Sheriff's detective found guilty of lying to FBI, obstructing DEA case

A Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office detective was convicted of obstructing Drug Enforcement Administration investigations and making a false statement to the FBI, according to a ruling announced by U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. The verdict came on July 10, following a five-day trial in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where a jury found Paul Jessen Jr., 36, guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, two counts of obstruction of justice, and making a false statement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico had initially handled the case but recused itself, allowing prosecutors from the Northern District of Texas to take over. Jessen’s conviction stemmed from actions taken in late 2021 and early 2022. Prosecutors alleged that Jessen and former BCSO Detective Kyle Linker recruited a drug trafficker as a confidential informant. During this time, they allegedly shared sensitive information with the trafficker, undermining DEA operations. According to court records, Linker informed the trafficker about a planned DEA operation near his residence, leading the trafficker to alter the location of a drug deal and cancel another. Text messages introduced as evidence revealed a pattern of hostility toward the DEA among Jessen and Linker. One message included the phrase, “It would be a shame if there is nothing there,” suggesting a dismissive attitude toward the DEA’s work. In December 2021, DEA agents conducted a search of the trafficker’s home and discovered over 470 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and a firearm. The trafficker admitted to being tipped off by Linker, prompting investigators to devise a plan to verify his claims. Further evidence showed that Linker used Jessen’s phone to communicate with the trafficker, attempting to maintain plausible deniability. Jessen also participated in an in-person meeting with the trafficker, during which he searched him for a wire, potentially aiding in the concealment of communications. During an interview with an FBI agent in January 2022, Jessen denied knowing of any improper conduct between Linker and the trafficker. This denial was later determined to be false by the jury. Jessen now faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. Meanwhile, Linker had already pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and received a sentence of eight months in custody, including 30 days in prison and seven months of location monitoring. The case highlights the complexities of law enforcement cooperation and the potential for internal conflicts to compromise ongoing investigations. Both the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and the FBI have condemned Jessen’s actions, emphasizing the risks posed to public safety and the integrity of law enforcement. The conviction underscores the serious consequences of betraying public trust through deceit and obstruction.