Federal Prosecutorial Role Reestablished in Roswell with Appointment of Lance Jaggers

ALBUQUERQUE — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced the restoration of a resident federal prosecutor in Roswell, marking the first time in over six years that the city has had a dedicated federal prosecutorial presence. Lance Jaggers has joined the office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and will be based in Roswell, enhancing the office’s ability to serve southeastern New Mexico.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison emphasized the significance of this appointment in addressing public safety concerns in the region. "Restoring a resident federal prosecutor to Roswell expands our ability to meet the public safety challenges facing southeastern New Mexico," Ellison stated. He highlighted the office’s ongoing priorities, including border security and the prosecution of violent crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

Jaggers brings extensive prosecutorial experience to the role. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Roswell. There, he prosecuted a range of misdemeanor and felony cases, including serious violent offenses, and represented the State in jury trials. His work involved close collaboration with law enforcement throughout all stages of criminal investigations and prosecutions.

In addition to his prosecutorial background, Jaggers held multiple legal positions with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. His roles included Assistant General Counsel and Children’s Court Attorney, where he managed employment and administrative matters, litigated abuse and neglect cases, and handled issues related to the Indian Child Welfare Act. These positions required coordination with child welfare professionals, law enforcement, and the courts to safeguard vulnerable children.

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jaggers will prosecute federal criminal cases and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies across southeastern New Mexico.

The District of New Mexico encompasses 33 counties and shares approximately 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Under current leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritizes public safety and border security. Enhanced enforcement efforts have led to increased prosecutions involving immigration offenses, transnational criminal organizations, human trafficking, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and other violent crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys stationed in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and now Roswell collaborate closely with law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses. The reinstatement of a resident federal prosecutor in Roswell bolsters the office’s capacity to support border security initiatives affecting the district’s interior and strengthens the federal law enforcement presence in southeastern New Mexico.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison also encourages local leaders in Albuquerque and Las Cruces to seek funding through the Department of Justice’s Model City Initiative, a new public safety program aimed at enhancing community security.

In related developments, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has appointed Ryan Ellison to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys, reflecting his leadership role within the District of New Mexico.

The restoration of federal prosecutorial resources in Roswell represents a strategic enhancement of law enforcement capabilities in a region critical to national border security and public safety efforts.

Official reference: View the original document.