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Warrant issued for New Mexico woman
A bench warrant has been issued for a New Mexico woman who failed to appear for a sentencing hearing Thursday to face multiple drug-related felony charges.
Elizabeth Talamantes, 25, of Albuquerque is charged with Class C felony conspiracy to commit dealing in marijuana over 10 pounds and possession of marijuana, identity deception and neglect of a dependent, all Class D felonies. She was slated to appear in Putnam County Circuit Court Thursday at 11 a.m.
Talamantes was arrested March 17 when officers found more than 40 pounds of marijuana hidden in the spare tire of a Jeep she was driving on I-70 eastbound.
As events unfolded, Talamantes claimed to be two other people, producing identification for one of them. She also admitted to officers that she was carrying pot in the spare tire, court documents said.
Talamantes told officers she lied about her identity because she was in the country illegally and did not want to lose her child.
On March 18, Talamantes' bond was set at $30,000 cash only. Her bond was reduced to $30,000 with 10 percent allowed on April 10. Talamantes posted bond and was allowed to return to New Mexico after signing a waiver of extradition.
Talamantes' attorney asked for a continuance for a May 15 pre-trial conference, which was denied. Talamantes was excused from attending that conference.
A change of plea and sentencing hearing was set for Oct. 23. Talamantes failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. Talamantes' attorney, Jeffrey Boggess, filed to have his client's warrant recalled. That request was granted on Oct. 24, and a new sentencing date of Nov. 6 was set.