Thursday, October 29, 2009

FUGITIVE: Dion Reed




FUGITIVE OF THE MONTH
DION REED

FAILURE TO APPEAR

Criminal Sexual Penetration (Personal Injury)
Kidnapping
Criminal Sexual Contact

On Monday October 26, 2009 Reed appeared in Bernalillo County District Court to stand trial for the Kidnapping and Rape of an Albuquerque woman. Upon learning that the trial would begin, Reed told his attorney that he needed to make a phone call and left the courtroom. He never returned.



He faces charges in two separate cases:

CR2007-03230:
Criminal Sexual Penetration (Deadly Weapon), Kidnapping, and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon


CR2009-01989
Two counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration (Personal Injury)
Criminal Sexual Contact (Force or Coercion)

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this fugitive should immediately contact law enforcement or
Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP

FUGITIVE: Fernando Ronquillo



FUGITIVE OF THE MONTH

FAILURE TO APPEAR
Drug Trafficking


FERNANDO RONQUILLO

DOB: 05/30/1961

On July 3, 2006 a shooting victim arrived at UNM Hospital suffering from gunshot wounds, from which he later died. The subsequent investigation revealed that Fernando Ronquillo had provided two friends with firearms and directed them to rob a rival drug dealer. The victim was shot during that incident.


During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at Ronquillo’s home and discovered a large quantity of cocaine and evidence of drug trafficking. Ronquillo was later convicted of Drug Trafficking and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, but failed to appear for sentencing. He was later arrested in December 2008, but posted bond before sentencing and fled.

He now faces charges of Failure to Appear in addition to sentencing in the Drug Trafficking case.

Ronquillo has been on the run since January 2009 and is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this fugitive should immediately contact law enforcement or
Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP








Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Largest Embezzlement in Bernalillo County Ends in 50 Year Prison Sentence

Daniel Roybal quickly made a name for himself in 2006 when he was indicted on 699 felony counts of Embezzlement, Fraud and Conspiracy for his part in taking over $1.2 million from Sandia Casino.

In just 15 months, he and another employee managed to forge jackpot payouts in amounts ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands, eventually taking up to $20,000 in a single day before raising the suspicions of pueblo police.

If convicted on all 699 counts, Roybal would have faced over 2,000 years of incarceration.  In July, he chose to enter into a plea agreement instead, pleading guilty to 17 of the counts for which he faced up to 50 years of incarceration according to the terms of the plea.

This morning, Roybal appeared before District Court Judge Ross Sanchez and learned his fate:  50 years in a New Mexico prison.

Through his attorney, Roybal noted that he has none of the money left as he split the proceeds with a now deceased co-defendant and on elaborate hunting and fishing trips.  During the investigation, Sandia Pueblo Police discovered approximately $60,000 in cash hidden in his home and in a tool shed in the back yard.  That money was forfeited and will be returned to the pueblo.

The State Parole Board will oversee any restitution payments which may be made to the pueblo during and after Roybal's incarceration.

Robin Hammer, Deputy District Attorney, noted that this case is, by far, the largest white-collar crime case ever seen in Bernalillo County.  By abusing his position as a supervisor in the casino, and with the help of a subordinate, he was able to take over $1 million in cash, and squander it away.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Former VFW Officer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $120,000 From New Mexico Post

October 23, 2009---FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Patrick Davis, Public Information Officer (505) 908-8591

NEWS RELEASE


Former VFW Officer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $120,000 From New Mexico Post

Originally Charged with Over 600 Felony Counts, Will Now Soon Begin Restitution

Albuquerque, New Mexico – District Attorney Kari Brandenburg announces that for a former New Mexico VFW Post officer, Joe Salas, has pleaded guilty to 17 felony counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card Without the Consent of the Owner for his misuse of a VFW Post issued debit card which he used to finance over $122,000 worth of personal expenses.

Salas, a former Quartermaster/Adjunct of a New Mexico Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, used a post-issued card to finance personal expenses on over six-hundred occasions between 2003 and 2006. As a post officer, he was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the post and trusted to use the card for post-related expenses. He originally entered not guilty pleas to each count, but during a special setting this morning before District Court Judge Kenneth Martinez, he pleaded guilty to seventeen of those counts and agreed to reimburse the post over $17,000 of the loss. Additionally, Salas took full responsibility for the actions of Claudine Sanchez, another defendant facing similar charges. Charges against Sanchez will be dismissed after Salas is sentenced.

Salas will appear in court again on January 15, 2010 for sentencing. He faces up to 51 years of incarceration.

Several members of the VFW appeared in court today for the plea, and prosecutors announced that several are expected to speak during the January sentencing setting, when they will discuss the impact the loss of funds has had on their post and their civic activities.

Though the Post’s insurance company reimbursed portions of the loss, prosecutors felt that requiring Salas to personally reimburse a substantial portion of the loss was appropriate in this case.

This case is prosecuted by attorneys in the District Attorney’s Economic Crimes Division.

The Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which includes all of Bernalillo County, prosecutes approximately 30,000 criminal cases in Metropolitan and District Courts each year.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Phoenix Man Indicted for Franchising AZ Prostitution Biz to NM

Phoenix Man Indicted as Additional Co-Defendant in Albuquerque Prostitution Business

Paul Nichta “Franchised” Phoenix Prostitution Business to Albuquerque


Albuquerque, New Mexico – District Attorney Kari Brandenburg announces that Paul Nichta of Phoenix, Arizona has been indicted on 27 felony charges relating to his role in the operation of the Albuquerque prostitution business known as “Desert Divas.”

A Bernalillo County Grand Jury indicted Paul Andrew Nichta of Phoenix on counts including Racketeering, Promoting Prostitution and Conspiracy for promoting the “Desert Divas” prostitution business out of Albuquerque in 2008. Bernalillo County prosecutors have already indicted and received pleas from co-defendants James Bays and Scott Eder in the same case. Both have agreed to provide investigators with truthful information about the prostitution business. Ross Levatter, the final co-defendant, faces trial in February on similar charges relating to the operation of the business in Albuquerque.

This indictment specifically charges Nichta with conspiring with others to engage in a criminal enterprise of prostitution and money laundering and, in doing so, induced at least seven New Mexico women to engage in prostitution, solicited patrons for them and rented locations for prostitution to occur.

Nichta has previously been charged in Arizona for running a prostitution business there.

The indictment, returned Friday charges Nichta with:

Racketeering;
Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering;
Money Laundering;
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering;
Promoting Prostitution (Establishing, Owning, Maintaining or Managing A House of Prostitution) (2 Counts)
Conspiracy to Commit Promoting Prostitution;
Promoting Prostitution (Soliciting Patrons) (3 counts);
Conspiracy to Commit Promoting Prostitution (Soliciting Patrons);
Promoting Prostitution (Inducing) (7 Counts)
Conspiracy to Commit Promoting Prostitution (Inducing);
Promoting Prostitution (Renting House of Prostitution) (2 Counts);
Conspiracy to Commit Promoting Prostitution (Procuring);
Accepting the Earnings of a Prostitute.

Arizona officials notified the District Attorney’s Office this week that they have taken him into custody and extradition proceedings are underway to bring him to Albuquerque.


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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

DA's Office Staff Join Students to Fight Violence Through Art

On Tuesday October 20, 2009,  staff of the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office welcomed students from East San Jose Elementary School who unveiled artwork they created to denounce violence, gangs and drug abuse.

This project, known as the “Paone Project: Kids Against Violence” Art Project is an important part of the District Attorney’s Office’s community outreach.  The artwork is creative and enlightening, and serves as a daily reminder for prosecutors and staff of just how important their work is in the community. The program also provides students with an outlet to express their perspective on violence and to gain a better insight into the criminal justice system. The project was named after beloved prosecutor Joe Paone whose dedication to the citizens of Bernalillo County, and his co-workers, left a permanent impression on everyone he touched.


Students who participate in the program are chosen by APS staff and often have unique perspectives on violence, either from their own experiences or from the experiences of those close to them.

On Tuesday, students met their “sponsors” and unveiled their framed work.  The students and staff then spread out throughout the building and hung the artwork for all who visit the office to see. 

Students, their parents, teachers and staff of the District Attorney’s Office were available to speak to the public and the media about how violence, gangs and drugs have impacted them and their communities and how students are fighting back through this program.

The program wrapped up with a reception where snacks and refreshments, donated by staff of the office, were provided for the students and their guests.

As always, this was a great way to end our day, and it serves as an important reminder to all of us of just how important our work is and for whom we fight everyday!






Criminals Should Not Benefit From the State’s Budget Crisis

On Saturday, we hand-delivered copies of a letter to members of the Senate Finance Committee, House Appropriations & Finance Committee and Bernalillo County's legislative delegation. Today, I want to share my letter with the citizens of Bernalillo County and the State in this, an open letter to New Mexico's legislators:





An Open Letter to New Mexico Legislators:

As we approach the upcoming Special Session of the Legislature called to deal with the State’s budget crisis, the task before you is daunting. Your decisions ultimately determine the level of services we will be able to provide. As the elected District Attorney of the largest judicial district in the state, I implore you to carefully consider the unique position of those working in the criminal justice system who are trying to keep our communities safe.


When the FY09 budget was cut in January, the District Attorneys were spared drastic reductions compared to other state agencies. Our 1.9% cut was mostly realized through cuts to training, office supplies and other operating costs. We were still forced to ask our employees to take 2,063 hours of leave without pay. Those same cuts were carried over into this year and we are now faced with critical choices. With only 5% of our budget going to actual operations, and much of that money already allocated for essential services, each new percentage point cut in our budget can only be realized by cutting personnel costs. This will result in hardship to employees, an inability to retain essential and skilled employees and a reduction of services; much to the detriment of those we serve.

Unfortunately, although resources are declining, the amount of work is increasing. Many employees are working 12-15 hour days. We do the work because the alternative is unacceptable. The public entrusts us to hold violators of our laws accountable for their acts. We are working diligently to see this happens, no matter the obstacles. Criminals should not benefit from the State’s budget crisis, nor should families and children pay by compromising their safety and well-being.

The Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office has one of the “trimmest” budgets among judicial districts in the State. Our office provides our own in-house training, saving an estimated $40,000 a year. I do not use a state vehicle and many of our employees pay for their own office supplies to keep costs down. We have no cushion and we’ve worked tirelessly over the years to ensure the public get the greatest benefit for their tax dollars. A recent study compiled by AODA, based on national standards provided by the National District Attorney’s Association, showed that even with full appropriations, our budget only provides for 80% of the staff needed to effectively and efficiently handle the almost 30,000 cases we managed in FY09. Yet, we are doing the work and celebrating successes.

As legislators, you have always seen fit to preserve those essential public services that the State provides, particularly regarding public safety. With such an unenviable task before you, I urge you to consider each agency, and particularly those of District Attorneys and the courts, according to their individual needs and the services they provide. The safety and security of our citizens and communities should be an absolute priority.


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Welcome to our blog!


Welcome!
I could not be more excited to launch our new online presence, a first for District Attorneys in New Mexico.
As District Attorney, I was elected to serve the people of Bernalillo County in the pursuit of justice. I am fortunate to work with the best and brightest members of the criminal justice system and their dedication shows in the work we do.
I have wanted to launch this blog for some time and I hope to use it not only to highlight the great work our staff does on behalf of our community, but also as a place to share information about the role of the District Attorney, courts and law enforcement in our system.
To begin, you will see news stories on the right of this page that relate to cases our office is involved in prosecuting. Some cases are just beginning with the filing of indictments or criminal complaints (more on those in a later blog), while others are progressing through several of the major steps in the process, to include arraignment, motions hearings, plea bargaining, trial or sentencing. We even deal with a number of unique hearings, including probation violations and revocations, and competency hearings for defendants claiming incompetency.
This blog also gives me a chance to share some of the unreported successes in the criminal justice system, such as the successes realized by our meth-prosecution initiative and exciting partnerships between our office and law enforcement.
Even in such lean economic times, our job never stops and our zeal for justice continues.
Stay tuned for to learn more about our office!