Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Felon From Farmington Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearms
ALBUQUERQUE – David Lawrence Krueger, 39, of Farmington, N.M., pled guilty yesterday in federal court to violating the federal firearms laws by unlawfully possessing firearms. At sentencing, Krueger faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment unless the court determines that he is an armed career criminal. In that event, Krueger will face an enhanced sentence of a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Krueger is being prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets violent, repeat offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing them from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Krueger was arrested on Sept. 28, 2017, on a two-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm on Jan. 25, 2017, in Sandoval County, N.M., and on Feb. 1, 2017, in San Juan County, N.M. Krueger was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions, which include convictions for armed robbery, aggravated robbery, domestic abuse, assault, and battery.
During yesterday’s change of plea hearing, Krueger pled guilty to the indictment. In entering the guilty plea, Krueger admitted selling four firearms to an undercover law enforcement agent on Jan. 25, 2017. Krueger also admitted selling two firearms to an undercover law enforcement agent on Feb. 1, 2017. Krueger acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he was a convicted felon. Krueger remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia C. Simms is prosecuting the case.
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