New Mexico Sheriff’s Deputies Accused of Tipping Off Drug Trafficker

Two Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies are facing federal charges for allegedly warning a drug trafficker about a DEA operation.Photo byJeffrey KeenanonUnsplash

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today that two Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies are facing federal prosecution after allegedly tipping off a drug trafficker about a pending DEA raid in New Mexico.

Deputy Kyle Linker, 33, has pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice in U.S. District Court. according to the DEA.

His colleague, Deputy Paul Jessen Jr., 34, has been indicted on charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. Jessen has not yet entered a plea and faces up to 70 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts, the DEA says.

According to court documents, Linker and Jessen allegedly warned a drug trafficker, whom they had previously recruited as a confidential informant, about a DEA operation near his home in Los Ranchos, New Mexico.

This warning allowed the trafficker to cancel a drug transaction, obstructing the DEA's efforts to gather evidence.

“Every day, the men and women of the DEA work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to bring drug dealers to justice,” said Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s El Paso Field Division. “Mr. Linker chose to partner with the drug dealers instead, and now he too will face the consequences.”

The investigation revealed that in November 2021, a DEA agent informed Linker about the planned operation.

Fearing the trafficker might be targeted, Linker reportedly contacted the individual to warn him. As a result, the DEA’s operation failed to produce any evidence at that time.

In December 2021, DEA agents conducted another search at the trafficker's residence and seized 470 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. The trafficker later admitted that Linker had warned him of the previous raid.

To confirm the trafficker’s account, DEA agents monitored further communications between Linker, Jessen, and the trafficker.

Despite being instructed by the DEA not to contact the trafficker about the operation, Linker messaged him, warning he was “on DEA’s radar” and advising him to cancel the transaction.

The deputies allegedly conspired to mislead investigators by communicating through Jessen's phone.

Linker now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with his sentencing date yet to be set. Jessen, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty, faces up to 70 years in prison if convicted.