Judge Approves Plea for Mom Who Took Over Her Incarcerated Husband’s Drug Business with Her Kids Along for the Ride

Posted By: ABQ RAW Staff

Posted On: 12/21/2023 @ 5:05PM

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Cassie Sandoval, 23

Albuquerque –

Today, Judge Montano was slated to sentence Cassie Sandoval, age 23, for her part in trafficking drugs in the Albuquerque Metro area from 2022-2023. Cassie was selling drugs at the request of her husband, Paul Sandoval, who at the time was incarcerated at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC).

Judge Montano stated that at a previous hearing (which we did not attend), Cassie Sandoval appeared remorseful for her actions, realized the gravity of her situation, and was open to drug treatment. Judge Montano noted that since her booking into MDC on 1/20/2023, Cassie had already served almost a year in jail, approximately 335 days. Judge Montano also said that Cassie had no prior criminal history before being caught and charged with selling drugs.

Judge Montano made it explicitly clear that he would be monitoring Cassie while she was out on probation and she would have to “earn her release.” Judge Montano stated that he would periodically monitor her case and if she resells drugs or narcotics, she could go back to jail for the remainder of her sentence, which based on what we read, could be up to nine years in prison minus time served. The Judge also warned her that she has made herself a target by selling drugs in the Albuquerque community, and law enforcement will likely be watching her.

Also, as part of her release, Cassie is required to report to probation within 24 hours of her release, she is to complete 200 hours of community service, enter into the New Mexico Women’s Recovery Academy, she is not permitted to own or buy firearms while on probation, and she is not allowed to consume drugs or alcohol. Judge Montano also expressed that if Cassie has difficulties getting into the New Mexico Women’s Recovery Academy, he wanted to be made aware as he might revisit the terms of probation.

The Judge also inquired about the custody status of Cassie’s children. It has been reported that Paul’s grandmother, Lusianita Sandoval, currently on probation for selling drugs, has custody of both Paul and Cassie’s two children, both children are supposedly under the age of 7. Judge Montano mentioned that this situation might complicate visitation for Cassie and her children, as probation and parole regulations may restrict interactions between felons and individuals on probation. The Judge also asked if CYFD was involved in overseeing anything with the children, but this was not immediately answered.

The lawyer representing Cassie, Raul Lopez, inquired if she could contact her husband, Paul, if the communication was regarding the children only. The lawyer representing the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Lisa Roybal, emphatically expressed concerns with Cassie and Paul communicating, Mrs. Roybal went on to say that at one point, Cassie and Paul were contemplating a divorce and then Cassie was trafficked into selling drugs for Paul. Based on what we heard, the Judge left both decisions, visitation with the kids and contacting Paul, up to probation and parole.

Backstory on Cassie Sandoval:

In May 2022, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) received information indicating that Paul Sandoval, currently incarcerated in the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), was allegedly orchestrating drug sales through his wife, Cassie Sandoval, and Paul’s grandmother, Lusianita Sandoval. This intel was based on intercepted jail phone calls.

 

On December 6, 2022, the APD Narcotics Unit conducted a buy/walk operation at a Dion’s Pizza on 3811 Las Estancias Ct SW, focusing on Cassie Sandoval as the primary suspect. Someone using Paul’s Facebook (FB) had arranged to meet with a detective at the Dion’s restaurant to sell 100 Fentanyl pills. During the FB messenger conversation, it was revealed that Cassie, driving a white Jeep, would be involved. It’s noteworthy that the detective, through surveillance, already knew Cassie drove a white Jeep. The FB messenger also mentioned probation constraints on leaving the house.

 

Upon arrival in the area, the detective observed Cassie’s white Jeep near the Dion’s. Another detective approached the vehicle and exchanged $400.00 of APD operational funds with Cassie. In return, she handed over a baggy containing blue pills marked “M” and “30,” asserting that Paul was in jail, and she was using his FB. Subsequently, the detective left the area.

 

The detective then handed the blue pills to another officer, and through their training and experience, it appeared to be Fentanyl. The pills tested presumptive positive for Fentanyl using a Narcotics Analysis Reagent field test kit. Approximately 100 pills were tagged into APD Evidence.

 

Cassie’s identification was established using her Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) photograph and FB photos. On December 13, 2022, another detective contacted Cassie’s FB, engaging in a conversation about purchasing Fentanyl pills in slang terms. Cassie agreed, offering 20 pills at $3.00 each. An operation for this deal was planned for a later date.

 

On December 27, 2022, around 2:30 PM, the detective contacted Cassie through her FB, expressing interest in a 200-pill deal. Cassie agreed to meet at the same location. Undercover units observed Cassie in her white Jeep at the Dion’s parking lot. The detective handed her $600.00 of APD operational funds, and she handed over multiple blue pills marked “M” and “30.” Approximately 199 pills were tagged into APD Evidence.

 

On January 11, 2023, around 7:30 PM, the detective contacted Cassie again through her FB, expressing interest in purchasing 100 pills. During the conversation, Cassie agreed to sell them for $3.00 each and proposed meeting at the Dion’s restaurant.

 

The detective informed Cassie that he was at the Dion’s restaurant. Cassie left her home, drove to the Dion’s, and met with the detective. He handed her $300.00 of APD operational funds, and she provided multiple blue pills marked “M” and “30.” The detective observed two children under seven years old in the back seat without seatbelts during this transaction. Cassie left the restaurant, returned home briefly, then came back to the Dion’s. The detective handed her another $300.00, and she provided more pills. Approximately 204 pills were tagged into APD Evidence.

Following the execution of a subsequent search warrant, law enforcement reportedly discovered approximately 6,840 fentanyl pills and uncovered a multitude of firearms within the residence. Reportedly, 6 firearms were found in Lusianita’s bedroom and one revolver was found in Cassie’s bedroom.

 

Lusianita Sandoval was reportedly given probation for her actions in selling drugs for her grandson, but the terms of her probation indicate that may be revoked if there are any violations to the terms of her plea deal.

According to the criminal complaint APD filed for Cassie Sandoval, “additional charges for Paul Sandoval were pending further investigation,” it is unknown if he faced additional prison time for his role in having his wife sell drugs while he was behind bars.

Patreon members can read the original criminal complaint here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/95078104 

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