Meanwhile, this is the second Rio Arriba County sheriff to be sent to prison in recent years. Sheriff at Rio Arriba Sheriffs Office Espanola, New Mexico, United States. Lattin was one of the officers who pursued Chacon during the chase. By clicking submit, you agree to receive The Paper by email. Rio Arriba County officials, including some of those named in the lawsuit, vehemently denied allegations in the suit and pointed to the events leading to Aquinos firing as justification for his dismissal. He also found it important and took pride in running school safety patrols. Q&A with Paul Penzone, Maricopa County sheriff-elect, Paul Penzone: 17 things to expect from me as sheriff, Maricopa County Sheriff-elect Paul Penzone names leadership team. 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. 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. According to reporting done by the Albuquerque Journal, Trujillo had been charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer for an incident that occurred on May 21, 2020. According to personnel records obtained by ABC15, Ensley has worked in at least six Arizona police departments, either failing to meet standards, resigning under investigation, or getting fired for dishonesty. A Public Service of Santa Fe Community College, PublishedFebruary 18, 2022 at 9:04 AM MST. Whoops! 'Wow, I'm handcuffed,' Sheriff Lujan said to . Former Rio Arriba deputy sues, claiming firing was retaliation. He is also the namesake of the award the Sheriff's Office presents to the volunteer of the year. Email addresses are used solely for verification and to speed the verification process for repeat questioners. You couldnt f------ give me the opportunity to park the car," he said. Former Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan, already a convicted felon, pleaded no contest Wednesday to a charge accusing him of interfering with a March 2020 operation by Espaola police. 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. View property records for 86 addresses located on Cochiti Street NE in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. One of his top accomplishments is building the first Phoenix jail with incandescent lamps. During his first term he created the "Urgency Fund," which eliminated the delays of deputies being refunded for work expenses. You have permission to edit this article. It wasn't until there was a major divide in voters due to Arpaio's stance on immigration that he lost the election. New Mexico. IE 11 is not supported. Espaola police arrested Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan on Thursday and charged him with two counts of obstructing an officer after he failed to comply with a search warrant for his. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. @Copwatchtv has been following the saga between the Rio Arriba Sheriff and Espaola Police Department. The Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board is the state agency that licenses cops. I understand there will be a retrial, and as such its not proper to comment at this time, she said in a written statement. He founded the Sheriffs Peace Officers Police Training School, and afterinitially becoming deputy in 1930 he had served in every department by the time he was sheriff. The jury sent a message that no one, not even an elected official, is above the law.. Email addresses are used solely for verification and to speed the verification process for repeat questioners. She thought it was "utterly inappropriate" for Lujan's supporters to hold a barbecue on court grounds during his trial without discussing it with her, she added. 'Cliffs of Dover' guitarist Eric Johnson bringing tour to Grammy-winning guitarist Eric Johnson will make Grammy-winning guitarist Eric Johnson will make a stop at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Saturday, March 4. As of Monday, however, the spokesperson said Navarrette returned to regular duty. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, INTERACTIVE RADAR: Tracking winter storm in Arizona. 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. If it is retried, he believes his client will be acquitted because the charges arent valid. Napoleon Garcia said he knows nothing about how his uncles yard was paved and the only work done on the county road to his ranch was done in the course of normal county road maintenance. Clay who reported on the fallout from the incident in August 2019 for the Rio Grande Sun said in an affidavit she was in Lujans office in late March 2019 and heard Lujan say to Aquino, Good job, not killing him, little mouthy bastard, while referring to the incident with Vigil. 2 Alabama rallies, beats rival Auburn 90-85 in, Kevin Durant scores 23 points in Charlotte in Suns, Baylor women showing they can win, even without Big, convicted of aiding a felon and intimidating a witness, Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan found guilty of two felonies, Retrial begins for Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan, Prosecution accuses former Rio Arriba Co. sheriff of threatening witnesses, Mistrial declared in case against Rio Arriba Co. sheriff, New charges brought against Rio Arriba County sheriff, NM officials shave heads to support chiefs daughter, Historic building in ABQ could soon see new life, Lawsuit: Man died after language-barrier misdiagnosis, Virginia sex abuse suspect arrested by NMSP, Man takes plea deal for trying to solicit 12-yr-old, Hungry? The jury began deliberations around 3 p.m. Thursday, but by around 2:30 p.m. Friday, McGarry declared the mistrial. 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. , VIDEO: Giant I-40 light poles sway in strong ABQ, Taxidermy birds used to make drones at New Mexico, PHOTOS: Storm leaves parts of state covered in snow, PHOTOS: Winter storm moves through NM leaving snow, PHOTOS: Storm causes snowy, icy roads across New, Map: New Mexico Veterans Monuments and Memorials, 13 Broadcast Pl SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. After the ASU officer conducted a field sobriety test, Navarrette took a Breathalyzer test and blew a 0.121, the police report said. It was Officer Richard Mueller, whos worked for four different law enforcement agencies. During this time he also served as an assessor and tax collector, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. Reeb filed the motions following the mistrial in Tierra Amarilla, arguing in part that as the elected sheriff of the county, Lujan held too much influence over its residents for jurors there to be impartial. Bowles said Lujan is extremely happy with the results. However, a new jail was built, and the conflict was resolved. New York? A state grand jury will begin hearing evidence in its investigation of the North Central Solid Waste Authority on April 24, following decades of allegations of financial and operational mismanagement, predatory collections practices and, more recently, the death of an employee, court records show. However, Volkmer said the officers unnecessarily escalated the situation and wished they would have handled it differently. Please reload the page and try again. You can unsubscribe anytime. During his time in office, Blubaum made controversial moves as he did not hire many compensated deputies during his term. Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan was sentenced on Thursday morning after being convicted of aiding a felon and intimidating a witness. You should totally be expected to be at a higher standard, if you want that job, you know what I mean.. The charters Trump cowboy found not guilty of campaign finance charge. Aquinos lawsuit says he had worked at the department for six years before the incident, had never been accused of improper use of force and received a Medal of Valor from the department in 2018. 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 . During the two-day trial, Bowles highlighted parts of the prosecutions case and witness testimony that were inconsistent. Lawrence was later fired from Superior for having sex on duty, "sexting" on duty in uniform, texting photos of dead bodies to people, and illegally searching his sexual partner in confidential databases. Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. The vehicle was repaired at an outside shop because the county facility does not do body work, he added, with repairs paid for in accordance with procurement rules. Albuquerque Talent Development Academy while Albuquerque Talent Development Academy while turning down that of another, El Camino Real Academy. Trujillo directed his officers to draw their weapons against the Taos County Sheriff's deputies and Espanola police officers, who were at the Rio Arriba Sheriff's Office serving search warrants. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Hill established psychiatric units in jails, as well as built the Towers Jail and the Bell/Dysart Substation and jail. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. There was also a major increase in "uncompensated deputies" during this time,according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police. He also served two terms as county treasurerand was a rancher and businessman, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. 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. 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. Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan, right, and one of his attorneys Nathaniel Thompkins talk in the courtroom in Tierra Amarilla during the first day of his trial. Navarrette flashed the officer his badge, according to the footage. Clint Peterson also sued and already won a settlement. For months, prosecutors threatened a lengthy sentence if he didnt plead guilty and agree to a deal of six-month sentence. ALBUQUERQUEU.S. The Rio Arriba County Commission on Dec. 6 appointed then Maj. Billy Merrifield a seven-year veteran of the sheriffs office to fill Lujans post until the voters chose a new sheriff in 2023. Former Rio Arriba County sheriff's Deputy Joseph Aquino has filed a whistleblower lawsuit that claims he was fired on a trumped-up charge of excessive use of force after uncovering . Attempts to contact Terrance Garcia were unsuccessful. In an interview, Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer said he believes Superior has improved as a department since the incident and thinks Peterson did passively resist arrest. The Superior Police Department has faced lawsuits for excessive force, civil rights violations, and other misconduct. How much have you had to drink tonight? the officer asked. She has been the only woman to be sheriff in Maricopa County. Under the terms of Lujans agreement with 9th Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb, a special prosecutor in the case, state District Judge Bryan Biedscheid sentenced Lujan to 364 days on the misdemeanor count of resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, Reeb confirmed after the hearing Wednesday. We hope the prosecutor will go back and decide not to retry it.. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Isabella Alves / Journal Staff Writer 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. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. In an interview, Napoleon Garcia said Friday the allegations in Aquinos lawsuit are false and absurd.. Finally his reign of power, control and corruption will end. Rio Arriba County Sheriff (Elected) Law Enforcement Agency/Government Dec 2021 . 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 suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Serving from 1939 to 1944, Lon Jordan was a popular sheriff in the three terms he served, according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Reeb dismissed two other counts of the same charge, related to Lujans failure to cooperate with Espaola officers and Taos County sheriffs deputies who arrived at the Rio Arriba County Sheriffs Office in May 2020 to execute search warrants for his cellphones. The evidence will show that the bad apple in this case is Sheriff James Lujan, said Andrea Rowley Reeb, the Clovis-area district attorney serving as special prosecutor in the case. "No one reported it.". Pinal County Sheriff's Deputy Julian Navarrette is the subject of an internal investigation after he was arrested for DUI in Tempe in December, 2020. Dec. 3State District Judge Kathleen McGarry Ellenwood sentenced former Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan to three years in prison followed by a year and a half of probation Thursday, a day after a Santa Fe jury convicted him of two felony charges after he helped a man avoid arrest and then directed a deputy not to tell anyone. Sheriff Sentenced to Three Years In Prison. He did, however, introduce the "safety car," which waspartpatrol vehicle, first aid station and welcome wagon. Lujan is facing felony charges of bribery of a witness and harboring or aiding a felon. Known as the "father of Phoenix" for his hand in the beginning stages of the city's development, William Hancock was the first appointed sheriff for Maricopa County in 1871. Published: Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 at 8:54PMUpdated: Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 at 10:34PM. Andrea Rowley Reeb, the Clovis-area district attorney appointed by the state Attorney Generals Office as special prosecutor in the case, didnt immediately return phone calls from the Journal on Friday. Campos said Montoya didnt want to comment on the allegations. A lifelong resident of New Mexico, he found interest in broadcasting after falling in love with sports. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. He also was involved as part of the Territorial Council in movingthe capital from Prescott to Phoenix, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies declined comment, anticipating that the case will be retried. 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. Less than a day after closing arguments were completed, 1st Judicial District Judge Kathleen McGarry declared a mistrial Friday in the trial of Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan. Many, if not most should be considered armed and dangerous. This is also who Broadway Road in Phoenix isnamed after. The people of Rio Arriba County elected you to be sheriff. This case was one of the most interesting cases Ive been involved with based on the amount of political influence Lujan holds in the county, and the bias that created, but in the end, truth and honesty prevailed.. Andrew Moore followed in his father's footsteps when he became sheriff, as his father was the sheriff ofYavapai County. The most remembered incident during William Henry Wilky's term in office, from 1917 to 1918, was the last recorded lynching in Arizona. He believes the entire department needs to be shut down with the towns law enforcement responsibilities taken over by the county sheriff. There are twice as many people living in poverty in Rio Arriba County as in Santa Fe County, Bowles added. APS board begrudgingly approves one charter school, denies another. It also alleges Napoleon Garcia knew about the damage to the county vehicle but failed to report it because Montoya was related to him. He is still in federal prison for his crimes. Gino Gutierrez was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Back in May, Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan was arrested after refusing to hand over his cell phone when Espaola Police, with the help of the Taos County Sheriff's Office,. Lujan helped his friend and former city councilor Phil Chacon hideout in 2017 after being involved in a chase with police. Jefferson Davis Adams was the first Maricopa County sheriff, serving three terms from 1912 to 1916 as well as finishing Jerry Sullivan's term after his death. 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