ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A man who has been accused of taking advantage of a 17-year-old girl who had run away from home has been apprehended by the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ), as announced on October 16.
Pete Guevara is facing charges related to human trafficking and the trafficking of controlled substances after a lengthy investigation uncovered that he allegedly coerced the teenager into selling fentanyl for his own gain. The charges, classified as third- and second-degree felonies, could result in a maximum combined sentence of 12 years in prison if he is found guilty.
Authorities report that Guevara was discovered living on the streets of Albuquerque alongside the minor and is suspected of having a manipulative and potentially sexual relationship with her. Investigators indicate that he exploited the girl’s vulnerable situation to compel her into drug dealing as a means of basic survival.
“Exploiting a vulnerable minor in this way is unconscionable,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “I am proud of our agents for their tireless work… and for collaborating closely with our law enforcement partners to locate and protect this victim.”
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The case was initiated in June 2025 when the Casa de Luz Family Advocacy Center in Socorro, NM, notified authorities regarding a possible human trafficking incident involving a high-risk runaway. Special agents from the NMDOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit commenced a comprehensive investigation that ultimately resulted in Guevara’s arrest.
JC Trujillo, the Executive Director of Casa de Luz, commended the arrest, describing it as an essential reminder of the susceptibility of runaway teens to exploitation.
“Sadly, that search [for safety] can make them targets for human traffickers who exploit their vulnerability,” said Trujillo. “It takes all of us — families, neighbors, and local agencies — to protect our most vulnerable.”
NMDOJ’s Director of Special Investigations Kyle Hartsock emphasized the department’s renewed focus on runaway youth as a vulnerable group, stating, “Today’s arrest is just the start of a new focus on unmasking those who seek to benefit or exploit our communities’ children.”
Guevara is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.
The NMDOJ has released footage of the arrest as part of the agency’s broader effort to raise awareness about human trafficking in New Mexico.
