I find the claim of a relationship by the burglar's brother "Well I know that Luke Sanchez was the cousin of the father of my brother's ex-girlfriend," to be rather weak.
In New Mexico, your car is considered an extension of your home, and you do not need a concealed carry license to carry a firearm in your car.
New Mexico has open carry. Only concealed carry, without a permit, is illegal.
The Gabaldon family is a very large, very old and well connected (powerful)family in the Belen area. They have many cousins, in laws and other assorted relatives some of which are undoubtedly on the local county sheriffs employ, if not in the DA’s office too. I suspect that this has had some bearing on this arrest and the charges. My hope is that this Marine veteran can afford a good attorney.