Albuquerque New Mexico Police Department DWI Bribery Scandal

From LEO Ratings
 
Facebook logoTwitter logoReddit logo

‎ ‎A user of LEO Ratings suggested that we cover this incident. Please email us with any updates or your own lead.

Overview

Several Albuquerque New Mexico Police Department officers would refer Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) suspects to a specific attorney. The officers took bribes from the attorney to miss court dates for DWI cases, which were then dismissed.[1]

On November 3, 2023, a district court employee reported the scheme to the department's Civilian Police Oversight Agency.[2]

On January 18, 2024, the FBI searched the homes of four officers and a local attorney who were connected to several of the cases.[3] One home belonged to Officer Harvey Johnson Jr.[4]

On January 24, 2024, the agency launched an administrative investigation involving five officers.[5]

As of February 12, 2024, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office had dismissed 198 cases "because these officers were necessary witnesses to prove these cases beyond a reasonable doubt".[6][7]

Officers Involved

Officer Honorio Alba Jr
Alba was the arresting officer in at least 72 of the dismissed cases.[4] On February 29, 2024, Alba resigned before his Internal Affairs interview.[8]
Officer Daren DeAguero
On April 30, 2024, DeAguero retired before his Internal Affairs interview.[9]
Lieutenant Justin Hunt
Hunt was the arresting officer in at least 15 of the dismissed cases.[6] On February 7, 2024, Hunt resigned.[10]
Officer Harvey Johnson Jr
Johnson was the arresting officer in at least 33 of the dismissed cases.[4] On March 13, 2024, Johnson resigned before his Internal Affairs interview.[10][11]
Lieutenant Mark Landavazo
Landavazo was the arresting officer in at least 10 of the dismissed cases.[12] On February 12, 2024, Landavazo was placed on paid administrative leave.[13]
Officer Joshua Montano
Montano was the arresting officer in at least 11 of the dismissed cases.[4] On March 21, 2024, Montano resigned.[10]
Officer Nelson Ortiz
On March 15, 2024, Ortiz resigned.[14]
Officer Matthew Trahan
Trahan was placed on administrative leave.[1]


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 APD DWI scandal: Ninth officer placed on leave, KOB, 2024-05-09
  2. ↑ Giuli Frendak, Letter from district court in November raised concerns over DWI officer’s conduct, KOB, 2024-02-01
  3. ↑ Stephanie Muñiz, 'I had no choice but to do this' DA on dismissed DWI cases, KOAT, 2024-01-19
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Feliz Romero, New details emerge on federal investigation targeting APD DWI officers, KOB, 2024-01-31
  5. ↑ APD launches administrative investigation following federal investigation, City of Albuquerque, 2024-01-24
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Trevor Thompson, Albuquerque police lieutenant resigns amid investigation into DWI unit, KOB, 2024-02-12
  7. ↑ Nick Catlin, Nearly 200 DWI cases dismissed in Bernalillo County for federal investigation, KOAT, 2024-02-07
  8. ↑ APD DWI officer under federal probe resigns, KOB, 2024-02-29
  9. ↑ APD spokesperson suddenly leaves department amid DWI unit probe, KOB, 2024-04-30
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Fifth APD officer resigns amid investigation into DWI unit, KOB, 2024-03-21
  11. ↑ Third APD officer connected to alleged DWI scheme resigns, KOB, 2024-03-14
  12. ↑ APD places Internal Affairs commander on leave, KOB, 2024-02-14
  13. ↑ Elise Kaplan, Internal Affairs commander on leave as APD investigates DWI unit,City Desk ABQ, 2024-02-14
  14. ↑ Trevor Thompson, Fourth APD officer connected to alleged DWI scheme resigns, KOB, 2024-03-15

Recent articles: Sean Grayson, Isaiah Lloyd, Jeramie Nevarez, Matthew Powell, Zachary Gauthier

To check for incidents in your area, please use the search page or try a random incident.