Courts

FBI: Mescalero Man Charged With Assault Of Minor

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Mescalero man has been charged by criminal complaint with multiple counts of sexual abuse for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Thomas Lee Chaffins, 35, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, appeared before a federal judge Oct. 10 and was detained pending trial.

According to the criminal complaint, Sept. 27, 2024, Chaffins engaged in sexual acts with a 15-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe. At 15 years old, Jane Doe was legally unable to consent to sexual activity with the 35-year-old Chaffins. Additionally, Jane Doe was reportedly too intoxicated Read More

Santa Fe Conservation Trust Completes Public Access Project Along The Rio Grande In La Mesilla

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SFCT News:

In November 2023, the Santa Fe Conservation Trust (SFCT) accepted the donation of a conservation easement over 58 acres of land along the Rio Grande in La Mesilla.

The Aeby family generously chose to grant this conservation easement to protect their land from development and provide continued public access to the river.

The newly-protected land sits on the eastern bank of the Rio Grande in between Santa Fe and Española. The Aebys have owned the land since the 1950s, and have always invited neighbors, Scouts, birding groups, and others to hike there and enjoy the natural beauty. Located Read More

District Court Denies State’s Motion To Reconsider Dismissal Of Criminal Case Against Baldwin In ‘Rust’ Set Shooting

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District Court News:

The New Mexico First Judicial District Court has denied the state’s motion to reconsider the dismissal of the criminal charge in State v. Alexander Rae Baldwin, D-101-CR-2024-00013. View the order here.

Documents filed in the case are available online by clicking here and selecting State v. Alexander Rae Baldwin in the webpage menu. Read More

Chief Justice Thomson: Make An Informed Decision About Judges On The Ballot

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By DAVID K. THOMSON
Chief Justice
New Mexico Supreme Court

Assessing how state court judges perform on the job is difficult, particularly for New Mexico voters in today’s divisive political environment. But information from the state’s Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) can assist New Mexicans in deciding whether to vote “yes” or “no” to retain judges and justices on the general election ballot.

JPEC was established to specifically help voters carry out their role in ensuring competent, professional judges in New Mexico. The commission’s evaluations also provide feedback Read More

Los Alamos Police Department Welcomes New Commander And 3 Officers At Swearing-in Ceremony At Justice Center

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The Los Alamos Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony Friday afternoon for from left, newly promoted Commander Christopher Ross and officers Melford William Hurd, Mary Barela and Perla Castanon in the Magistrate Courtroom at the Justice Center, with the Honorable Magistrate Judge Catherine Taylor presiding. The event was open to the  public. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

The Honorable Magistrate Judge Catherine Taylor swears in Cmdr. Christopher Ross. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Gina Terrazas pins the new badge on Cmdr. Christopher Ross. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com Read More

New Mexico Supreme Court Rules On Evidence Required To Prove Child Neglect

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NMSC News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Supreme Court (NMSC) has issued an opinion clarifying the evidence necessary to prove child neglect under New Mexico law.

In a unanimous opinion, the justices reversed decisions of a Bernalillo County district court and the Court of Appeals that found a child to be neglected. The Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) had taken custody of the young boy. 

“Absent clear and convincing evidence of a serious risk to Child, which is not present here, removal and foster care should not be CYFD’s first course of action and Child cannot be adjudicated neglected,” Read More

Public Invited To LAPD Swearing-in Ceremony Friday

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LAPD News:

The Los Alamos Police Department is hosting a swearing-in ceremony for newly promoted Cmdr. Christopher Ross and newly appointed officers Mary Barela, Perla Castanon and Melford William Hurd.

The public is invited to attend this special occasion.

The ceremony is scheduled at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 in the Magistrate Courtroom at the Justice Center, with the Honorable Magistrate Judge Catherine Taylor presiding.

For more information, contact at 505.662.8222. Read More

New Mexico Judiciary Seek Input On Courthouse Access

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NMSC News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico court system is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of policies, programs, and facilities to determine the extent to which individuals with disabilities may be restricted in their access to courthouses across the state.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has contracted with Altura Solutions to assist with the creation of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, which is required by federal law.

The work will cover the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals buildings and courthouses in all 13 judicial districts and the Bernalillo Read More

New Mexico Supreme Court Rules State Can Be Sued By Individuals Harmed By Erroneous Release Of Prisoners

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NMSC News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled that state law allows governmental agencies to be sued by individuals harmed by an inmate mistakenly released from prison because of the negligence of public employees.

In a unanimous opinion, the Court concluded that the New Mexico Tort Claims Act permits a lawsuit against the state Department of Corrections by the estate of Katherine Paquin, an Albuquerque woman killed in 2012 by Christopher Blattner after he was mistakenly released from prison three years early. He was serving a sentence for convictions of trafficking and possession Read More

New Mexico Department Of Finance And Administration Files Response To Judicial Employee Leave Policy Lawsuit

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DFA Secretary Wayne Propst

DFA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) filed a response to the Administrative Office of the Courts’ (AOC) lawsuit against the agency. DFA’s response aims to protect the Legislature’s exclusive power over the expenditure of public funds and the constitutional authority of checks and balances, while respectfully requesting a fair tribunal.

The lawsuit stems from DFA’s declining paid time off (PTO) payouts on the grounds that the policy violates legislative restrictions on the expenditure of public funds. The decision Read More