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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Las Cruces woman has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison after admitting that she trafficked fentanyl while armed with a stolen handgun and led deputies on a high-speed pursuit through southern New Mexico.
Cassidy Shae Montoya, 32, received the federal sentence after previously admitting that she intended to distribute fentanyl and possessed a firearm to protect herself, the drugs, and proceeds from her trafficking activity. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced the sentence on September 22.
There is no parole in the federal prison system.
According to court documents, the case began on July 30, 2025, when deputies with the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop Montoya near Vado, New Mexico.
Montoya fled toward Las Cruces at speeds prosecutors said reached approximately 90 to 110 miles per hour. Deputies deployed spike strips during the pursuit, but Montoya continued fleeing until she struck a curb near Telshor Boulevard and Terrace Drive.
She then left the vehicle on foot before deputies apprehended her.
A search of the vehicle led deputies to a loaded handgun on the driver’s-side floorboard. The firearm contained a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen in March 2025.
Investigators also recovered approximately 356 fentanyl pills and about $373 in cash.
Montoya later admitted that she intended to distribute the fentanyl and that she possessed the handgun for protection connected to the drugs and proceeds from the trafficking activity. Federal prosecutors also said Montoya had a prior felony conviction and knew she was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The FBI’s Las Cruces Resident Agency, part of the Albuquerque Field Office, investigated the case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and FBI Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris announced the sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Tanisha V. Henson prosecuted the case.
Montoya will serve eight years in federal prison, with no possibility of parole.
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