Feb. 3 (UPI) — A second New Mexico man has pleaded guilty to targeting Democrat officeholders in an intimidation scheme concocted by the GOP loser of an election for state representative.
Demetrio Trujillo, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney M.M. Uballez said in a release Friday.
Trujillo also entered guilty pleas to charges of discharging a firearm for shooting at the residences of three Democratic candidates for elective offices in an effort to intimate them into not campaigning.
Trujillo faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $1 million fine and will remain in custody until his scheduled sentencing on May 1.
His son and co-defendant, Jose Louise Trujillo, on Jan. 8 pleaded guilty to the same felony charges plus possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He also remains in custody and faces up to life in prison with sentencing scheduled for April 8 after allegedly shooting at a fourth victim’s home.