By KRWG News
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The only trial in a 14-person firearms-trafficking case centered in Columbus has been scheduled for next month.
Gabrielle Gutierrez entered a not-guilty plea to the charges against her Nov. 1. She is the wife of a village trustee who has already pleaded guilty in the federal arms case. Gutierrez is the lone holdout who has not accepted a plea deal.
Gutierrez is charged with conspiracy, two counts of making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, and two counts of smuggling goods from the United States. Federal prosecutors allege Gutierrez knew the firearms were intended to be smuggled into Mexico.
Jury selection begins Dec. 12 in Las Cruces.
If convicted, Gutierrez faces up to 35 years in prison.