Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty After Pointing Firearm at Federal Task Force Officers During Albuquerque Traffic Stop

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — An Albuquerque man has pleaded guilty in federal court after threatening federally deputized law enforcement officers with a loaded handgun during a traffic stop that escalated into an armed confrontation last year.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Jason Paul Baca, 36, pleaded guilty to multiple federal offenses, including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.

The charges stem from a November 12, 2025, traffic stop conducted by deputies with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office in Albuquerque.

Court documents state that deputies initially stopped a vehicle because it displayed an invalid registration. During the stop, deputies determined that the driver’s license had been revoked and discovered that Baca, who was riding as a passenger, had an outstanding felony warrant.

As deputies attempted to take him into custody, officers—including two federally deputized members of the U.S. Marshals Service assigned to Operation Triple Beam—observed a handgun concealed on Baca’s person.

Investigators said Baca resisted arrest and fled on foot before drawing the loaded handgun from his waistband. Authorities stated that he pointed the firearm at the two federal task force officers, creating what investigators described as an immediate deadly threat.

Deputies responded by firing their weapons, striking Baca during the encounter. He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Law enforcement recovered the handgun near Baca after the incident. According to court records, the firearm was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition.

Federal prosecutors said that Baca was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of multiple prior felony convictions.

His criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.

Federal law prohibits individuals convicted of qualifying felony offenses from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Following the arrest, investigators searched the vehicle involved in the traffic stop.

According to court documents, deputies located a backpack containing fentanyl pills along with approximately 25 grams of fentanyl powder. The announcement did not indicate that the fentanyl evidence was part of the guilty plea announced in this case.

Federal officials continue to warn that fentanyl remains one of the most dangerous synthetic opioids in circulation. Even small quantities can be lethal, and law enforcement agencies across the country continue to prioritize investigations involving its distribution due to its role in overdose deaths and organized drug trafficking.

Baca pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly and dangerous weapon, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. His sentence will be determined by a federal judge at a future sentencing hearing after consideration of the advisory federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico are handling the prosecution.

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