Las Cruces woman sentenced to 8 years for armed fentanyl trafficking
A Las Cruces woman was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking fentanyl while armed with a stolen handgun.
Federal prosecutors say Cassidy Shae Montoya fled deputies at speeds up to 110 mph before officers recovered fentanyl pills and a stolen handgun
Organ Mountain News report
ALBUQUERQUE - A Las Cruces woman was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl while armed with a stolen handgun after leading Doña Ana County sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed pursuit.
Cassidy Shae Montoya, 32, fled deputies on July 30, 2025, after they attempted to stop her near Vado, according to federal court documents.
Prosecutors said Montoya drove toward Las Cruces at speeds of about 90 to 110 mph, continued fleeing after spike strips were deployed and eventually struck a curb near Telshor Boulevard and Terrace Drive.
She then ran from the vehicle before deputies apprehended her.
Deputies found a loaded handgun on the driver’s side floorboard, according to prosecutors. The firearm contained a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen in March 2025.
Deputies also recovered about 356 fentanyl pills and about $373 in cash.
Federal prosecutors said Montoya admitted she intended to distribute the fentanyl and possessed the firearm to protect herself, the drugs and proceeds from her drug trafficking.
Montoya also had a prior felony conviction and knew she was prohibited from possessing a firearm, according to prosecutors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI’s Las Cruces Resident Agency investigated the case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Tanisha V. Henson prosecuted the case.
