Pretrial Detention Motions
Data last updated August 31, 2026
** Judge Chavez was sworn in March of 2025
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WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
Today, we welcomed four new colleagues to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office! Our newest team members include attorneys, legal assistants and victim advocates.
For various reasons, we do not include staff names in our social media posts, but we’re excited to have them on board!
SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 1, 2026
TAKING ON THE FENTANYL CRISIS THAT IS KILLING NEW MEXICANS
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman will host an all-day public forum bringing together first responders, care providers, justice advocates, and others on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis.
THE FENTANYL CRISIS IN BERNALILLO COUNTY: WHAT’S WORKING, WHAT ISN’T, AND WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?
The goal: share experiences, confront challenges, and identify real solutions to protect our communities and save lives.
“The fentanyl crisis is destroying lives and killing New Mexicans. We have to do something. By bringing together the people on the front lines, we can work together to find solutions and make a difference,” said DA Sam Bregman.
📍 WHERE: Albuquerque Convention Center
🕘 WHEN: December 1, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND.
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING --
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-fentanyl-crisis-in-bernalillo-county-whats-working-what-isnt-and-wha-tic...
HONORING THE FALLEN 🇺🇸
Today, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman joined community leaders and supporters at a 100 Club luncheon honoring the brave law enforcement officers and firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The 100 Club of New Mexico provides financial and other assistance to the families of sworn law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty.
We are grateful for those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities — and we will never forget those who gave everything in service to others. 🇺🇸
MAN WHO STRUCK INNOCENT BYSTANDER DURING ROAD RAGE INCIDENT, LEAVING HER PARALYZED, CONVICTED
Today, a jury convicted Austin Kevin Jones of Great Bodily Injury by Vehicle by Reckless Driving.
BACKGROUND:
The crime happened in September 2024 at Girard Boulevard and Gibson Boulevard.
Two muscle cars were drag racing near Jones as they traveled down Girard. Jones became angry and attempted to catch up to them.
In doing so, Jones struck an innocent bystander who was driving another vehicle.
The victim was just 19 years old. She suffered catastrophic injuries that left her paralyzed.
The case was prosecuted by Guin Ice and Carmen Gutierrez.
District Attorney Sam Bregman:
“This young woman was simply driving her car when someone else’s reckless actions changed her life forever. There is nothing more important than holding people accountable when their dangerous choices cause this kind of devastating harm. I am grateful to Guin Ice and Carmen Gutierrez for their hard work in securing this conviction, and we will continue to fight for victims and pursue justice.”
DRUG TRAFFICKER CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER FOR KIDNAPPING, TORTURING, THEN SETTING REMAINS ON FIRE --
VIDEO: This is lapel-camera footage from a police officer who discovered the defendants trying to burn evidence outside the shed where the crime happened. The video is not graphic.
Last week, a jury convicted Virginia Nicasio of first-degree murder for the 2024 beating death of Antonio Taylor in Northwest Albuquerque.
Nicasio, a drug trafficker, was angry at Taylor for stealing a Bose speaker and other items from her home. She wanted to make an example of him and ordered Preston Ball to take Taylor to a shed behind her duplex, where he was beaten and tortured.
Taylor’s charred remains were later found inside a stolen vehicle on Fourth Street.
This was a brutal and calculated killing. A jury has now held Virginia Nicasio accountable for first-degree murder.
MAN WHO SEXUALLY ABUSED 11-YEAR-OLD BOY SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS IN PRISON
Today, a judge sentenced Jesse Lopez to 22 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department for sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy.
In 2024, Lopez groomed the child using child sexual abuse material before sexually abusing him at least twice.
The child bravely disclosed the abuse to another adult, who contacted Albuquerque Police. During the investigation, police discovered violent child sexual abuse material on Lopez’s electronic devices.
Lopez later confessed to sexually abusing the boy. Police did not discover a video of the abuse of the 11-year-old.
In April, Lopez pleaded guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor and one count of Sexual Exploitation of Children by Manufacturing.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office will continue to fight for justice for victims of sexual abuse and hold accountable those who prey on children.
www.abqjournal.com/news/dashboard-tracks-judicial-rulings-on-pretrial-detention-motions/3128319
New dashboard spotlights pretrial detention disparities
www.abqjournal.com
Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman’s data tool draws criticism from courts and public defenders over missing context.
🐾🎈 Hi everyone! Woodstock and Rosie here! 🎈🐾
We’re the support pups for the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, and we’re excited to invite you to come see us at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
📍 Find us at the Community Booth at the north end of the park.
Stop by to meet us, learn more about the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, and take in the breathtaking sight of hundreds of beautiful balloons filling the New Mexico sky! 🎈
We’ll be here, ready to say hi, make new friends! 🐶❤️
Come see us — we can’t wait to meet you!
We stand with survivors, support victims, and remain committed to holding offenders accountable.
You are not alone. We see you. We hear you.
JURY CONVICTS WOMAN OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER FOR TORTURE AND BEATING OF ALBUQUERQUE MAN
Today, a jury convicted Virginia Nicasio of First-Degree murder in the brutal killing of Antonio Taylor In 2024.
Nicasio was involved in a drug operation and believed Taylor had stolen something from her. She then convinced Preston Ball to kidnap, torture and beat Taylor. Ball previously pleaded guilty for his role in the crime.
Nicasio faces a minimum of 30 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department.
The case was prosecuted by Christine Jablonsky and Collin Brennan.
District Attorney Sam Bregman:
“Our prosecutors are relentless and never give up, especially in a brutal case like this one. We remain committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding those responsible for violent crimes accountable.”