New Mexico man pleads guilty in drive-by shootings on homes of Democratic lawmakers

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — One of three defendants has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of state and local lawmakers in Albuquerque after the 2022 election. Court documents published Tuesday show that Jose Louise Trujillo pleaded guilty Monday to charges of conspiracy, election interference, illegal use of a firearm and fentanyl possession with the intent to distribute. Federal and local prosecutors allege that the attacks were orchestrated by former Republican candidate Solomon Peña, who maintains his innocence. The attacks on the homes of four Democratic officials took place amid a surge of acts of intimidation against election workers and public officials.