intent). These included possession of cocaine on June 30, 2022, and possession of both fentanyl and cocaine on January 29, 2025. In addition to the prison sentence, Benavidez agreed to forfeit over $155,000 in U.S. currency seized during the investigations. These funds will be deposited into the General Fund of the State of New Mexico.

Both cases involved court-authorized search warrants executed at Benavidez’s residence on the 700 block of Union Street in Las Vegas, New Mexico. In the June 2022 incident, the Las Vegas City Police Department, in collaboration with the Region IV Narcotics Task Force, conducted an undercover operation following reports of drug activity at the location. Officers executed a search warrant and discovered 927 grams (approximately 2.1 pounds) of cocaine and over $144,000 in various denominations hidden in a safe in the defendant’s bedroom.

While out on release conditions from the 2022 case, Benavidez was again investigated in early 2025. The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office led the second investigation with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office Investigators and the New Mexico State Police. Acting on new intelligence that drug trafficking had resumed at the same address, law enforcement secured another search warrant. During the January 29, 2025 search, officers located more than 1,300 fentanyl pills, cocaine, a firearm, and over $11,900 in cash.

All seized substances from both investigations were sent to the New Mexico Crime Lab, where they tested positive for illegal narcotics.

Las Vegas City Police Chief Caleb Marquez commended the coordinated effort of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of the cases. “The Las Vegas Police Department is committed to getting drugs off our streets, and it is a priority to pursue these cases aggressively and efficiently,” said Marquez. “I’m proud of our officers and the time and dedication they put into these investigations. These results are only possible through strong collaboration with our partners at the Region IV Narcotics Task Force, the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the New Mexico State Police. We are stronger together, and we will continue this work day in and day out to protect our community.”

San Miguel County Sheriff Chris Lopez acknowledged the dedication and teamwork that led to the successful prosecution. “I would like to recognize the hard work and countless hours involved in such a coordinated effort by my deputies and all agencies involved. We will continue our efforts to seek out those who choose to traffic illicit drugs within our community,” said Lopez. “I would also like to point out that the County of San Miguel, in coordination with the State of New Mexico, is close to opening the Northeastern Regional Crisis and Treatment Center to serve those struggling with addiction to the poison plaguing our community.”

District Attorney Tom Clayton emphasized the seriousness of drug-related crime and the risks faced by law enforcement. “We will continue to address the drug problem within our community. I appreciate working with the dedicated officers/deputies. It is common that drug trafficking and firearms go hand in hand, and as such, every time officers execute a search warrant, they are placing themselves in harm’s way. They do this for the benefit of the community. I cannot thank them enough.”

The State was represented by District Attorney Thomas Clayton and Mr. Benavidez was represented by Attorneys William Snowden and Damian Horne from Los Alamos. 

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