Courts

Federal Grant Allows Expansion Of Court Program For Families With Children In Foster Care

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NMSC News:
 
SANTA FE ― A newly awarded $7.7 million federal grant will allow courts to serve additional families in abuse and neglect cases in Sandoval, Valencia, Bernalillo, San Juan and McKinley counties through a program that more quickly leads to a safe, permanent home for children in foster care.
 
The Family Advocacy Program uses a multi-disciplinary team approach shown to improve child and family well-being and to support New Mexico’s public policy of reunifying families when possible. A team consisting of a court-appointed attorney, a social worker and a parent mentor
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Letter To The Editor: Elizabeth Allen Will Take Municipal Court To The Next Level

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By BILL WADT
Los Alamos 

We have the opportunity to take our Municipal Court to the next level by electing Elizabeth Allen.

She has years of experience as a trial attorney for both plaintiffs and defendants. Elizabeth has had the opportunity to argue in front of more than 20 judges to observe both good and bad judicial practice.   

Experience is normally a good thing but sitting on the same bench for many years can lead judges to an “I’ve seen this before” mindset, which can yield faulty decisions.

Elizabeth has worked with children with disabilities, child protection services, Read More

Letter To The Editor: Why I Endorse James Rickman

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By BILL WADT
Los Alamos 

I am voting for Jim Rickman to be our next Magistrate Judge. I strongly urge you to do the same.

In New Mexico, magistrate judges are only required to have a high school degree or equivalent, unless the judicial district has 200,000 people or more. We need a judge with more than the minimal requirements to provide a more effective, equitable, evidence-based experience for plaintiffs, defendants, and victims and to improve the poor reputation of our magistrate court for ignorance of legal requirements and procedures.

I have known and worked with Jim Rickman for years. Read More

FBI: Sophia Zayas Gets 15 Years For Child Abuse Resulting In Death Of Her Two-Month Old Daughter

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FBI News:

  • Husband Scheduled for Sentencing Oct. 2

ALBUQUERQUE – Senior U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack sentenced Sophia Monique Zayas, 36, Thursday afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces to 15 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for her conviction on a child abuse resulting in great bodily harm charge. 

Zayas’ conviction arose out of conduct occurring Oct. 21 and 22, 2007, that resulted in the death of her 2-month-old daughter. 

Judge Brack sentenced Zayas based on a guilty plea entered Feb. 24, 2014.

U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson, Special Agent

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New Mexico Supreme Court Candidate Michael E. Vigil Visits Los Alamos Daily Post

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Judge Michael Vigil discusses his reasons for seeking a seat on the New Mexico Supreme Court during an interview last week with Publisher Carol A. Clark at the Los Alamos Daily Post. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/kadailypost.com

 

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

Judge Michael E. Vigil visited with the news team Sept. 22 at the Los Alamos Daily Post to discuss his candidacy for position one on the New Mexico Supreme Court.

He is credited with fighting to protect the rights of children, teachers and victims in general, workers’ rights and to increase individual Read More

Scenes From Elizabeth K. Allen Meet & Greet

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Los Alamos Municipal Judge candidate Elizabeth K. Allen invited local families to meet her family Friday, Sept. 21 at her home on San Ildefonso Road. The event drew a crowd and many children in attendance enjoyed festivities in the upstairs game room at the home. Allen is an attorney running on the Democratic ticket against Republican incumbent Alan Kirk. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Municipal Judge candidate Elizabeth K. Allen chats with community members during her Meet & Greet Friday, Sept. 21 at her home on San Ildefonso Road. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More

Second League Of Women Voters Forum Oct. 3

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LWV News:
 
The League of Women Voters of Los Alamos will host its second non-partisan candidates forum Wednesday, Oct. 3.
 
Refreshments and socializing with the candidates begins at 6:30 p.m. and the forum begins at 7 p.m. at the Student Union in Building 2 at UNM-LA.
 
This forum features the unopposed candidate for County Assessor, Ken Milder (D); candidates for Magistrate Judge: Pat Casados (D), and James Rickman (L); and the four candidates for Sheriff: Joseph Granville (D), Chris Luchini (L), James Whitehead (R), and Greg White (DTS).
 
We will also hear from candidates
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Udall Statement On Senate Hearing With Dr. Christine Blasey Ford And Judge Brett Kavanaugh

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U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
 
U.S. SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Thursday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court:
 
“Dr. Ford showed tremendous courage and credibility as she told her story, under oath, to the United States Senate and to so many Americans watching around the country. I have said throughout this process that we must treat Dr. Ford with the respect and dignity that we should
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Dr. Maggie Charsley Of Los Alamos Becomes An American Citizen At Naturalization Ceremony Monday

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Dr. Maggie Charsley of Los Alamos became a citizen of the United States of America during a Naturalization ceremony Monday in Santa Fe. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

Dr. Maggie Charsley of Los Alamos participated in a moving Naturalization ceremony, becoming a citizen of the United States of America Monday at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

United States District Court Judge Judith C. Herrera presided over the event, welcoming 201 new citizens from 47 countries. She highlighted the special freedoms that American citizens enjoy including freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, Read More

FBI: Zuni Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty To Child Abuse

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FBI News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE ― Ernest Bewanika, 62, an enrolled member and resident of Zuni Pueblo, pled guilty Tuesday in Federal Court in Albuquerque to abusive sexual contact of a minor charges.
 
Bewanika’s plea agreement recommends a prison sentence within the range of 180 to 240 months followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court. Bewanika also will be required to register as a sex offender.
 
Bewanika was arrested April 3, 2018, on a two-count indictment charging him with sexually abusing a child under the age of 12 years on two occasions; the first time
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