FORMER THERAPIST SENTENCED IN CASE INVOLVING SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD PATIENT Today, prosecutors sought a sentence of 25½ years in the New Mexico Corrections Department in the sexual abuse case involving Krishna Vemulapalli. A judge, though, sentenced Vemulapalli to three years in prison. BACKGROUND: In April, 2024, Detectives were informed that Vemulapalli, a local therapist, was touching a 15-year-old patient from spring of 2023 to spring of 2024. The victim told detectives that Vemulapalli would touch them in inappropriate ways making them feel uncomfortable. In July, Vemulapalli pled guilty to four counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor and one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Albuquerque Woman Ordered to Remain in Custody After Investigators Say She Set Apartment on Fire With Children Inside -- An Albuquerque judge has ordered 28-year-old Yailasha Smith to remain in custody after police say she started a fire inside her apartment while her children were inside. Police responded Saturday to a reported emergency at an apartment on Central Ave. NE. Officers found smoke coming from the unit and Smith near the door. According to court documents, she initially told officers her children were inside before eventually allowing police in. Officers rescued two children from the smoke-filled apartment and later discovered a fire burning in the bathroom. The investigation is ongoing. ... See MoreSee Less
A 16-year-old has pleaded no contest to multiple charges related to a January 2025 attempted carjacking that ended in the death of a 14-year-old suspect. Background: In January 2025, a group of teens attempted to carjack a couple sitting inside their Jeep in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Tramway. During the incident, two of the teens opened fire, injuring the female passenger. The woman’s husband, who was also armed, returned fire, fatally shooting 14-year-old Alonzo Sanderson. Today, one of Sanderson’s accomplices pleaded no contest to Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and Shooting at or From a Motor Vehicle (No Great Bodily Harm). He will remain in a juvenile facility until the age of 21. Three other teens involved in the incident have already been sentenced for their roles. ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Arrest Update – Bernalillo County On February 10, 2026, Special Agents with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office arrested Heather Lopez on an outstanding felony warrant. Lopez was previously found guilty of Aggravated Battery (Great Bodily Harm) for shooting a victim twice following a 2024 auto collision. After being granted additional time to self-surrender, she failed to turn herself in by the court-ordered deadline of December 13, 2025. A warrant was issued when she did not comply. After months of evading law enforcement, Lopez was located and taken into custody without incident. She will now begin serving her prison sentence. ... See MoreSee Less
Statement from District Attorney and Organized Crime Commission Chairman Sam Bregman -- The recent developments at the El Paso, Texas Airport and the Santa Teresa, New Mexico Airport are yet another example of why we remain deeply concerned about cartel drone activity occurring across New Mexico. Criminal organizations are increasingly using drone technology to further illegal operations, including drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes. Despite this growing threat, New Mexico currently lacks specific laws that allow law enforcement to properly investigate or prosecute criminal activity involving the use of drones to facilitate organized crime. To address this serious public safety gap, we recently proposed comprehensive legislation — Senate Bill 136 — that would give prosecutors and law enforcement the tools necessary to hold offenders accountable. It is our understanding that the New Mexico Legislature tabled this legislation this week. I am very disappointed by that development. New Mexico must take proactive steps to combat emerging criminal threats. We will continue working with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure our state has the legal framework needed to protect our communities. — Sam Bregman District Attorney Chairman, Organized Crime Commission 📹 The attached video captures a cartel drone attack just across the border, showing surveillance of officers and the deployment of an explosive device that injured law enforcement personnel. ... See MoreSee Less
Man Sentenced to Life Plus 24 Years for Fatal Robbery of 75-Year-Old Albuquerque Resident An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to life in prison plus 24 years for the 2024 fatal armed robbery of a 75-year-old resident. On Tuesday, a judge sentenced James Caleb Gonzales after a jury convicted him in November of first-degree felony murder, armed robbery, and related offenses in the death of Harry Velarde. Gonzales went to Velarde’s apartment in the 1000 block of Valencia Drive SE with the intent to rob him. During the robbery, Gonzales shot and killed Velarde. Following the shooting, Gonzales fled Albuquerque but was later arrested at Villanueva State Park. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Ashlee Mills and Christine Jablonsky. ... See MoreSee Less
Our Special Victims Unit works incredibly hard on some of the most tragic and difficult cases in our community. Just this year—and it’s only February—the SVU team has already secured six convictions against people who physically abused children. Our prosecutors have another trial this week. In the last year alone, they’ve convicted more than 100 offenders. These cases are complex, emotionally demanding, and deeply troubling—but this team never backs down. They are dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding people accountable. 🎙️ Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman: “Our SVU prosecutors take on the hardest cases imaginable because protecting children and other vulnerable victims is not optional—it’s our responsibility. Their dedication and commitment make a real difference for victims and for our community.” We are grateful for the tireless work of this exceptional team and their unwavering pursuit of justice. #SpecialVictimsUnit#ChildProtection#JusticeForVictims#VictimsDeserveJustice#CommunitySafety... See MoreSee Less
Welcome to the team! 🎉 We’re excited to have two new attorneys join the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office. They’re now part of our amazing team of more than 300 dedicated professionals working every day to serve justice and keep our community safer. For privacy and safety reasons, we don’t always share employee names — but we’re thrilled to have them on board! #WelcomeToTheTeam#BerncoDA#PublicService#JusticeInAction#CommunitySafety#ProudToServe... See MoreSee Less
Judge Allows Additional DNA, Fingerprints in Downtown Albuquerque Cold Case Rapes -- A judge has ruled that prosecutors may collect additional DNA samples and fingerprints from Carlos Parra-Cordova, who is charged in connection with two cold case sexual assaults in downtown Albuquerque. Investigators say Parra-Cordova has been linked through DNA evidence to two rapes that occurred in December 2012 and October 2013. In the 2012 case, the victim had been out at a downtown bar and recalls being given a drink, but does not remember what happened afterward. She later woke up in her apartment with injuries consistent with sexual assault, and her car had been stolen. In the 2013 case, investigators say the victim accepted a ride home from Parra-Cordova. Instead, he drove the victim to a remote area where she was sexually assaulted. Authorities say DNA collected from rape kits connected Parra-Cordova to both crimes. He is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center. He is scheduled to go to trial for the 2012 case in December of this year. ... See MoreSee Less
FORMER THERAPIST SENTENCED IN CASE INVOLVING SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD PATIENT
Today, prosecutors sought a sentence of 25½ years in the New Mexico Corrections Department in the sexual abuse case involving Krishna Vemulapalli. A judge, though, sentenced Vemulapalli to three years in prison.
BACKGROUND:
In April, 2024, Detectives were informed that Vemulapalli, a local therapist, was touching a 15-year-old patient from spring of 2023 to spring of 2024. The victim told detectives that Vemulapalli would touch them in inappropriate ways making them feel uncomfortable.
In July, Vemulapalli pled guilty to four counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor and one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Albuquerque Woman Ordered to Remain in Custody After Investigators Say She Set Apartment on Fire With Children Inside --
An Albuquerque judge has ordered 28-year-old Yailasha Smith to remain in custody after police say she started a fire inside her apartment while her children were inside.
Police responded Saturday to a reported emergency at an apartment on Central Ave. NE. Officers found smoke coming from the unit and Smith near the door. According to court documents, she initially told officers her children were inside before eventually allowing police in.
Officers rescued two children from the smoke-filled apartment and later discovered a fire burning in the bathroom.
The investigation is ongoing. ... See MoreSee Less
A 16-year-old has pleaded no contest to multiple charges related to a January 2025 attempted carjacking that ended in the death of a 14-year-old suspect.
Background:
In January 2025, a group of teens attempted to carjack a couple sitting inside their Jeep in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Tramway. During the incident, two of the teens opened fire, injuring the female passenger. The woman’s husband, who was also armed, returned fire, fatally shooting 14-year-old Alonzo Sanderson.
Today, one of Sanderson’s accomplices pleaded no contest to Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and Shooting at or From a Motor Vehicle (No Great Bodily Harm). He will remain in a juvenile facility until the age of 21.
Three other teens involved in the incident have already been sentenced for their roles. ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Arrest Update – Bernalillo County
On February 10, 2026, Special Agents with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office arrested Heather Lopez on an outstanding felony warrant.
Lopez was previously found guilty of Aggravated Battery (Great Bodily Harm) for shooting a victim twice following a 2024 auto collision. After being granted additional time to self-surrender, she failed to turn herself in by the court-ordered deadline of December 13, 2025. A warrant was issued when she did not comply.
After months of evading law enforcement, Lopez was located and taken into custody without incident. She will now begin serving her prison sentence. ... See MoreSee Less
Statement from District Attorney and Organized Crime Commission Chairman Sam Bregman --
The recent developments at the El Paso, Texas Airport and the Santa Teresa, New Mexico Airport are yet another example of why we remain deeply concerned about cartel drone activity occurring across New Mexico.
Criminal organizations are increasingly using drone technology to further illegal operations, including drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes. Despite this growing threat, New Mexico currently lacks specific laws that allow law enforcement to properly investigate or prosecute criminal activity involving the use of drones to facilitate organized crime.
To address this serious public safety gap, we recently proposed comprehensive legislation — Senate Bill 136 — that would give prosecutors and law enforcement the tools necessary to hold offenders accountable.
It is our understanding that the New Mexico Legislature tabled this legislation this week. I am very disappointed by that development.
New Mexico must take proactive steps to combat emerging criminal threats. We will continue working with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure our state has the legal framework needed to protect our communities.
— Sam Bregman
District Attorney
Chairman, Organized Crime Commission
📹 The attached video captures a cartel drone attack just across the border, showing surveillance of officers and the deployment of an explosive device that injured law enforcement personnel. ... See MoreSee Less
Man Sentenced to Life Plus 24 Years for Fatal Robbery of 75-Year-Old Albuquerque Resident
An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to life in prison plus 24 years for the 2024 fatal armed robbery of a 75-year-old resident.
On Tuesday, a judge sentenced James Caleb Gonzales after a jury convicted him in November of first-degree felony murder, armed robbery, and related offenses in the death of Harry Velarde.
Gonzales went to Velarde’s apartment in the 1000 block of Valencia Drive SE with the intent to rob him. During the robbery, Gonzales shot and killed Velarde.
Following the shooting, Gonzales fled Albuquerque but was later arrested at Villanueva State Park.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Ashlee Mills and Christine Jablonsky. ... See MoreSee Less
Our Special Victims Unit works incredibly hard on some of the most tragic and difficult cases in our community. Just this year—and it’s only February—the SVU team has already secured six convictions against people who physically abused children. Our prosecutors have another trial this week. In the last year alone, they’ve convicted more than 100 offenders.
These cases are complex, emotionally demanding, and deeply troubling—but this team never backs down. They are dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding people accountable.
🎙️ Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman:
“Our SVU prosecutors take on the hardest cases imaginable because protecting children and other vulnerable victims is not optional—it’s our responsibility. Their dedication and commitment make a real difference for victims and for our community.”
We are grateful for the tireless work of this exceptional team and their unwavering pursuit of justice.
#SpecialVictimsUnit #ChildProtection #JusticeForVictims #VictimsDeserveJustice #CommunitySafety ... See MoreSee Less
Welcome to the team! 🎉 We’re excited to have two new attorneys join the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office. They’re now part of our amazing team of more than 300 dedicated professionals working every day to serve justice and keep our community safer.
For privacy and safety reasons, we don’t always share employee names — but we’re thrilled to have them on board!
#WelcomeToTheTeam #BerncoDA #PublicService #JusticeInAction #CommunitySafety #ProudToServe ... See MoreSee Less
Judge Allows Additional DNA, Fingerprints in Downtown Albuquerque Cold Case Rapes --
A judge has ruled that prosecutors may collect additional DNA samples and fingerprints from Carlos Parra-Cordova, who is charged in connection with two cold case sexual assaults in downtown Albuquerque.
Investigators say Parra-Cordova has been linked through DNA evidence to two rapes that occurred in December 2012 and October 2013.
In the 2012 case, the victim had been out at a downtown bar and recalls being given a drink, but does not remember what happened afterward. She later woke up in her apartment with injuries consistent with sexual assault, and her car had been stolen.
In the 2013 case, investigators say the victim accepted a ride home from Parra-Cordova. Instead, he drove the victim to a remote area where she was sexually assaulted.
Authorities say DNA collected from rape kits connected Parra-Cordova to both crimes. He is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
He is scheduled to go to trial for the 2012 case in December of this year. ... See MoreSee Less