USMS Task Force Investigation Leads to Arrest of Fugitive on the Run Since 2000 in Fayetteville, NC

Las Cruces, NM – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) District of New Mexico (D/NM) Southwest Fugitive Team developed information on May 29, 2024, resulting in the arrest of a woman in Fayetteville, NC. Subject is wanted by the District of New Mexico stemming from an arrest in 1994 for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Subject was allowed to bond out and then failed to appear for her sentencing hearing.

Maribel Quintanilla, 60, had been using a false alias/identification helping her stay hidden to elude arrest.

The United States Marshal Service D/NM Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) received the warrant to arrest Quintanilla on February 22, 2000. Leads were developed over the past 24 years taking authorities to Mexico, California, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, and finally Fayetteville, North Carolina.

On May 29, 2024, USMS -SWIFT developed leads placing Quintanilla in Fayetteville, NC. USMS-SWIFT coordinated with Deputy U.S. Marshals from the Eastern District of North Carolina to help identify, locate, and apprehend Quintanilla, putting an end to her 24 yr run from the law.

Quintanilla is currently being held in North Carolina where she awaits her Initial Appearances on two separate federal charges: Failure to Appear for Sentencing & Failure to Appear on Indictment. She will then be transferred back to New Mexico to complete her court proceedings for her outstanding charges.

“The United States Marshal Service in the District of New Mexico is relentless in its pursuit to ensure justice is served. Quintanilla’s arrest was a collaborative effort. I would like to thank the State Department, the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce, and the Eastern District of North Carolina for helping make this apprehension possible.” Acting U.S. Marshal Russell Lashley

The U.S. Marshals Service District of New Mexico – Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team for this arrest was composed of officers/agents from the USMS Taskforce, Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce, the State Department, and the Eastern District of North Carolina.