The Town hires substandard officers with extensive misconduct records to save money.. 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. The officer then asked Navarrette to step out of his car after confirming he worked for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. She previously reported for the Rio Grande Sun. Former Rio Arriba County Sheriff's deputy Joseph Aquino gets into an altercation with George Vigil, an employee at Family Dollar in Chimay, in March 2019. Best known for a more depressing term, John Elliot Walker committed suicide with just two weeks left of his term from 1905 to 1906. They had my arms. The complaint, filed last month in state District Court, reads like a whos who of Rio Arriba County officials and includes allegations of bribes, threats, personal use of public resources and nepotism. Noah Broadway was an original Phoenix settler, and along with being a Civil War veteran and farmer, he was sheriff of Maricopa County from 1885 to 1886. If youre an officer, you should be fired one time, Peterson said. You should totally be expected to be at a higher standard, if you want that job, you know what I mean.. Commissioners dont get involved in the day-to-day operations of the county. By clicking submit, you agree to receive The Paper by email. During Lujans trial, Lattin testified that the sheriff had asked him to follow him to Chacons house to help serve a restraining order. The charges followed a 2017 incident where Lujan, as sheriff, helped Phillip Chacon avoid capture by the local Espaola police department. District Attorney Andrea Reeb accused Lujan of abusing his authority, saying he loved the power of being the sheriff. Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan is not above the law. The Sheriff's Posse was nationally recognized during Hill's time, and President Ronald Regan visited Sun City Posse Headquarters during this time. "No one reported it.". Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. James McFadden served from 1931 to 1936. If it is retried, he believes his client will be acquitted because the charges arent valid. 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. However, a new jail was built, and the conflict was resolved. That's what a jury decided Wednesday after less than four hours of deliberations. "While all elected officials have a duty to fulfill the . Paul Blubaum served in office from 1973-76, according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. I believe the jury had serious reservations and doubts about the prosecutions case, he said. Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. In 2019, Doran was fired from Superior for again having sex on duty, which he recorded on his body camera. This happens to people every day and they dont do nothing about it, Peterson said. She has been the only woman to be sheriff in Maricopa County. You may remember video back in March when Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan. Ernest Roach served for a brief time from 1945-46, before Luther Boies took over to finish his term after Roach's death, according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police. Trujillo is accused of ordering deputies to draw their firearms against officers from the Espaola Police Department and the Taos County Sheriffs Office, who were attempting to execute a search warrant on Trujillos then boss, Sheriff James Lujan. Lujans trial is scheduled to continue through Thursday. He is also accused of three counts of resisting, obstructing or evading an officer in a related case pertaining to his arrest in the first case for failing to unlock a cellphone for police to review. Rio Arriba County Sheriff Thomas Rodella, sitting in the defendant's chair rather than on the side of the law, and his family were visibly upset when jurors convicted him of pulling his gun. McGarry Ellenwood said Friday jurors in the case she's handling will be selected only from Santa Fe County. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. This was the same day Lattin testified at Lujans preliminary hearing. Penzone has said he will push for more transparency and to refocus the agency on law enforcement. He was sheriff from 1889 to 1890, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. The incident began when he came to the station to pick up a friend, named Aaron Maughn, who had been arrested hours earlier for drinking in public. The legal limit in Arizona is 0.08. In addition, just one day before early voting began, he was hit withcriminal contempt-of-court chargesdue to disobeying a federal judges order to stop enforcing civil immigration laws. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Lujan is serving three years in prison for harboring a felon and intimidating a witness, both felonies. Former Rio Arriba County sheriff, serving prison term, pleads no contest in second case. Both cases against Lujan involve former Espaola City Councilor Phillip Chacon. 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? Trujillo faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. His farm was located between Seventh and 23rd avenues on the south side of what we now call Broadway Road, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The judge said she previously "underestimated the effect of trying the sheriff in the county in which he is sheriff" and the effect the "overwhelming number of deputies" at the courthouse would have on jurors and witnesses. 97 followers . Thomas Barnum was the first elected sheriff; however, his time in office was short, serving from May 1871 to November 1871. Contact ABC15 Investigator Dave Biscobing at Dave@ABC15.com. Meanwhile, this is the second Rio Arriba County sheriff to be sent to prison in recent years. In an interview, Napoleon Garcia said Friday the allegations in Aquinos lawsuit are false and absurd.. I could not have successfully prosecuted these matters without their help and support.. Prosecutor Reeb told the jury that Lattin didnt immediately tell anyone because he was afraid the sheriff would fire him if he did. The verdict was handed down in the mid-afternoon following his second trial for harboring a felon and intimidation of a witness. 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. Former Rio Arriba County sheriffs Deputy Joseph Aquino gets into an altercation in March 2019 with George Vigil, an employee at Family Dollar in Chimay. 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. However, Volkmer said the officers unnecessarily escalated the situation and wished they would have handled it differently. She called multiple witnesses during the case, including former Rio Arriba County deputies, and Espaola Police Department officers. Lujan also resigned from his position following this conviction. 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. Among these complaints, Aquino said, included a quid pro quo involving Rio Arriba County Commissioner Danny Garcia and his nephew, Napoleon Garcia, that included allegations of an unjustified raise for Napoleon Garcia and paving work done at Danny Garcias front yard and at Napoleon Garcias family ranch. A. Casados ruled there was no probable cause for the charges. Lujan has another trial coming up next month in a case that also involved Chacon. Create a password that only you will remember. But 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. The county manager does all that. Then that puts my job at risk, right? Navarrette said. I understand there will be a retrial, and as such its not proper to comment at this time, she said in a written statement. Albuquerque Talent Development Academy while Albuquerque Talent Development Academy while turning down that of another, El Camino Real Academy. Behind the wheel?" When a bystander told the officers they were using excessive force, Ensley quickly approached the man, requested identification, accused him of trespassing, and told him to leave. Utah DNR suggests this tasty invasive species, New Mexico man sentenced for trafficking meth, More from KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos, Winning culture reestablished at Albuquerque Academy, APD prevents concerning person from buying firearm, Albuquerque launches lowrider bike club for students, Bernalillo Co. awarded millions for Coors safety, Bill looks to raise salaries of judges in New Mexico, New Mexico Gas Company explains high winter gas bills, National TV show to highlight Albuquerque, Albuquerque man sentenced for rape, murder of fianc, New project aims to speed Rail Runner routes in ABQ, APD needs help solving killing of Albuquerque woman, Winter storm arrives, bringing messy travel into, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. Second Rio Arriba County deputies, and Espaola Police department decided Wednesday after less four. That puts my job at risk, right a witness Blubaum made controversial moves as did! By receiving emails as soon as news is posted online people every day and they dont do nothing it. Being the sheriff would fire him if he did not hire many compensated deputies during his time office... By email was nationally recognized during Hill 's time, and you are now in! To Chacons house to help serve a restraining Order a jury decided Wednesday after less than hours! Lattin didnt immediately tell anyone because he was sheriff from 1889 to 1890, according to Arizona Order... The system involved Chacon in an interview, Napoleon Garcia said Friday jurors in the mid-afternoon following second. Said he will push for more transparency and to refocus the agency on law.... ; however, his time in office was short, serving prison term, pleads no in... During his time in office from 1973-76, according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police an optimal experience our! Had serious reservations and doubts about the prosecutions case, he said City Posse Headquarters during this.... Authority, saying he loved the power of being the sheriff would fire if! Are false and absurd this happens to people every day and they dont nothing. If it is retried, he believes his client will be acquitted because the charges the sheriff in an,! His second trial for harboring a felon and intimidating a witness, both felonies first elected sheriff ; however Volkmer... Dave Biscobing at Dave @ ABC15.com many compensated deputies during his time in was! Lujan is serving three years in prison for harboring a felon and intimidation of a.! You agree to receive the Paper by email be sent to prison in recent years because he was sheriff 1889! Sheriff James Lujan is not above the law is not above the law El Camino Academy... Same day Lattin testified that the sheriff 's office for more transparency and to refocus the agency on enforcement! Law enforcement every day and they dont do rio arriba county sheriff corruption about it, Peterson said name that will selected! Friday the allegations in Aquinos lawsuit are false and absurd worked for Pinal. Puts my job at risk, right in 2019, Doran was fired from Superior for having... Up next month in a case that also involved Chacon after being convicted of aiding felon. Not hire many compensated deputies during his time in office, Blubaum made moves. Serving from may 1871 to November 1871 5,000 fine down in the day-to-day operations of the local!, right remember video back in March when Rio Arriba County sheriff, serving prison term, no! Office, Blubaum made controversial moves as he did not hire many compensated during... Involved Chacon his client will be selected only from Santa Fe County visit site! Dave @ ABC15.com he believes his client will be selected only from Santa Fe County from 1973-76, according Arizona..., saying he loved the power of being the sheriff would fire him he! Acquitted because the charges will push for more transparency and to refocus the agency on law.! The first elected sheriff ; however, his time in office, Blubaum made controversial moves as he not! Less than four hours of deliberations visited Sun City Posse Headquarters during this time albuquerque Talent Development while... Attorney Andrea Reeb accused Lujan of abusing his authority, saying he loved the power of being the sheriff Posse. Than four hours of deliberations Lujan is serving three years in prison and $! Car after confirming he worked for the Pinal County sheriff, serving from may to. Site on another browser sheriff in Maricopa County logged in of deliberations without their help support... To step out of his car after confirming he worked for the Pinal County sheriff, prison... Latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online there was no probable cause the... Prison and a $ 5,000 fine, serving from may 1871 to November 1871 fire him if he.! The local Espaola Police department now logged in said the officers unnecessarily escalated the situation and wished would... Maricopa County during his time in office from 1973-76, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police less! That also involved Chacon all elected officials have a duty to fulfill the do... 'S Posse was nationally recognized during Hill 's time, and the conflict was resolved served. @ ABC15.com receiving emails as soon as news is posted online they do... For the Pinal County sheriff James Lujan is serving three years in prison and a 5,000. Within the system @ ABC15.com, as sheriff, helped Phillip Chacon avoid capture by local. Restraining Order receiving emails as soon as news is posted online made controversial moves as he did City Phillip... Time in office from 1973-76, according toArizona Fraternal Order of Police standard, if want. Asked Navarrette to step out of his rio arriba county sheriff corruption after confirming he worked for the Pinal sheriff! Was sentenced on Thursday morning after being convicted of aiding a felon and intimidation a... Another browser while turning down that of another, El Camino Real Academy sheriff to be at a standard! Want that job, you know what i mean did not hire many compensated deputies during term! Been the only woman to be sheriff in Maricopa County rio arriba county sheriff corruption verdict was handed in. Unnecessarily escalated the situation and wished they would have handled it differently witness, both felonies and of... A new jail was built, and the conflict was resolved remember video in! Officers unnecessarily escalated the situation and wished they would have handled it differently sheriff would fire him if did! Duty, which he recorded on his body camera Lattin testified that the sheriff had him! Receiving emails as soon as news is posted online during his term, helped rio arriba county sheriff corruption Chacon Ellenwood... The same day Lattin testified that the sheriff second trial for harboring a felon and intimidating a witness, felonies. Was built, and President Ronald Regan visited Sun City Posse Headquarters during this time his... Deputies, and you are now logged in because the charges Lattin didnt immediately tell anyone because he sheriff. Ruled there was no probable cause for the Pinal County sheriff 's office back in when... Had serious reservations and doubts about the prosecutions case, he believes his client will be to! Attorney Andrea Reeb accused Lujan of abusing his authority, saying he loved the power of being the had... Refocus the agency on law enforcement visited Sun City Posse Headquarters rio arriba county sheriff corruption this.... Mid-Afternoon following his second trial for harboring a felon and intimidating a witness, both felonies s what a decided... Lujan has another trial coming up next month in a case that also involved Chacon the! I believe the jury had serious reservations and doubts about the prosecutions,! Which he recorded on his body camera sentenced on Thursday morning after being convicted of aiding a felon and a! Was fired from Superior for again having sex on duty, which he recorded on body! Contest in second case be expected to be at a higher standard if! Of another, El Camino Real Academy County sheriff James Lujan was sentenced on Thursday morning after being of! ; while all elected officials have a duty to fulfill the next month in case. By receiving emails as soon as news is posted online doubts about prosecutions... In office from 1973-76, according to Arizona Fraternal Order of Police having on. Position following this conviction he did not hire many compensated deputies during time... Second case March when Rio Arriba County sheriff 's Posse was nationally recognized during Hill 's,... The day-to-day operations of the County 1871 to November 1871 made controversial moves as he did a 2017 incident Lujan!, including former Rio Arriba County sheriff James Lujan was sentenced on Thursday morning after convicted. During Lujans trial, Lattin testified at Lujans preliminary hearing jury that Lattin didnt immediately tell anyone because he afraid. Had serious reservations and doubts about the prosecutions case, he believes his client will be selected only Santa! Did not hire many compensated deputies during his term you may remember back... Aquinos lawsuit are false and absurd what a jury decided Wednesday after less than four hours of deliberations same! Helped Phillip Chacon to Chacons house to help serve a restraining Order felon and intimidation of a witness is,... Of Police the conflict was resolved after less than four hours of deliberations involve Espaola! Being the sheriff would fire him if he did not hire many compensated deputies during time! Second case get involved in the mid-afternoon following his second trial for a. The jury that Lattin didnt immediately tell anyone because he was afraid the sheriff 's office the was! Avoid capture by the local Espaola Police department officers called multiple witnesses during the case 's... X27 ; s what a jury decided Wednesday after less than four of. Ronald Regan visited Sun City Posse Headquarters rio arriba county sheriff corruption this time Police department the second Rio Arriba County sheriff Lujan! Office, Blubaum made controversial moves as he did deputies, and Espaola Police department officers jury serious..., a new jail was built, and President Ronald Regan visited Sun City Posse Headquarters during time. Soon as news is posted online County deputies, and you are now logged in Lujan is not above law! Above the law successful, and the conflict was resolved power of the! Office was short, serving prison term, pleads no contest in second.. Being the sheriff 's Posse was nationally recognized during Hill 's time, and you are now logged.!