LVPD NEWS RELEASE: Gilbert Anthony Romero Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

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Las Vegas, NM — Gilbert Anthony “Gordo” Romero, age 40, has been sentenced to 15 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to multiple counts of trafficking a controlled substance in two separate criminal cases, according to Fourth Judicial District Attorney Thomas Clayton.

On August 13, 2025, Romero pled guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled substance with intent to distribute, involving both fentanyl and cocaine. The charges stemmed from two incidents that occurred on December 14, 2022, and August 27, 2024. The plea agreements were accepted by District Judge Michael Aragon.

The first incident occurred on December 14, 2022, when the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD), New Mexico Security Threat Intelligence Unit (STIU) Fugitive Task Force and U.S. Marshals made contact with Romero at a residence on the 600 block of Harlan Drive in Las Vegas, New Mexico. At the time, Romero was a fugitive from Adult Probation and Parole. A court-authorized search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of 341 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $18,534 in U.S. currency.

While released on conditions from that case, Romero failed to appear in court. An arrest warrant was issued, and on August 27, 2024, law enforcement located him at a residence on the 2700 block of 7th Street in Las Vegas. A second search warrant was executed, leading to the seizure of over 900 fentanyl pills, crack cocaine, suboxone, and a .22 caliber handgun. All substances were submitted to the New Mexico Crime Lab and confirmed to be illegal narcotics.

As part of his sentencing, Romero forfeited $18,534 to the State of New Mexico. While in custody at the Colfax County Detention Center, he picked up two additional criminal cases, which are currently being prosecuted by the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Las Vegas Police Chief Caleb Marquez praised the coordinated effort, stating, “This is a good example of our agencies working together to address drug trafficking in our community. Mr. Romero had a large quantity of fentanyl and over $18,000 in U.S. currency. We worked well with Adult Probation and Parole, the U.S. Marshals, and the District Attorney’s Office.”

District Attorney Thomas Clayton added, “Mr. Romero pled guilty to trafficking fentanyl and cocaine within our community. Illegal narcotics have adversely impacted our neighborhoods. To those who choose to sell this poison to others — our message is clear: we will work together with all our partners, use the resources we have, and hold these individuals accountable.”

The cases were prosecuted by District Attorney Thomas Clayton. Romero was represented by attorneys David Silva and Ben Mondragon. The first case was investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD), New Mexico State Adult Probation and Parole, NM STIU Fugitive Task Force,  the U.S. Marshals Office, and the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, with LVPD Investigator Diego Romero serving as the primary case agent. The second case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, with DA Lead Investigator Anthony Madrid as the primary case agent.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Fourth Judicial District Attorney at 505-425-6746.

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