Albuquerque New Mexico Police Department DWI Bribery Scandal

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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

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