Pretrial Detention Motions
Data last updated August 31, 2026
** Judge Chavez was sworn in March of 2025
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COUPLE WHO SEVERELY BEAT CHILD SENTENCED
Yesterday, a judge sentenced Chance Martinez to 20 years and Felicia Martinez to 12 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department.
Between November 2024 and February 2025, Chance and Felicia Martinez severely abused a 4-year-old child. Investigators learned that the victim was covered in bruises and had suffered a broken rib, strangulation and whip marks, as well as abrasions and scars from head to toe.
In March, Felicia Martinez pleaded guilty to two counts of Abandonment of a Child Resulting in Great Bodily Harm (Child Under 13) and two counts of Child Abuse (Recklessly Caused).
In April, Chance Martinez pleaded guilty to three counts of Abandonment of a Child Resulting in Great Bodily Harm (Child Under 13).
September 25, 2026
NM ORGANIZED CRIME COMMISSION PARTNERS IN MAJOR DRUG BUST -
Investigation uncovers illegal cannabis operation in Torrance County
Agents seize approximately 6,300 illegal cannabis plants
SANTA FE – The Regulation and Licensing Department’s Enforcement Bureau and the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission executed a search warrant at a large-scale illegal cannabis farm in Torrance County on Thursday, resulting in the seizure and destruction of an estimated 6,300 illegal cannabis plants, weighing 21,000 pounds.
The Enforcement Bureau received information about a possible illegal cannabis grow at 102 Howell Road in Estancia. Throughout the two-month investigation, special agents with the Bureau observed ongoing cannabis activity at the location. The Seventh Judicial District Court issued a search warrant and order to obtain and seize evidence, which was completed Thursday without incident.
During the search, agents observed 21 “hoop houses” or greenhouses, each filled with an estimated 300 fully mature cannabis plants. Agents carried out evidence collection duties and processed the plants for further destruction. A New Mexico State Police hazmat technician assisted in identifying potentially hazardous materials at the site.
“This investigation should serve as a warning to individuals entering New Mexico with plans to establish illegal cannabis farms,” said RLD Enforcement Bureau Chief Vince Mares. “We will continue to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation operations throughout New Mexico and will not tolerate unlicensed facilities that disregard the land, resources, or consumer safety.”
The case remains ongoing. The RLD Enforcement Bureau is working with prosecutors in the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission to pursue criminal charges.
“The Organized Crime Commission stands ready and prepared to assist any law enforcement agency in New Mexico with detecting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations in our state. Operations like this help disrupt and deter organized criminal activity trying to take root in New Mexico,” Organized Crime Commission Chairman Sam Bregman said. “Organized crime requires an organized, coordinated response from the state and I am proud of the work the OCC, RLD Enforcement Bureau, and NMSP did to make that happen.”
🚨 JURY CONVICTS MAN OF CHILD SOLICITATION BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE
This afternoon, a jury convicted Jose Rodriguez Hernandez of child solicitation by electronic device following the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl.
In 2024, the victim’s mother discovered multiple inappropriate text messages and other electronic communications from Rodriguez Hernandez to the victim. The mother reported the messages to law enforcement and turned them over to police. Following an investigation, Rodriguez was charged.
The case was prosecuted by Ryleigh Johnson and Joseph Stevens of the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman praised the work of the office’s Special Victims Unit.
“We are incredibly proud of our Special Victims Unit, who never gives up,” said District Attorney Bregman. “Their dedication to protecting children and pursuing justice makes a difference in the lives of victims and their families.”
👏 Shoutout to our Organized Retail Crime Special Agent!
This week, leaders of the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association recognized one of our special agents for outstanding investigative work, leadership, professionalism, and commitment to fighting organized retail crime.
Working closely with the Albuquerque Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit, our agent has helped drive multiple arrests and convictions of people harming our community.
New Mexico’s 2023 organized retail crime law is strengthening prosecutions and giving us additional tools to hold offenders accountable.
These results are a team effort! From our special agents and prosecutors to our dedicated paralegals, it takes an entire team to secure convictions.
For security reasons, we are not identifying our agent. Thank you to everyone who plays a role in this important work! 💪
FIGHTING SHOPLIFTING. HOLDING ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME ACCOUNTABLE.
Today, District Attorney Sam Bregman and Deputy District Attorney Steve Diamond were guest speakers at the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association Conference in Albuquerque, highlighting how New Mexico’s 2023 law is strengthening retail crime prosecutions.
Too often, organized retail crime leaders exploit vulnerable people to do the dirty work while they reap the profits. Our prosecutors now have more tools to go after those behind these operations.
Additionally, the District Attorney's office has been proactive by assigning attorneys to prosecute misdemeanor shoplifting cases that used to only be handled by law enforcement officers. Through the changes in the law and District Attorney Bregman's aggressive approach, since 2023, our General Crimes and Metro teams have secured 1,078 shoplifting convictions.
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CONVICTED — JURY CONVICTS MAN OF RAPING CHILD MULTIPLE TIMES
Today, a Jury convicted Shane Michael Drapeaux of 5 counts of
Criminal Sexual Penetration of a minor.
The crimes happened between October 2020 and October 2022.
Drapeaux forced the child, who was between 13 and 14 years old at the time, to engage in sexual intercourse multiple times.
Savannah Brandenburg-Koch and Joe Stevens of our Special Victims Unit prosecuted this case.
Drapeaux faces up to 75 years in prison.
“Today’s guilty verdict is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Special Victims Unit. These prosecutors take on some of the most difficult and heartbreaking cases we see, and they never lose sight of the people behind those cases—the victims. They work tirelessly to hold offenders accountable and pursue justice for those who have been hurt. I’m proud of this team and the commitment they show every single day to seeking justice and standing up for victims.”
— Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman
Thank you to everyone who stopped by and visited with us at the New Mexico State Fair this week! 🎡
We love hearing from our community, meeting new people, and having the opportunity to talk about the work we do every day at the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
And a special shoutout to our law enforcement officers and military members! 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service and for all you do for our communities and our country.
MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUALLY ABUSING CHILD WHO WAS A RUNAWAY -
Today, Joseph Lacour-Benavidez pleaded guilty to four counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor, three counts of Child Abuse, and two counts of Criminal Sexual Communication with a Child.
The case began in April 2025, when Albuquerque police located two runaway juveniles, ages 11 and 14, inside Lacour-Benavidez’s home. Investigators discovered text messages showing Lacour-Benavidez had been in a sexual relationship with the 14-year-old for several months.
Lacour-Benavidez was already a registered sex offender for the 2002 rape of a 12-year-old.
He faces up to two decades in prison for today's conviction. Sentencing will take place next week.
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