ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Maurice Lacey made an initial appearance on Oct. 31 in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Lacey, 64, of Albuquerque, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 2.
As alleged in the complaint, on Oct. 21, Lacey shot a family member at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Cutler Avenue NE in Albuquerque. Lacey allegedly walked into the breakroom, pulled a 9mm pistol from his waistband and shot the victim in the back of the head. Lacey then allegedly walked to the customer service area and placed the firearm on the counter.
Albuquerque Police officers responding to the scene took Lacey into custody without further incident. The victim was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
On Oct. 17, the victim had been granted a temporary restraining order against Lacey, who was served with a copy of the order on Oct. 18.
Previously, Lacey had been convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and was twice convicted of trafficking controlled substances with intent to distribute. As a previously convicted felon, Lacey cannot possess a firearm or ammunition.
“Gun violence will not be tolerated in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Federal agents and prosecutors are working hand-in-hand and case-by-case with state prosecutors and local law enforcement to bring justice to those who resort to violence. Together, we will hold shooters and murderers responsible and restore safety to our streets.”
“ATF is committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to remove violent criminals from the general public and help make our communities a safer place to live and work,” said Brenden Iber, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of this charge, Lacey faces up to 15 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Trembley is prosecuting the case.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who knows someone experiencing domestic violence can reach an advocate at the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). In New Mexico, the Domestic Violence Resource Center is available by telephone at (505) 843-9123 or online at https://dvrcnm.org/.
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