DEMING - Manuel Lucero III, a 42-year-old resident of Deming, has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for a gun-related crime. Lucero pleaded guilty in March of this year to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The incident unfolded on January 31, 2022, when Lucero allegedly followed his ex-partner down the road. The victim pulled over, at which point Lucero reportedly pointed a gun at her and her mother. Fearing for her safety, the victim fled and sought refuge at the local police station, prompting Lucero to cease pursuit. The victim promptly reported the incident to law enforcement.
The following day, Lucero contacted authorities, expressing feelings of depression and a desire to speak with an officer. Responding officers, upon encountering Lucero at his residence, noted that he was holding a loaded magazine. When questioned about the presence of a weapon, Lucero claimed it wasn't on the property.
Acting on this information, authorities executed a search warrant the next day. During the search, they discovered a 9mm Beretta, a loaded magazine, a pistol holster, and a single round of .45 ammunition. Lucero, having previous convictions for domestic violence and assault, was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
In the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Lucero was handed a 10-year prison term. Following his release, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The case underscores the legal consequences for individuals with a history of violence who violate firearm possession restrictions. Authorities commend the victim for her swift actions in reporting the incident, highlighting the importance of community members cooperating with law enforcement to ensure public safety.
The incident unfolded on January 31, 2022, when Lucero allegedly followed his ex-partner down the road. The victim pulled over, at which point Lucero reportedly pointed a gun at her and her mother. Fearing for her safety, the victim fled and sought refuge at the local police station, prompting Lucero to cease pursuit. The victim promptly reported the incident to law enforcement.
The following day, Lucero contacted authorities, expressing feelings of depression and a desire to speak with an officer. Responding officers, upon encountering Lucero at his residence, noted that he was holding a loaded magazine. When questioned about the presence of a weapon, Lucero claimed it wasn't on the property.
Acting on this information, authorities executed a search warrant the next day. During the search, they discovered a 9mm Beretta, a loaded magazine, a pistol holster, and a single round of .45 ammunition. Lucero, having previous convictions for domestic violence and assault, was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
In the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Lucero was handed a 10-year prison term. Following his release, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The case underscores the legal consequences for individuals with a history of violence who violate firearm possession restrictions. Authorities commend the victim for her swift actions in reporting the incident, highlighting the importance of community members cooperating with law enforcement to ensure public safety.