Local drug trafficker’s wife faces charges

Linda Duckett

By Leslie Wood
Staff writer

GALLUP — The wife of a convicted drug trafficker was arraigned on similar charges Thursday morning in magistrate court.

Linda Duckett, 47, surrendered to authorities at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday after she learned there was a warrant issued for her arrest. She was subsequently booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center on charges of trafficking cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and child abuse.

During Thursday’s hearing, Duckett’s bond was set a $15,000 cash only pursuant to the warrant signed by District Judge Grant Foutz.

Lt. George Justice, of the Middle Rio Grande Valley Task Force, said Duckett is the wife of convicted cocaine trafficker Jack Duckett. Jack Duckett was released from prison a week ago and attended his wife’s hearing.

“He was there as a spectator,” Justice said.

Linda Duckett was the target of an ongoing investigation conducted by the task force. Justice said the agency received information that Duckett had been selling cocaine. He released no additional details about the investigation.

“We’ve caught her pretty much red-handed selling cocaine,” Justice said.

Linda Duckett will face the count of child abuse because she allegedly sold cocaine with a child in her presence.