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MAN CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING LITTLE GIRL SENTENCED TO NEARLY 5 DECADES IN PRISON
Today, a judge sentenced Gerardo Lazcano, AKA Gerardo Lazcano-Ramirez to 48 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department.
In April, a jury convicted him of four counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration (First-Degree Child Under 13), two counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor (Child Under 13), False Imprisonment, and Intimidation of a Witness.
BACKGROUND:
The sexual abuse began when the victim was 7 years old and lasted until she was 12. He threatened the child and told her not to tell anyone.
16-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH VEHICULAR HOMICIDE, LEAVING THE SCENE — DETAINED
Today, a judge ruled that a 16-year-old charged with homicide by vehicle, tampering with evidence, and leaving the scene of an accident will remain in custody at a juvenile detention facility.
BACKGROUND: BCSO deputies say on Aug. 3, the teen ran a red light at Coors Boulevard and Sage Road in southwest Albuquerque, striking and killing Richard Candelaria, who was lawfully crossing in a marked crosswalk. The teen took off from the scene and attempted to hide the vehicle.
Repeat Shoplifter Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison -
Today, a judge sentenced Jason Hurd to 17 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department after repeated retail thefts across Albuquerque.
This video shows Hurd during one of his many arrests. Police knew him by name because of his long history of shoplifting.
Hurd’s criminal history dates back to 2015. Most recently, he was arrested in 2025 after stealing from a Target store while awaiting sentencing for stealing from two different Target locations on 14 separate occasions.
In June, Hurd pleaded guilty to Organized Retail Crime and will now head to prison.
REPEAT SHOPLIFTER SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN PRISON
A judge has sentenced Jason Hurd to 17 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department for repeatedly shoplifting from multiple stores across Albuquerque.
Hurd has a criminal history dating back to 2015 and is a convicted repeat shoplifter. Most recently, he was arrested in 2025 after stealing from a Target store. At the time of that arrest, he was awaiting sentencing for stealing from two different Target locations on 14 separate occasions.
In June, Hurd pleaded guilty to Organized Retail Crime.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman said the sentence should serve as a warning to repeat shoplifters -
"This should send a message to repeat shoplifters that there are serious consequences for these crimes. Our community is tired of organized retail theft, and we will continue holding repeat offenders accountable."
Deputy District Attorney Steve Diamond prosecuted this case.
MAN CONVICTED IN BRUTAL POWER DRILL ATTACK SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM PENALTY UNDER NEW MEXICO LAW
Today, a judge sentenced Benjamin Monson to 9 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department, the maximum sentence allowed under New Mexico law.
Last month, a jury found Monson guilty of:
Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle
BACKGROUND:
On August 24, 2025, Monson and a co-defendant attempted to force the victim out of his RV. During the attack, Monson repeatedly struck the victim in the face with a power drill more than a dozen times, causing severe injuries. Despite the assault, the victim was able to escape and call 911.
Following the attack, Monson and his co-defendant fled the scene in the victim's truck.
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National Night Out is all about building stronger, safer communities through connection.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman enjoyed meeting with residents, listening to their concerns, answering questions, and talking about the issues that matter most to our neighborhoods. Thank you to everyone who came out to help strengthen the partnership between our community and local law enforcement.
#NationalNightOut #BernalilloCounty #communityfirst #PublicSafety
MAN CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING 5-YEAR-OLD CHILD -- SENTENCED
Today, a judge sentenced Michael Ontiveros to 36 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department.
In April, a jury found him guilty of four counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Child Under the Age of 13.
The abuse began when the little girl was approximately five years old. The defendant's family was friends with the victim's family. Ontiveros would get the little girl alone, then sexually abuse her.
TEEN WHO TOOK PART IN FATAL SHOOTING GUILTY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER
This morning, Jeremy Jones pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Christopher Sanchez.
BACKGROUND:
August 27, 2024, Jones and several co-defendants were stealing vehicles when they attempted to steal Mr. Sanchez's truck from the driveway of his home. A neighbor alerted Mr. Sanchez that someone was trying to take his vehicle. When Mr. Sanchez went outside to confront the suspects, he was immediately shot by Jones.
Jones and the co-defendants fled the scene in a vehicle. As they drove away, they continued firing shots at Mr. Sanchez as he lay on the ground.
Jones was 16 years old at the time of the murder. He was charged as an adult and faces up to 30 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department.
The case remains pending against the remaining co-defendants.
At the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, our victim advocates are dedicated to ensuring victims are heard, supported, and guided throughout the legal process.
MAN DETAINED IN DEADLY STABBING OF WOMAN AFTER ARGUMENT OVER WATER DRIPPING FROM DOG’S BOWL
Today, a judge ruled Michael Cain will remain in custody as his case goes through the judicial process.
Cain is charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence in the death of 22-year-old Esmeralda Romero.
According to investigators, the stabbing happened after a dispute between the neighbors over water dripping from Romero's upstairs patio onto Cain's downstairs patio. Just moments before the attack, Romero told the apartment manager the water was coming from her small dog's water bowl. She also said Cain had gone to her apartment, pounded on her door, and confronted her about the water.
As Romero left the manager's office, investigators say Cain ran up behind her and repeatedly stabbed her in front of the apartment manager.