The officer then asked Navarrette to step out of his car after confirming he worked for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. Albuquerque Talent Development Academy while Albuquerque Talent Development Academy while turning down that of another, El Camino Real Academy. Espaola Police arrested Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan on Thursday after he refused to unlock and turn over his phone to responding officers. The incident reports are filled with untrue and highly-questionable statements, including a false allegation that Peterson refused to identify himself to the female officer and another saying he took an aggressive stance before resisting arrest. A lifelong resident of New Mexico, he found interest in broadcasting after falling in love with sports. By Phaedra Haywood Leading Arizona: A look at the state's governors. Aug. 20A state district judge ruled Friday that Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan is too well-known in the county to stand trial there and a criminal case against him will be heard, instead, in Santa Fe. Not at all, Peterson said. You can unsubscribe anytime. Walker also served as a jailer, first deputy, undersheriff,District Court clerk and two terms as county treasurer, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. The legal limit in Arizona is 0.08. But local journalists still have to eat. By Wilson Wong. In that case, Lujan was found guilty of helping Chacon avoid being arrested following a high-speed chase through Espaola in March 2017 by picking up Chacon at his home after the pursuit and driving him away in a patrol vehicle. Lujan has another trial coming up next month in a case that also involved Chacon. Local News. He also had pornography stashed on his work computer in a folder labeled Fun Time.. In the case Reeb has said she intends to retry after jurors deadlocked 8-4 in favor of acquittal, Lujan faces felony charges of bribing or threatening a witness and harboring a felon during an incident in 2017, in which he is accused of helping Chacon evade police officers Chacon had led on a high-speed chase. FILE - In this July 6, 2010 photo, former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas, foreground, and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio give a news conference in Phoenix on regarding the U.S. Justice . Last year, Rodella appealed his sentence after there was a change in federal firearms law but the judge denied his request. The jury sent a message that no one, not even an elected official, is above the law.. District Attorney Andrea Reeb accused Lujan of abusing his authority, saying he loved the power of being the sheriff. Biedscheid is scheduled to consider those arguments at an Aug. 26 hearing. The case of "trunk murderess" Winnie Ruth Juddwas the major media case during his time in office, as well as the Depression-era labor riots. As I was investigating that I started getting lots of calls from other people about concerns they had that Sheriff Lujan had done other things, said 9th Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb. Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. He was accused of showing up drunk at a crime scene at Chacon's home in Espaola in March 2020 and attempting to take over the operation from police. Peterson believes thats anything but full disclosure. ALBUQUERQUEU.S. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Rio Arriba County Undersheriff Martin Ray Trujillo has agreed to retire at the end of the month, in exchange for a prosecutor dropping the felony charge he was facing. During Lujans trial, Lattin testified that the sheriff had asked him to follow him to Chacons house to help serve a restraining order. Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan, who replaced a sheriff convicted in a road-rage case, is now the target of a new investigation himself. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Voting Rights Bill Draws Mixed Opinions at Legislative Hearing, Biden Appoints MLG to Council of Governors, Bill Banning the Sale of Assault Weapons Passes Through First Committee, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 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According to online court records, Terrance Garcia filed an employment discrimination complaint in January, accusing Romero of sexually harassing him while he worked at the Cuba Police Department. Manriquezs attorneys also claim Officer Ensley used false and misleading information to obtain a search warrant of his home by claiming it was the primary residence of his nephew, John Soriano. While at UNM, he worked the New Mexico Daily Lobo, serving as both sports and managing editor. APS board begrudgingly approves one charter school, denies another. Thomas Barnum was the first elected sheriff; however, his time in office was short, serving from May 1871 to November 1871. Superior police claimed he resisted arrest. Invitational brings 16 NM brewery together for a stout 2023 Stout Invitational, hosted by Bathtub 2023 Stout Invitational, hosted by Bathtub Row Brewing Co-Op, 163 Central Park Square in Los Alamos, will be held from noon to 6 p.m. "MANIA: The ABBA Tribute" is scheduled "MANIA: The ABBA Tribute" is scheduled to play the KiMo Theatre on Sunday, March 5, as part of its United States tour. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Lujan is facing felony charges of bribery of a witness and harboring or aiding a felon. Former Rio Arriba deputy sues, claiming firing was retaliation. Before he took office as sheriff from 1977-84, Jerry Hill was a Phoenix police officerand lieutenant, according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police. @Copwatchtv obtained lapel footage from different officers of a March 26th, 2020 incident, Espaola Police and New Mexico State Police were executing a sear. Tommy Rodella was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for pulling a gun during an off-duty traffic stop in 2014. After being a California deputy sheriff, John Mummert served in Arizona from 1969-72, according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police. Lujan also was convicted of intimidating or threatening a witness for taking one of his former deputies, Cody Lattin, to Chacons house with him that night and directing Lattin not to tell anyone what he had done or to discuss his actions on police radio. He attended the University of New Mexico, where he majored in multimedia journalism. Rio Arriba County Undersheriff Martin Ray Trujillo has agreed to retire at the end of the month, in exchange for a prosecutor dropping the felony charge he was facing. Trujillo faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The county agreed to pay $75,000 to settle the lawsuit in December, according to Rio Arriba County Attorney Adn Trujillo. MORE:Sheriff Carl Hayden led pursuit of Tempe teens intrain robbery. Create a password that only you will remember. Multiple people in the community echoed Saucedos feelings that justice had been served in this instance, as did Reeb. Former Rio Arriba County sheriff, serving prison term, pleads no contest in second case. House approves retail crime bill that could lead to stiffer sentences on 62-3 vote. IE 11 is not supported. 'I'm also a police officer': Arizona sheriff's deputy pleads for release after being pulled over for DUI. [WARNING: The video below contains police violence and graphic language]. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Sheriff Joe Arpaio: 'How did I survive for 24 years with all the controversy and heat?'. I could not have successfully prosecuted these matters without their help and support.. Lujan is facing charges of bribery of. Want more news like this? Tabitha Clay is an investigative journalist with a focus on criminal justice and policing. Aquino had a long history of disciplinary actions being taken against him at the Rio Arriba Sheriffs Office, including a citizen complaint of harassment during a traffic stop, an unsafe high speed pursuit, and a DWI arrest and a domestic violence incident while off-duty. Napoleon Garcia, who said he is not related to Montoya, added he knew about the incident with Montoyas vehicle, but he didnt try to cover it up, and in fact placed Montoya on unpaid leave over the incident. Reeb also argued heavy media coverage of the trial made it difficult to find jurors without knowledge of the allegations against Lujan. During his first term he created the "Urgency Fund," which eliminated the delays of deputies being refunded for work expenses. This was tied to losing his bid for re-election aftera deputy-involved scandal. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The earliest many Arizona counties began keeping Brady lists was around 20 years ago. Each county attorneys office keeps their own list in their own way, applying all different standards for what misconduct belongs. This contributed to Blubaum not being reelected for another term. In the months after the incident, Lattin said, Lujan told him about 30 times not to tell anyone about their interaction. During that time, he was prohibited from driving a patrol car and rode with another deputy while taking regular calls for service. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Pinal County Sheriff's Deputy Julian Navarrette was stopped after an Arizona State University police officer observed him speeding and swerving about 2 a.m. Dec. 5 in Tempe, according to an ASU police report. He started construction on Madison Street Jail. Bowles brought up Lattins past disciplinary actions for lying to fellow police officers about his military experience. We won't share it with anyone else. From 1929 to 1930, Charles Wright served. But Lujan arrived on the scene, smelling of alcohol, and demanded that police leave, saying he would arrest Chacon, according to police reports. Clays affidavit concerns Aquinos claim that Lujan downplayed the altercation between the deputy and Vigil before using it as the basis to fire him. According to Clays affidavit, Lujan later told her: We are going to send [Aquino] to anger management class and use of force training., Romero said in an affidavit dated Aug. 6, 2020, that Terrance Garcia at the time, a police officer in Cuba threatened to retaliate against him to prevent him from sharing damaging information Garcia had shared about his family and officials in Rio Arriba County regarding a scheme to frame Mr. Aquino., Romeros affidavit says Garcia said the plot against Aquino was related to his investigation of embezzlement and misuse of County property., The affidavit also says that after Aquino applied for a job with Cuba police, Garcia tried to sway him against hiring Aquino by bragging about his familys political pull in Rio Arriba County.. House approves retail crime bill that could lead to stiffer sentences on 62-3 vote. From 1881 to 1884 and from 1895 to 1898, Lindely Orme served four terms as Maricopa County sheriff, with 10 years between his second and third terms. The Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board is the state agency that licenses cops. He also worked at Globe Police after Superior and then transferred to Miami Police, where he shot someone in a controversial case last year. Penzone has said he will push for more transparency and to refocus the agency on law enforcement. phaywood@sfnewmexican.com, Newly elected Santa Fe County magistrate arrested on DWI charge, Police: Walmart shooting suspect's case dismissed under DA's DWI policy, Santa Fe Bite has new owners, but old owners remain on board, Another troubled Espaola complex teeters, Accused judge removed from bench in wake of DWI charge, Longtime weatherman forecasts a new life outside TV, Concerns crop up about old assault charges against Indian Affairs appointee, Yo, Governor: You're not paying for the highways, Farmer switching crops: No green in chile anymore, Predictions: Horsemen go all the way; Demons upset everyone, Volunteer adopts dog who struggled to find permanent home, Peacenik vs. secretive senator for Capitol dishonor. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Isabella Alves / Journal North The verdict was handed down in the mid-afternoon following his second trial for harboring a felon and intimidation of a witness. Lujans predecessor Thomas Rodella left the office after being convicted of civil rights violations. He recently began serving his sentence there after he was convicted earlier this month of felony counts for helping Chacon avoid arrest in 2017 and directing a deputy not to tell anyone. 9 Texas a B12 title, No. During this time he also served as an assessor and tax collector, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. This was the same day Lattin testified at Lujans preliminary hearing. Among his accomplishments were initiating the Maricopa Mounted Posse and sponsoring the first FBI training school in the Valley. If you come across them, do not attempt to apprehend them yourself. He mademany changes, such as starting contract law enforcement services with towns. Investigators say Lujan also told his own deputies not to tell anyone about it and he could face even more charges. In addition to this incident, where he battered an employee of the Family Dollar while he had a criminal suspect detained in his unit, Trujillo wrote in the email, Mr. A notice of dismissal was filed on Monday, and the case was dismissed without prejudice. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Aquino says in his complaint Lujan originally acted as if his altercation with Vigil was no big deal but later opened an internal affairs investigation and encouraged New Mexico State Police to pursue charges against him after he gave a case file containing allegations of wrongdoing by Lujan and other county officials to the state Attorney Generals Office. Invitational brings 16 NM brewery together for a stout 2023 Stout Invitational, hosted by Bathtub 2023 Stout Invitational, hosted by Bathtub Row Brewing Co-Op, 163 Central Park Square in Los Alamos, will be held from noon to 6 p.m. "MANIA: The ABBA Tribute" is scheduled "MANIA: The ABBA Tribute" is scheduled to play the KiMo Theatre on Sunday, March 5, as part of its United States tour. phaywood@sfnewmexican.com, Newly elected Santa Fe County magistrate arrested on DWI charge, Police: Walmart shooting suspect's case dismissed under DA's DWI policy, Santa Fe Bite has new owners, but old owners remain on board, Another troubled Espaola complex teeters, Accused judge removed from bench in wake of DWI charge, Longtime weatherman forecasts a new life outside TV, Concerns crop up about old assault charges against Indian Affairs appointee, Yo, Governor: You're not paying for the highways, Farmer switching crops: No green in chile anymore, Predictions: Horsemen go all the way; Demons upset everyone, Volunteer adopts dog who struggled to find permanent home, Peacenik vs. secretive senator for Capitol dishonor. William Cunningham had a short time as sheriff, just two weeks, as he finished out John Walker's term, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. For months, prosecutors threatened a lengthy sentence if he didnt plead guilty and agree to a deal of six-month sentence. It also alleges Napoleon Garcia knew about the damage to the county vehicle but failed to report it because Montoya was related to him. Newly obtained body camera video captured an Arizona sheriff's deputy using a racial slur and pleading to be let off the hook after an officer pulled him over in December on . Lujan is charged with resisting, evading or obstructing officers in those cases and is scheduled to go on trial next month. This story is part of an in-depth ABC15 investigation into Arizona's broken "Brady List" system. McGarry Ellenwood was appointed to the District Court bench in July 2020, less than a year before Lujan's trial. Sheriff Lujan believes hes above the law, Special Prosecutor Andrea Reeb said during her opening statement, and the jury agreed. Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan, whose two criminal trials were already moved to Santa Fe County, will have the cases heard by Santa Fe County jurors, a judge ruled Thursday. Property Records Search. ABC15 compared Brady lists from every Arizona county to every AZPOST case going back to 2000. Its a chaotic scene thats easier to understand by watching. On Friday, a jury. However, on the witness stand Wednesday, Lattin said he did know the charges that night, and blamed the inconsistencies in his statements on his memory. Rio Arriba County Attorney Adn Trujillo said in an email Aquinos lawsuit is beyond the pale, and provided video of the former deputys interaction with an employee of the Family Dollar store in Chimay in March 2019, which he said was the basis for Aquinos firing. Both judges ordered the change of venue in response to motions filed by 9th Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb, appointed as a special prosecutor to handle the cases against Lujan. APS board begrudgingly approves one charter school, denies another. Contests and special offers from The Santa Fe New Mexican and advertising partners. Dude, I understand but can I, can I, maybe someone else, put, like, behind the wheel? Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. I never really spoke to him expect for hello, so anything that he says about me or allegations on me are not true because I only know of him is the videos from the family dollar store, he wrote. Commissioners dont get involved in the day-to-day operations of the county. His trial in June was the first she presided over. From 1899 to 1900, David Murray served as sheriff. We hope the prosecutor will go back and decide not to retry it.. She previously reported for the Rio Grande Sun. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. We found at least 400 Brady-level matters never resulted in an official case before the state board. An ABC15 investigation found Superiors police force was filled with discredited cops, who were enabled by a broken Brady list system that let them escape lasting accountability and kept past transgressions hidden from disclosure. But should you turn them in? Lujan submitted his resignation from the office of Rio Arriba County Sheriff via email Wednesday evening, just hours after being convicted. The charges followed a 2017 incident where Lujan, as sheriff, helped Phillip Chacon avoid capture by the local Espaola police department. Trujillo faces charges of Criminal Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer with a deadly weapon after he allegedly ordered deputies to draw their guns at Espaola Police & Taos County Sheriffs Deputies as they served a search warrant for Lujans mobile phone in May 2020. After there was a change in federal prison for pulling a gun during an off-duty traffic stop in 2014 's. To recover it using your email address Brady list '' system against Lujan an!, pleads no contest in second case County agreed to pay $ 75,000 settle! Is posted online deputy-involved scandal obstructing officers in those cases and is scheduled to consider those arguments an... With sports evening, just hours after being convicted of civil rights violations Lujan on Thursday after refused! With towns Hill was a Phoenix Police officerand lieutenant, according toArizona Fraternal Order of.. County deputies, and more approves one charter school, denies another each County office... 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