A federal grand jury has indicted Zacary Cipriano Lucero, a 63-year-old man from Española, on multiple charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The charges stem from an incident that occurred at the Sandia Resort and Casino in Bernalillo County.
According to court documents, on September 16, 2024, Pueblo of Sandia Police responded to a 911 hang-up call originating from a hotel room at the resort. Upon arrival, officers encountered Lucero and two women. Lucero alleged that the women had stolen money from him.
During the investigation, one of the women suggested that police search Lucero's bags, claiming he was trading fentanyl for sex. Lucero denied consent for the search and expressed his desire to drop charges against the women.
After being read his Miranda rights, Lucero informed officers that he had invited the women to his room around 4 a.m., after meeting them in the casino. He reported discovering his cell phone and money missing upon waking up.
Officers secured the room and obtained a search warrant. On September 17, 2024, during the execution of this warrant, police found approximately 238 grams of suspected fentanyl, 16 grams of suspected cocaine, 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and about $3,190 in cash in bags claimed by Lucero.
Lucero is currently released under certain conditions pending trial. If convicted on these charges, he faces up to 40 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced these developments today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted this investigation with assistance from the Pueblo of Sandia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is handling prosecution duties for this case.
The indictment serves as an allegation only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.