Courts

FBI: Man Faces Child Abuse Charge In Indian Country

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Dexter Whiskers, 43, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, made an initial appearance in Federal Court Friday facing a charge of sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

Whiskers will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for April 20.

According to a criminal complaint, in October 2021, Whiskers, then a Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Officer, allegedly engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was 13 years old. The incident allegedly Read More

Council Tentatively Approves Municipal Court Budget

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Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth Allen presents her FY23 budget tonight to Los Alamos County Council. Council unanimously voted to tentatively approve the Municipal Court’s FY23 budget, which totals $626,252. Allen reported there are no increases or budget options in the Municipal Court FY23 budget. Screenshot/LADP Read More

Earth Care, Area Leaders Info Session On Environmental Injustice In Santa Fe’s Southside Communities Tuesday

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New Mexico Environmental Law Center News:

Earth Care and community leaders have led a challenge to air quality permits issued to polluting companies on Santa Fe’s Southside area, which is a densely populated area of predominantly low-income/immigrant people of color.

A coalition of local residents and families called the Santa Fe Southside Environmental Justice Coalition has appealed NMED’s decision, which resulted in an Environmental Improvement Board hearing in February.

As community members await the results of their appeal, they are informing community members and community Read More

AG Balderas: Drunk Driver Convicted In Vehicular-Homicide That Killed 18-Year-Old Student

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Attorney General Hector Balderas

From the Office of the Attorney General:

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced the guilty plea of Bernadette Etsitty for DWI-based vehicular homicide.

Etsitty will be sentenced by the district court at a later date. She faces up to 12 years in prison at initial sentencing.

“It is appalling that another promising young life has been senselessly lost to a drunk driver, and our State must continue to do a better job of preventing the devastating effects of drunk driving,” Attorney General Balderas said.

The evening of June 23, 2020, Read More

Attorney General Balderas Announces Indictment Of Former Congregation Albert Synagogue Employee

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Attorney General Hector Balderas

From the Office of the Attorney General: 

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has  announced the filing of an indictment against Crystal Lucero, a former employee of Congregation Albert Synagogue.

The indictment contains nine counts, including forgery, larceny and embezzlement.

Congregation Albert Synagogue, established in 1897, is the oldest Jewish organization of continued existence in New Mexico. 

“Nonprofit organizations like synagogues, rely on trusted employees for much of their financial management and oversight, Read More

New Mexico Attorney General Announces Embezzlement Convictions Of Former Cattle Baron Restaurant Employees

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Attorney General Hector Balderas

AG News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Attorney General Hector Balderas announced Thursday the convictions of former Cattle Baron employees Brian and Tammy Casaus.

The married couple pled guilty to charges including racketeering, embezzlement, money laundering and tax fraud. They both face terms of incarceration, with sentencing to be held at a later date.

“New Mexicans are fed up with theft and corruption, and the defendants used their trusted positions to cheat a business and its employees,” Balderas said. “Our office will always assist law enforcement and intervene Read More

FBI: Navajo Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Assault And Firearm Charges Facing Up To Life In Prison

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FBI News:

ALBUQERQUE — Michael Shebala, 37, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in Federal Court April 5 to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Shebala is in custody awaiting sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

Shebala was indicted by a federal grand jury May 25, 2021. According to the plea agreement, Feb. 18, 2021, Shebala shot a victim, identified in court records as John Doe Read More

New Mexico Supreme Court Announces Creation Of Permanent Judicial Commission On Mental Health

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The New Mexico Supreme Court. Post file photo

New Mexico SUPREME COURT News:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Supreme Court announced today the creation of a permanent commission to improve how the justice system responds to people experiencing mental health related issues.

The New Mexico Commission on Mental Health and Competency will include representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, tribal governments, advocates for behavioral health services and housing, those with a life experience in mental health issues, and criminal justice system partners Read More

Attorney General Hector Balderas Secures $1.7 Million Restitution Settlement For New Mexico Consumers

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Attorney General Hector Balderas

From the Office of the Attorney General:

SANTA FE — Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced a $1.7 million settlement with Livingston Hearing Aid Centers, a Texas-based hearing aid retailer with locations throughout New Mexico.

Balderas’s Consumer & Environmental Protection Division led the effort to investigate Livingston’s business practices, resulting in an agreement that distributes $1.4 million in restitution to hundreds of defrauded consumers and secures $300,000 worth of free hearing aids and other assistance for at-risk populations Read More