ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Lante Porcha, 30, of Albuquerque, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison. On May 3, Porcha pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking, one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of attempted bank robbery with a dangerous weapon, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On Feb. 3, 2019, in the parking lot of Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, Porcha approached a victim who was seated in his vehicle and asked the victim for a cigarette or a lighter. Porcha then pointed a handgun at the victim and threatened to shoot him if he did anything. Porcha entered the passenger seat and ordered the victim to drive the vehicle to a nearby accomplice, Chaz Estrada. Porcha then ordered the victim to get out of the vehicle, after which Estrada entered the driver seat and the two fled in the victim’s vehicle.

Later that day, Porcha approached another victim as she was at a drive-up ATM. Porcha pointed the handgun at the victim and demanded that she empty her bank account. The victim refused and pushed the gun downward. The gun discharged and the bullet passed between the victim’s legs. Porcha ran back to the stolen vehicle and fled with Estrada driving.

A short time later, law enforcement stopped the stolen vehicle. Porcha and Estrada attempted to flee on foot but were arrested. The handgun and ammunition were found in the vehicle.

On May 26, 2020, Estrada, 34, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty to attempted bank robbery with a dangerous weapon, being an accessory after the fact, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On Sept. 15, 2020, Estrada was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Upon his release from prison, Porcha will be subject to five years of supervised release.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Trembley prosecuted the case.

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