An investigator for an Albuquerque attorney, Ricardo Mendez, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to an ongoing DWI investigation. Mendez was charged with conspiracy, bribery, and extortion, and admitted to conspiring with police officers from various agencies to protect crooked officers and manipulate the criminal justice system. The Albuquerque Police Department responded by placing two additional officers on administrative leave and vowed to leave no stone unturned in the investigation. The corruption scandal reportedly involves multiple police agencies, lawyers, and a paralegal.
New Mexico State Police and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office stated they are cooperating with the federal investigation. Mendez faces decades in prison at his sentencing. This developing story will be covered by KOAT at 10 p.m. Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app.
The case has raised concerns about the extent of corruption within law enforcement and the possible manipulation of the criminal justice system at the expense of DWI victims. Sheriff John Allen emphasized that corruption has no place in law enforcement, committing to full cooperation with federal partners.
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