A fourth officer has resigned from the Albuquerque, New Mexico police department amid an investigation into alleged wrongdoing by officers in the DWI unit, with the FBI also involved. The probe was prompted by a federal investigation into a specific attorney being recommended to a driver during a stop, leading to the dismissal of over 150 DWI cases. Three other officers had previously resigned, and five were placed on administrative leave.
The Albuquerque Police Department addressed an ongoing administrative investigation involving over 150 DWI case dismissals, with accusations of officers being paid to dismiss cases. Chief Harold Medina provided a timeline of dismissed cases from 2015 to 2023, noting a significant decrease in dismissals after changes made in 2022. The department is investigating its DWI Unit members, and Commander Hartsock will lead the investigation. The chief also mentioned issues with the notification process for missed court dates and emphasized that the blame cannot be solely placed on the DA's Office.
A letter from Bernalillo County Second Judicial District Court has raised concerns about an officer under investigation in connection to the ongoing federal investigation into APD's DWI unit, supporting allegations of officers directing offenders to a specific attorney with promises of case dismissal. The letter details an officer putting a DWI offender in contact with a specific attorney and assuring that no court case would be filed if the attorney was hired. The officer named in the letter, Honorio Alba Jr., has been connected to the federal investigation and was previously recognized as the MADD Officer of the Year in 2023. City councilors have requested transparency from APD Chief Harold Medina, and allegations involving another attorney, Thomas Clear III, have also been raised.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina has made changes to the DWI Unit following a federal corruption investigation that led to the dismissal of over 150 DWI cases. The investigation involves allegations of officers being paid to get cases dismissed, leading to a personnel shakeup with five officers targeted in an internal affairs investigation. Chief Medina has implemented changes such as assigning a lieutenant to monitor court cases and plans to revamp the unit by putting a limit on officers' tenure. He also intends to work with the FBI and may transfer APD detectives to assist with the investigation.
The FBI conducted raids on the homes of several Albuquerque police officers as part of an ongoing investigation involving the department's DWI Unit. The officers involved have not been named, and no charges have been filed. Some officers have been placed on administrative leave, while others will be temporarily reassigned within the department. The investigation has led to the dismissal of more than 150 DWI cases in Bernalillo County.
