Verdict Search Results

United States of America v. Claudiu Pesteleu

Las Cruces, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyers represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Reported by <a href="https://www.morelaw.com/vendors/vendor.asp?f=Kent&l=Morlan&i=28729&z=74119&s=OK" target="_new">Kent Morlan</a> Claudiu Pesteleu, 44, a Romanian national illegally present in the United States, admitted that from May 2023 through June 2024, he participated in a nationwide fraud scheme that used fake websites impersonating legitimate businesses to tric

United States of America v. Timothy Begay

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal Defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with second-degree murder in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1153. Reported by <a href="https://www.morelaw.com/vendors/vendor.asp?f=Kent&l=Morlan&i=28729&z=74119&s=OK" target="_new">Kent Morlan</a> On December 9, 2024, Timothy Begay, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving drunk when he crossed the center line and hit a car driving the opposite direction, killing the driver. At the time of the crash

United States of America v. Miranda Cachini

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with involuntary manslaughter. By Kent Morlan Miranda Cachini, age 27, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, consumed alcoholic beverages and fell asleep while breastfeeding her 2-month-old daughter in bed. During the night, Cachini rolled over on top of the baby, causing her to pass away by asphyxiation. irst Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Feder

United States of America v. Kevin Metcalf

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with illegally possessing a firearm after he shot a store employee during an attempted liquor theft at an Albuquerque business. On December 29, 2024, Kevin Metcalf, 37, entered El Rey Liquors in downtown Albuquerque and attempted to steal a bottle of alcohol. When a store employee intervened, Metcalf fled the scene before turning around and firing a shot toward two employees standing in the doorway, striking an

State of New Mexico v. Nadine Judith Gonzales

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer John McCall represented the Defendant charged with Shoplifting (Over $2,500 but not more than $20,000) and Conspiracy to Commit Shoplifting (Over $2500, Less than $20,000) 30-16-20 provides: A. Shoplifting consists of one or more of the following acts: (1) willfully taking possession of merchandise with the intention of converting it without paying for it; (2) willfully concealing merchandise with the intention of converting it without

State of New Mexico v. Yufang Bao and John Tunney Bao

Albuquerque, New Mexico criminal defense lawyers represent the Defendants trafficking women for commercial sex. Yufang Bao and and John Tunney Bao owned and operated six massage parlors in Albuquerque where they allegedly engaged in sex trafficking.

United States of America v. Zachary Babitz

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with interference with commerce by committing a series of armed robberies and carjackings across New Mexico in 2024 that culminated in the fatal shooting of a victim during a carjacking in Santa Fe County. Babitz, 40, committed a series of armed robberies, carjackings, and a fatal shooting across Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Doña Ana counties. Babitz began on July 30, 2024, when he entered an AutoZone in Albuq

State of New Mexico v. Nicholas Schmidt, a/k/a Nicholas Andrew Schmidt

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with child abuse and failure to report1 child abuse or neglect. Defendant and his spouse were charged with child abuse and failure to report child abuse or neglect. The State filed a motion that sought a ruling from the district court about whether the spousal privilege would apply to the text messages or if the Rule 11-505(D)(1)(a) exception would permit the admission of the evidence. After4 a hearing, th

United States of America v. Jose Ramirez

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with kidnapping. In 2018, just weeks after his release from prison for a felony firearm conviction stemming from a high-speed police chase, and while under court supervision and wearing a GPS ankle monitor, Jose Ramirez, 47, engineered a calculated and violent kidnapping-for-ransom scheme targeting his former employer, a 68-year-old business owner who had fired him years earlier for theft. On July 25, 2018,

United States of America v. Jose Ramirez

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with multiple charges, including conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, conspiracy to carjack, carjacking, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and extortion in December 2025.

State of New Mexico v. Meta Platforms, Inc.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Attorney General's Office represented the States of New Mexico claiming that Meta failed to warn users about the dangers of its platform and protect children from sexual predators and willfully engaging in "unfair and deceptive" and "unconscionable" trade practices. New Mexico also claimed that Meta created a "breeding ground" for child predators on Facebook and Instagram. Meta denied all of the claims made by the States of New Mexico.

Angel Salcdo, et al. v. City of Las Vegas, et al.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, personal injury lawyer represented the Plaintiffs who sued on civil rights violation theories. During an hours-long standoff with law enforcement in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Alejandro Alirez shot his girlfriend, Cristal Cervantes, and her grandfather, Victor Cervantes, inside their home. Alirez livestreamed the encounter on Facebook for nearly 51 minutes. Cristal was alive for much or all of the livestream. When Alirez finally surrendered, hours after the initial sh

State of New Mexico v. Brian Pori

Grants, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with bringing contraband into a prison. Albuquerque criminal defense lawyer Brian Pori, 64, was going to meet an inmate on Wednesday. While he was going through a security point at the prison’s visitor entrance, a correctional officer found suboxone strips in the inner lining of Pori’s eyeglass case.

United States of America v. Claudiu Pesteleu

Las Cruces, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyers Gabriel Perez and Jessica Martin represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Claudiu Pesteleu, age 44, a Romanian national illegally in the United States participated in a nationwide fraud scheme that used fake websites impersonating legitimate businesses to trick victims into wiring money for various consumer products, such as cars and equipment. Victims believed they were making legitimate purchases, but the funds

State of New Mexico v. Francisco Solia

Bernalillo County, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and road rage. Francisco Solis accused of threatening a man with a handgun and driving away in a white Ford F150. A search of the Defendant's home resulted in the seizure of: • A total of 17 magazines for various firearms • A total of 1,407 rounds of various caliber ammunition • Various firearm parts and accessories • Methamphetamine (14 grams)

State of New Mexico v. Jovan Martinez and Makaela Johnson

Santa Rosa, New Mexico Defendants accused of shooting at New Mexico State Trooper. Criminal defense lawyer represent the Defendants to shot at NMSP officer who tried to stop Jovan Martinez and Makaela Johnson on US Highway 285, south of Vaughn.

State of New Mexico v. . Albert Rival

Albuquerque, New Mexico criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant who brandished a fire arm. Albert Rival, 65, was a member at the North Valley Senior Center, but staff had to call the police, saying he took things too far.

United States of America v. Edison Brady

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with econd-degree murder for fatally stabbing a man during an assault on the Navajo Nation. On July 25, 2024, officers with the Navajo Nation Police Department responded to fight in progress near a defunct business in Shiprock, New Mexico. Upon arrival, they found John Doe lying on the ground with wounds to his face and chest. Witnesses reported that Edison Brady, 56, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pu

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with burglary. Joseph Montoya was shot while burglarizing the business for a second time.

United States of America v. Richard Sepulveda

Las Cruces, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with using Molotov cocktails to ignite multiple fires at an apartment complex. on January 12, 2026, Las Cruces Fire Department responded to a reported fire at the Villa Del Telshor Apartments in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Fire investigators determined the fire originated in a second-floor apartment and was intentionally set using an improvised incendiary device, commonly known as a Molotov cocktail. Surveillance fo

United States of America v. Robert Haack

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with wire and mail fraud. Robert Haack, 59, carried out a years long scheme to defraud collectors by selling counterfeit jewelry falsely represented as authentic works by renowned Hopi artist Charles Loloma. The evidence established that between approximately 2008 and 2015, Haack manufactured dozens of fake Loloma jewelry pieces in his California home and sold them through eBay and direct sales. Haack market

United States of America v. Adrian Cheama

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. On June 16, 2025, Adrian Cheama, 37, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, stabbed an unarmed man in the abdomen with a sharp metal object without apparent provocation, then disposed of the weapon, preventing law enforcement from recovering it. The victim was airlifted to a hospital, where he received life-saving treatment for the

State of New Mexico v. Angelique Silva

Albuquerque, New Mexico criminal defense lawyer John Rhinehart represented the Defendant charged with burglary, unlawful taking of an automobile and theft of a credit card. Angelique Silva, age 43, broke into and stole with keys inside lockers in a gym where the owners were exercising. She would then steal the cars parked in the parking lot.

United States of America v. Justin Hunt

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by extortion under color of official right. Justin Hunt, a former Albuquerque Police Department lieutenant, engaged in a scheme to arrest drunk drivers who were set up for arrest. Bribes would then be solicited and taken in exchange for Hunt intentionally failing to appear for a court appearance on the DUI charge resulting in the dismissal of the charge.

United States of America v. Santiago Martinez

Denver, Colorado, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with manslaughter. Santiago Martinez, age 33, killed Suazo during an argument outside their shared home on the Taos Pueblo. The couple had been listening to music when DeAnna again expressed her long-stated desire to end their romantic relationship, which she had often done before. The argument escalated into a physical altercation during which Martinez ripped DeAnna’s gauge earring from her ear and pushed DeAnna

State of New Mexico v. Timothy Busfield

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with sexual abuse of a minor. Timothy Busfield, accused of abusing a 7 year old boy on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a TV series Busfield directed and acted in.

United States of America v. Max Jaramillo

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with wire fraud and embezzlement by an Officer of a Labor Organization. From 2014 through early 2024, Max Jaramillo, 58, served as treasurer of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, Local 331, a position that carries fiduciary duties to safeguard union assets and to accurately disclose the union’s financial condition to its members and the Department of Labor. During that time frame, Jaramillo used union

United States of America v. Donald Thompson

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with second-degree murder. On January 1, 2026, Donald Thompson, 49, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, allegedly shot and killed another Laguna Pueblo member during a confrontation at a cemetery within the Pueblo of Laguna in Cubero, New Mexico. Law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting and found the victim deceased at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest and back. Witnesses r

State of New Mexico v. April Hernandez

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the defendant charged with identity theft and fraud. April Hernandez was accused of identity theft and multiple counts of fraud after stealing three nurses’ identities and providing care for hospice patients without a license.

United States of America v. Jason Baca

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with felony possession of a firearm. 18:922(g)(1) and 924: Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; 18:111(a) and (b): Assault on a Federal Officer; 18:924(c)(1)(A)(ii): Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to, and in Furtherance of, a Crime of Violence. An Albuquerque man is federally charged after allegedly pointing a handgun at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies during a November 12,

State of New Mexico v. Christina Escobedo Arriaga

Las Cruces, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with: Two counts of Homicide by Vehicle (Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Drug) One count of Great Bodily Harm by Vehicle (Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Drug) Two counts of Intentional Abuse of a Child Resulting in Death One count of Abuse of a Child Resulting in Great Bodily Harm One count of Driving While Under the Influen

State of New Mexico v. Jason Hurd

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant, Jason Hurd, accused for shoplifting. The allegedly stole $700 from the Target on Paseo del Norte in Albuquerque.

State of New Mexico v. Hunter Apachito

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant, Hunter Apachito, age 22, who is charged with domestic assault and battery and felony pointing of a firearm.

United States of America v. Robert J. Padilla, Jr.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with orchestrating a retaliatory killing tied to a violent prison gang and for using violence and intimidation to protect an ongoing drug trafficking operation. Robert Padilla, 48, was an associate of the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM), a prison-based gang whose members and associates engaged in murder, drug trafficking, intimidation, and retaliation against perceived informants to preserve the gang’s power

State of New Mexico v. Robert Candelaria

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with DUI. Robert Candelaria, had a wreck on Interstate 40 eastbound on December 24, 2025. A search of Candelaria' vehicle at the scene disclosed that cocaine.

State of New Mexico v. Crystal Hernandez

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with child abuse. Crystal Hernandez, age 39, is accused for letting her 4-year-old son access cocaine. When police entered Hernandez's child's teeth were rotten and his heartbeat was abnormal. Hernandez allegedly said that her child most likely tested positive for cocaine as a result go getting into her boyfriend's drugs.

State of New Mexico v. Adrian Ferran

Los Alamos, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with rape. Adrian Ferran, age 26, is accused of having had sex with to 14-year-old girl in Los Alamos. Police said Ferran admitted he had sex with the girl.

United States of America v. Robert Padilla

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with orchestrating a retaliatory killing tied to a violent prison gang and for using violence and intimidation to protect an ongoing drug trafficking operation. Robert Padilla, 48, was an associate of the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM), a prison-based gang whose members and associates engaged in murder, drug trafficking, intimidation, and retaliation against perceived informants to preserve the gang’s power

Marc Grano, et al. v. Michelin North America, Inc.

Las Vegas, New Mexico, personal injury lawyers represented the Plaintiffs on a product liability wrongful death case. The three family members died in a head-on collision in rural Gaines County, Texas, after a Michelin LTX M tire on the front driver's side experienced tire separation. The failure caused the family's eastbound Ford Expedition to veer into the westbound lane and collide with an oncoming Chevrolet 2500 pickup pulling a trailer. Killed in the July 21, 2021, collision were L

United States of America v. Maylene John

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country. On October 24, 2022, Maylene John, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation at the time of the offense, stabbed her 7-year-old daughter in the heart with a knife, causing her death. John was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the incident. John pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. At sentencing, she faces up to 15 years in federal pri

State of New Mexico v. Darrell McGrew

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with multiple crimes. He sped in and out of traffic in a stolen vehicle on Interstate 40 and I-25, before BCSO deputies brought the pursuit to an end with a PIT maneuver in Bosque Farms.

State of New Mexico v. Jameei Waheed

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer will represent the Defendant accused for a shooting at the All Eyes On Me Barber Shop, near Central Avenue and Fifth Street, that left one person wounded.

United States of America v. Jason Pete Roper

Albuquerque, New Mexico criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with committing a Hobbs Act robbery. 2 I. On August 14, August 15, and September 8, 2022—while he was completing a term of supervised release imposed for a previous federal conviction—Roper robbed three Ross Dress For Less stores, stealing a total of approximately $1,800. A few days later, he failed a drug test. New Mexico filed armed robbery charges against Roper on September 28, 2022. The following

State of New Mexico v. Dominic Speer

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with aggravated fleeing, resisting arrest, and murder.<br> <br> Dominic Speer, age 18, is accused of a shocking and grizzly crime. The body of the victim was found in the trunk of Speer's car.

United States of America v. Samuel Elliott

Las Cruces, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2251(a), 2251(e) AND 2256.

United States of America v. Jason Pete Roper

Albuquerque, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, 18 U.S.C. 1951.<br> <br> On August 14, August 15, and September 8, 2022—while he was completing a<br> term of supervised release imposed for a previous federal conviction—Roper robbed<br> three Ross Dress For Less stores, stealing a total of approximately $1,800. A few<br> days later, he failed a drug test.<br> <br> The district court held an evidentiary heari

State of New Mexico v. Alexis Najera Hernandez

Albuquerque, New Mexico criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with murder.<br> <br> Alexis Najera Hernandez, age 25, is accused of killing two men who he claimed were stalking him.<br> <br>

Charles Farden v. United States of America

Albuquerque, New Mexico personal injury lawyer represented the Plaintiff on a Federal Tort Claims Act claim.<br> <br> At issue in this suit under the Federal Tort Claims Act is whether the United States can be held liable for false imprisonment or false arrest when a federal law enforcement officer restrains or arrests a person whom he has probable cause to believe is committing the federal crime of marijuana cultivation on tribal land in New Mexico, even though such cultivation may be legal und

State of New Mexico v. Felipe Hernandez

Las Cruces, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with second-degree murder.<br> <br> Felipe Hernandez, a New Mexico police officer, opened fire and killed a woman as she was driving away from him.<br> <br> Gomez did not present a threat to the officer or anyone else, and therefore, there was no reason for Hernandez to start shooting. <br> <br> The City of Las Cruces settled a civil suit with Teresa Gomez's family for $20 million

State of New Mexico v. Tristan Dinnall

Roswell, New Mexico, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with murder.<br> <br> Tristan Dinnal, age 29, was accused of shooting and killing his father during an argument.