Courts

New Mexico State Police Responds To Federal Comments About English Language Proficiency And CDL’s

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Chief Troy Weisler

NMSP News:

SANTA FE—New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Chief Troy Weisler today said federal officials have mischaracterized New Mexico’s Commercial Driver’s License policy and compliance with federal law related to English Language Proficiency (ELP) testing.

The chief’s comments are in response to questions surrounding a July 3, 2025, traffic stop in which an NMSP officer cited commercial truck driver Harjinder Singh for a speeding violation. Singh was later involved in a high-profile crash in Florida that left three dead.

On June 25, 2025, new federal guidelines regarding Read More

FBI: Vanderwagen Man Gets 37 Months Behind Bars For Violent Knife Attack Leaving Victim With Serious Injuries

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for assaulting another man with a knife, leaving the victim with serious bodily injuries.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on Nov. 12, 2024, Josiah Bodie, 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, used a knife to assault a man outside Basha’s grocery store in Shiprock, New Mexico, following an argument.

Surveillance video showed Bodie approaching the victim with a knife as the victim attempted to walk away. Witnesses reported that Bodie threw the victim against a wall before stabbing Read More

Las Cruces Man Gets 84 Months In Prison For Possession Of Methamphetamine And Fentanyl After Fleeing From Officers

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Las Cruces man was sentenced Friday to 84 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl after fleeing from officers attempting to arrest him on a warrant.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 15, 2024, Las Cruces Police Department officers attempted to arrest Guillermo Yanez, 47, on an outstanding warrant out of El Paso, Texas, for tampering with evidence in a narcotics case.

When officers approached, Yanez fled on foot, jumping a wall into an apartment complex. During the chase, officers saw him reach into Read More

State GOP On Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison

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Ryan Ellison

RPNM News:

Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) Chairwoman Amy Barela issued the following statement on the appointment of Ryan Ellison as Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico:

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ryan Ellison on his appointment as Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. Throughout his service as U.S. Prosecutor, Ryan has demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the people of New Mexico.

“While his official confirmation has been delayed by political gamesmanship Read More

FBI: Candidate Who Orchestrated Shootings And Murder-For-Hire After Election Loss Sentenced To 80 Years In Prison

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Solomon Peña was sentenced to 960 months in prison for orchestrating a politically motivated shooting spree and plotting to murder witnesses to obstruct justice.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Solomon Peña, 42, ran for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 midterm elections. After his electoral defeat, Peña falsely claimed the election was rigged and began pressuring members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners not to certify the results.

When they refused, Peña recruited Jose Read More

Rule Of Law Advances A Civil And Engaged Democracy

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New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice David K. Thomson, Courtesy/NMSC

By Chief Justice David K. Thomson
New Mexico Supreme Court

I am pleased to announce the New Mexico Supreme Court’s fifth annual “Rule of Law” program. The goal of the program is to educate middle school, high school, and college students on the judiciary’s role in our democracy and how the rule of law secures a just and civil society. This year we will hold oral argument at the Henderson Fine Arts Center at San Juan College in Farmington on Aug. 28, at 1 p.m.

Normally, I write an op-ed in advance of the program to discuss the importance Read More

Safe Surrender Event To Clear Outstanding Bench Warrants In Carlsbad Aug. 22 & 23

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COURT News:

CARLSBAD — People with outstanding bench warrants from any magistrate court in New Mexico have an opportunity to clear them at the Eddy County Magistrate Court in Carlsbad, New Mexico from 1–7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22, and from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday. The courthouse address is 1949 South Canal Street.

The safe surrender event provides anyone with outstanding warrants an opportunity to avoid jail and other consequences by appearing before a judge. At the time of surrender, a person who appears voluntarily will receive favorable consideration when requesting a new court date, payment Read More

FBI: Doña Ana Man Sentenced To 96 Months In Prison For Fentanyl Trafficking And Illegal Firearm Possession

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A previously convicted felon was sentenced to 96 months in prison after agents recovered fentanyl and a stolen firearm during an attempted arrest in Las Cruces.

According to court records, on May 21, 2024, FBI task force officers and Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics agents attempted to stop a vehicle associated with an ongoing investigation into fentanyl trafficking. The driver, later identified as Jaime Lopez, 35, fled at a high rate of speed, and officers did not pursue due to public safety concerns. Agents later determined the vehicle had recently been Read More

FBI: Arizona Man Gets 30 Years For $24 Million Ponzi Scheme With Many Victims In Northern New Mexico

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The bullion seized in November 2021. Courtesy/FBI

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — An Arizona man was sentenced to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $24,065,636.20 in forfeiture following his conviction for orchestrating a Ponzi-style investment fraud scheme that defrauded more than 100 victims, many of whom were Northern New Mexican residents, out of millions of dollars. A restitution order remains pending.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, from 2014 to 2022, John Lopez, 74, solicited investments through his Read More

FBI: Assault Charges Filed Against Shiprock Man

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Shiprock man is facing federal charges for a violent assault that left two people seriously injured.

According to court documents, on Aug. 5, 2025, Joshua Black, 20, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, became violent during an argument at the home. Black assaulted another man by slamming his head into a fireplace and striking him repeatedly with a shovel and a wooden board.

The man sustained life-threatening head injuries and was later airlifted to a local hospital. During the same incident, Black also assaulted a woman, kicking her and taking her mobility aids, Read More