Albuquerque firefighter tied to Mexican drug cartel
Posted at: 02/03/2012 7:32 PM | Updated at: 02/03/2012 9:40 PM
 Steve Chavez |
Steve Chavez was an unassuming middle class public servant, but authorities say he secretly worked with some of the most dangerous and wealthy drug cartels in the world.
Last week, the Drug Enforcement Agency arrested Chavez for his role with a major drug and money laundering ring in Albuquerque.
Chavez was also a member of the Albuquerque Fire Department, but his boss said he won’t be with the department for much longer.
“This whole case concerning Steve Chavez is very concerning to the fire department,” AFD Chief James Breen said. "It's in our best interest to resolve his employment status as quickly as possible."
According to court documents, Chavez worked for the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
In one month, he deposited more than $350,000 into an Albuquerque bank, and could have done his illegal business while on AFD duty.
Friday, he was officially declared AWOL from the fire department because he hasn’t showed up to work since he was arrested.
"We did talk to a family member,” Breen said. “He wanted to utilize sick leave and being incarcerated is not appropriate use for sick leave."
Based on his side behavior, he will most likely be in jail for awhile.
"Laundering money, structuring the money and trying to hide the money,” DEA spokesperson Keith Brown said. “I think it’s fair to say he was a significant part of the ring."
Chavez will likely have his AFD badge stripped, but that will be the least of his worries.
Early this week, a federal judge denied his request to be released from custody.
So for the time being, Chavez will spend his time behind federal bars.
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