Ten Charged in Alleged Smuggling Ring at Hidalgo County Detention Center

Ten people were arrested and charged in an alleged drug- and contraband-smuggling operation tied to the Hidalgo County Detention Center in Lordsburg, the Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday. The indictment and arrest actions target a network of inmates and outside accomplices accused of bringing narcotics and other contraband into the facility.

District Attorney Norman Wheeler, who announced the charges, said law enforcement partners assisted in the enforcement actions. “This kind of activity, and the danger it brings, will not be tolerated,” Wheeler said. He added, “Our rural communities deserve better. These individuals are accused of exploiting the prison system for personal gain, preying on incarcerated individuals, and profiting from criminal activity within a system meant to uphold justice.” Agencies involved in the arrests and investigation include the New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the New Mexico State Police and the Silver City Police Department.

The investigation began after a Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office investigator reviewing inmate phone calls in an unrelated case identified suspicious conversations involving prison inmates and a detention center kitchen worker, which prompted a deeper probe that allegedly revealed a broader smuggling network. Prosecutors say inmates inside the Hidalgo County Detention Center worked with outside distributors, runners and facilitators to move contraband into the jail.

Public charging information and booking lists identify a mix of inmates and residents as defendants. Arrested or charged names reported by authorities and booking records include Aaron McDaniel; Anthony Alba; Damon Reyes, 31; Felicity Castaneda, 45; Felix Romero, 31; Holiver Roman Castillo Yencura; Jaime Flores; Steve Sierra, 53; Sylvia Alba; and Analisa Casteneda. An arrest affidavit identifies Damon Reyes as the son of Hidalgo County Manager Tisha Green and says Green “herself is not implicated,” while indicating Green was instrumental in bringing the alleged ring to investigators’ attention.

Prosecutors provided specific charge groupings for several defendants. “Fellow inmates Felix Romero, 31; Steve Sierra, 53; Javier Rivera Castillo, 39; and McDaniel face four to eight counts apiece on charges of racketeering, trafficking or distributing narcotics, bringing contraband into a jail and conspiracy,” charging documents state. Felicity Castaneda was charged with nine counts related to racketeering, trafficking and distribution of controlled substances, conspiracy and being an accessory to receiving, transporting or possession of a firearm connected to Alba’s charges; she was released from custody under maximum pretrial supervision following a Tuesday hearing.

Authorities say ten people were arrested and charged and that booking photos were circulated by local law enforcement outlets. A warrant for Damon Reyes was issued Aug. 28; he did not appear to be in custody as of Wednesday. The Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office said the case remains an active investigation and that additional charges may follow.