EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A Las Cruces man who was recently convicted of trafficking heroin left the courthouse during lunch break and failed to return, according to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the State of New Mexico.
The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office says Daniel Crawford, 42, was found guilty of two counts of possession of heroin with intent to traffic in the second degree.
During the jury trial, District Court Judge Perea dismissed everyone for lunch break and Crawford left the courthouse and failed to return. Prosecutors argued that under court rule 5-612 (C)(1) NMRA, the trial should continue since Crawford voluntarily made himself absent.
The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office says sentencing will be held at a later date and if Crawford fails to show, then the court must consider issuing a warrant.
On July 23, 2020, Las Cruces Metro Narcotics agents investigated a house visit per an adult probation office. Agents found methamphetamine and heroin along with equipment needed to package the drugs for “street level distribution” in the back bedroom, the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office said.
Agents also searched Crawford’s phone where several text messages confirming alleged drug transactions were found.
Crawford was found guilty by a Las Cruces jury in Third District Court.
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