The final defendant involved in a major drug trafficking operation based out of various Motel 6 locations in Albuquerque has been sentenced, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico confirmed on January 30.
The investigation revealed that the organization was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, members of the group regularly carried firearms during drug deals and participated in other illegal activities, such as selling firearms and involvement in a kidnapping.
One key location for the group’s operations was the Motel 6 at Carlisle Boulevard and Interstate 40, which saw over 230 police calls between January and June 2020. These included reports of armed robberies, firearms activity, and other violent crimes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed the sentencing of four individuals for their roles in the operation:
Jack Trujillo, 48, the leader of the operation, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges, including methamphetamine distribution and firearms offenses.
Alberto Gomez, 40, was sentenced to 11½ years for his role in the conspiracy, methamphetamine distribution, and possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon.
Cedric Kulka, 26, received an 8-year sentence for methamphetamine possession, trafficking firearms, and being a convicted felon with a firearm.
Christopher Hulsey, 29, was sentenced to 15 years after being convicted of multiple counts of methamphetamine distribution and possessing firearms in connection to drug trafficking.
The sentencing brings closure to the criminal activities that plagued the Albuquerque area and resulted in significant drug trafficking operations conducted out of Motel 6 locations.
