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TOP LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUVENILE PROBATION STAFF MEET TO DISCUSS JUVENILE JUSTICE IN NEW MEXICO -
This week, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, and Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story participated in a panel that addressed juvenile crime, concerns, and proposed changes in our juvenile judicial system.
The Juvenile Justice Services of Children, Youth and Families Department hosted the Juvenile Justice Conference.
This was an open dialogue with key players — how to address juvenile crime, rehabilitation, and make our streets safer.
#juvenilejustice #YouthCrime #NewMexico #lawenforcement #CommunitySafety #JusticeReform
JURY CONVICTS MAN OF SEXUALLY ABUSING 12-YEAR-OLD CHILD -
Today a jury convicted Cecilio Noriega of criminal sexual penetration of a minor under 13, child solicitation by electronic device, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
BACKGROUND-
June 2022, the then 30-year-old Noriega met the 12-year-old girl at his apartment complex, then began soliciting her sexually on social media.
Eventually, he sexually abused the child. Noriega faces up to 21 years in the Department of Corrections.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman met with students at Freedom High School today. Since taking office, DA Bregman has been visiting high schools throughout Albuquerque, talking with students about their safety, gun violence, and the consequences and dangers of bringing guns onto school property.
#studentengagement #schoolsafety #communityoutreach #BernalilloCounty #albuquerque #DistrictAttorney
WOMAN WHO KILLED HER ESTRANGED HUSBAND PLEADS GUILTY TO THE CRIME --
Today, Erica Valdez pled guilty to Second Degree Murder (Firearm Enhancement) and Shooting at a Dwelling (Firearm Enhancement). On July 4, 2023, Valdez made multiple attempts to shoot her estranged husband. This included shooting at him with an automatic pistol while he was outside his house, and shortly after that killed him a few streets away from his home. Valdez faces up to 25 years in the Department of Corrections. Sentencing will be at a later date.
MAN CHARGED IN SHOOTING DEATH OF 13-YEAR-OLD — NOW BACK IN CUSTODY.
This week, a judge ruled Michael Flores should return to the Metropolitan Detention Center.
Flores is charged with the murder of 13-year-old Michael Tubb in August during a drive-by shooting in downtown Albuquerque. Another teen was shot in the leg.
Flores was charged with First-Degree Murder for the crime, but in August a judge ruled he could be released pending trial. The Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office worked again to get Flores back into MDC.
Please take a moment to watch this report -- it really impacts all of us.....
Missing Pieces: Juvenile crime trends | 4 Investigates
www.kob.com
The claim that juvenile crime is trending up, while overall crime is trending down, is motivating top lawyers in New Mexico to take action.
MAN WHO TOOK OFF IN A STOLEN VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR KILLING A 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL — SENTENCED TO MORE THAN TWO DECADES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.
Today a judge sentenced John Bearden to 22 years in prison. In August, he pled guilty to
Homicide by Vehicle (DWI), Great Bodily Injury by Vehicle (DWI), Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Death, and Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle. On March 27, 2023, Bearden stole a vehicle from Expo New Mexico. He crashed into a car on Bell and San Pedro SE. 10-year-old Penny Pizarro was killed. Her father was seriously injured.
THANK YOU VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL --
Today, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman met with students at Valley High School to talk about gun violence. It is part of Albuquerque Public School’s Gun Violence Prevention Program and DA Bregman’s continued efforts to educate and support students and to make sure they’re aware of the consequences of bringing guns onto school property and other locations. Valley staff gave DA Bregman a hat after the assembly. Go Vikings!
OUR AGENTS CONTINUE ARRESTING PEOPLE WHO HAVE WARRANTS --
Special Agents with the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office and Detectives with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office arrested Jose Armas. Armas had two outstanding felony warrants stemming from charges of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Court records show that in September 2022, Armas armed himself with a knife and threatened to kill security guards after they asked him to leave an apartment complex. Armas then armed himself with nunchucks and struck one of the security officers in the hand. Armas failed to comply with the terms of his probation and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Armas was taken into custody without incident.
Thank you Greater ABQ Chamber of Commerce! Today they honored Deputy District Attorney Larry Hansen as Prosecutor of the Year. DA Sam Bregman was the Keynote Speaker and discussed our community’s latest crime-fighting trends, initiatives, and policies that need to be enacted to make our state a safer place.