An Albuquerque man with ties to Phoenix is facing federal drug trafficking and firearms charges after an FBI investigation uncovered an alleged plan to arm an inmate during an escape attempt.

Court documents say agents searched three northwest Albuquerque homes tied to Crisantos “Ventex” Garcia, 34, on Feb. 13, 2025.

Investigators say Garcia is a suspected gang member and convicted felon.

When attempting to arrest Garcia, he tried to run by jumping from a second-story window into the next-door neighbor’s house, suffering multiple broken bones before he was taken to a hospital, where agents seized his cellphone.

During the searches, investigators say they recovered more than a dozen firearms — including a Draco-style pistol, multiple rifles and pistols — thousands of rounds of ammunition, ballistic vests, high-value vehicles including a Dodge Hellcat and about 151 grams of fentanyl pills.

Prosecutors say lab testing later found Garcia’s DNA on two of the guns, and his phone allegedly contained photos of firearms and messages discussing rifles, ammunition and pill sales.

Investigators also say Garcia was stockpiling firearms, ammunition, cash and a stolen vehicle to break out Dakota Briscoe, an Albuquerque man serving a 25-year federal prison sentence for a violent crime spree connected to a 2020 double murder and multiple armed carjackings.

Authorities say Briscoe told Garcia to hide a gun behind an ATM on the second floor of the University of New Mexico Hospital, with additional weapons, cash and a stolen car nearby.

According to investigators, Briscoe’s plan involved faking a medical emergency during a scheduled court appearance on Wednesday, April 15, with the goal of being transferred to the hospital.

A letter recovered by investigators allegedly directed others to coordinate by phone to ensure a vehicle and firearm were in place, and agents say Briscoe ultimately intended to go to Mexico.

On Tuesday, April 14, detectives with the FBI Phoenix office arrested Garcia in Phoenix.

Agents say Garcia again tried to get away, jumping walls and running through buildings, parking lots and across busy streets while he was with his minor stepson.

Investigators say Garcia abandoned his stepson before Garcia was arrested.

Garcia is charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He remains in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Garcia faces a sentence of 10 to 40 years in prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting.