A man charged in three cases involving arson and home burglaries has been sentenced to 21 years behind bars.
Reuben Armijo, 41, was sentenced to 21 years in prison and five years of probation by Chief District Judge Fernando Macias.
District Attorney Mark D'Antonio applauded the judge's decision and said, "The victims in this case either lost their home or were displaced. They lost their peace of mind and sense of security. However, today's sentence gives those affected the justice and safety they needed."
D'Antonio added, "This outcome is the direct result of working with law enforcement including investigators from the Las Cruces Fire Department."
Per a plea agreement filed on Tuesday, prosecutors said they would argue for 20 years of incarceration for all 13 counts while reducing the two arson charges to third-degree felonies.
BACKGROUND: On Feb. 3 and with no agreement to sentencing, the defendant pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts including three counts of residential burglary, three counts of conspiracy to commit residential burglary, one count each of larceny, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and criminal damage to property. He also pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property, a petty misdemeanor.
Prosecutors also filed supplemental criminal information alleging that the defendant was a habitual offender which allowed the judge to enhance the defendant’s sentence by one year of prison for each felony conviction.
Information from Third Judicial District Attorney's Office