Monday

January 24, 2011

Lincoln County's daily news and Information source

Written and/or edited by Harold Oakes. Click here to email

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Police & court news

Jan. 22 - Ruidoso Downs Police briefs (posted January 24, 2011)

Jan. 14

11:31 a.m. - Officer Carolee Jones responded to a report of a suspicious package on a porch in the 200 block of North Parnell.

Jones reports that the homeowner had found a partially burned red bandana on the porch.

Jones reports that she referred the incident to Juvenile Probation and Parole because it appeared to be gang related. Jones reported that the "North Side" gang wears red bandanas for identification and the "South Side" gang wears blue bandanas.

Jan. 15

6:53 a.m. - Officer Carolee Jones responded to a report of criminal damage to property in the 100 block of North Central.

Jones reported that a window of a vehicle had been busted out and there were pry marks on the vehicle around the busted window and around the back window.

Crime Scene Investigator William Dunlap investigated the vehicle looking for fingerprints.

1:20 p.m. - Officer Carolee Jones responded to a report of criminal damage to property in the 200 block of Hill Top Lane.

Jones reports the resident found a rock on his roof and damage to his car. He reported that the suspect fled on foot and dropped a backpack and lost a shoe as he fled.

Officers Jones, Joseph Bailey and Christopher Rupp searched for the suspect but were unable to locate him. Jones reported that she did recover the shoe and backpack he allegedly dropped as he fled. Inside the backpack Jones allegedly found an identification card, Medicaid card, family pictures, pay stubs, a small bottle of alcohol and some gang letters and drawings.

Jan. 18

12:01 a.m. - Officer Martin Valenzuela reported spotting two juvenile males walking on Turkey Canyon and reportedly recognizing one of them as a wanted subject.

Valenzuela reportedly approached the men and asked for identification. Angelo Montoya allegedly refused to give Valenzuela his date of birth.

Valenzuela reported that he searched Montoya and found his identification card and confirmed that there was a warrant for Montoya's arrest.

Valenzuela reported he also found a pair of brass knuckles, a folding knife and multiple lighters on Montoya.

Ruidoso Police Officer Larry Smith and a New Mexico State Police officer arrived to assist Valenzuela.

Valenzuela cited the second man, identified as Jerome Gonzales for possession of drug paraphernalia. The specific drug paraphernalia Gonzales had on him was not included in the report.

Valenzuela reports that he contacted the juvenile detention centers in Roswell and Deming to try to find a place to take Montoya. Both facilities were full, so Valenzuela contacted Santa Fe and CSI William Dunlap transported Montoya to Santa Fe later in the morning.

Jan. 22 - District Court cases (posted January 24, 2011)

Probation revoked

Melissa Sleeper appeared in court Dec. 23, 2010 for a probation violation hearing and admitted to violating probation.

Sleeper tested positive for methamphetamines on Nov. 9, 2010.

Judge Karen Parsons revoked Sleeper's probation and sentenced her to two and one half years on probation with the provision that Sleeper complete the New Life Recovery program. Parsons ordered her held in Lincoln County Detention Center until a space became available in this program.

Ruidoso Police officers Matt Christian and Glen Koshinski arrested Sleeper for conspiracy to commit residential burglary Dec. 7, 2009 when they found her in a van parked halfway into the roadway near a home where Sleeper's husband and another man were allegedly burglarizing a home.

Charges dismissed

Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman notified the court Jan. 17 that charges against Trisha Swink, 44, were being dismissed.

Zimmerman noted that Swink had completed the pre prosecution diversion program.

Swink had been charged with embezzlement of over $9,000 from a Ruidoso lodge by offering a discount on rooms for a cash payment and then pocketing the cash from December 2008 through April 2009.

Sex offender violation

David Gut, 49, appeared in court Jan. 18 for a probation revocation hearing.

The charges were that Gut, a convicted sex offender from New York, posted an internet ad "Older man seeking young female," incurring new sex offense charges, which violated his probation.

Judge Karen Parsons ordered Gut to be transported to the New Mexico State Correctional Facility at Los Lunas to serve an 18-month sentence.

Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Charlie LaBelle charged Gut with failure to register as a sex offender with Lincoln County after Ruidoso Police officer Matt Christian discovered Gut working at a local hotel and found he had been convicted of possession of a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old in New York in 2004.

Gut reportedly failed to notify the Suffolk County, New York Probation office of his move to New Mexico.

Jan. 20 - Ruidoso Police brief (posted January 24, 2011)

Jan. 9

11:58 a.m. - Officer Josh Snodgrass and Corporal Mike Weaver responded to a report of a possible domestic disturbance in the 200 block of Barcus Road.

Snodgrass reports that the couple was arguing over attending a church function and there was no physical contact.

They were separated for the night.

Jan. 17

11:59 p.m. - Corporal Aaron Frost reports that while patrolling the area of Horton Education Complex when he saw a Jeep Wrangler speed up on Horton Circle onto the private road behind Mario's Market and Canyon Cycle.

Frost reports that he activated his emergency lights, began to pursue the car and then saw another car accelerating up the same road.

Frost reportedly rolled down his window and yelled at the driver of this second car, whom he recognized as Eric Saenz, 17, of Ruidoso Downs, to stop. Saenz reportedly acknowledged the command and stopped.

Frost reports the Jeep turned it's lights off, turned on Sutton, then failed to stop at the intersection and turned left on El Paso. As the Jeep went through the Southwest Fitness gravel parking lot it threw up a lot of dust, so Frost reported stopping to insure it had not wrecked.

By the time he reached Highway 70 and El Paso, Frost reports the Jeep had disappeared.

Returning to Horton, Frost reported Saenz was now gone too.

Frost reportedly contacted Saenz grandfather, who brought him to the Ruidoso Police Department the following day. Saenz reportedly admitted being the driver of the car the previous night and allegedly said he left because he got scared, knowing his driver's license was either expired or suspended.

Frost cited Saenz into Juvenile Probation and Parole for eluding an officer, reckless driving and driving without a license.

Frost also reportedly found out more information about the Jeep that had eluded him and located the owner.

The owner of the Jeep reportedly informed Frost that Trevor Hoyle, 16, of Ruidoso was driving the Jeep.

Frost reportedly contacted Hoyle, who allegedly said he was driving the Jeep and eluded Frost because he does not have a driver's license.

Frost cited Hoyle in to JPPO for eluding an officer, reckless driving and driving without a license.

Frost reports Hoyle appeared to be honest in his responses and willing to accept responsibility.

Frost released Hoyle to his mother.

Ruidoso Downs Police briefs (posted January 18, 2011)

From the Ruidoso News

Jan. 6

7:49 a.m. - Corporal Joseph Bailey responded to the 400 block of 2nd Street for a report of a man not breathing.

Bailey reports he performed CPR on Antonio Cardiel-Martinez, 41, until EMS arrived. They were unable to revive him.

Bailey reports that family members said Cardiel-Martinez had been ill for about five days.

Jan. 8

11:14 p.m. - Officer Carolee Jones reports going to 110 Sierra Lane, Apartment 45 for a welfare check on a child.

Jones reports that she found Wesley T. Roller, 23, in the apartment and arrested him on a warrant.

Jones reports that she would be filing a report with Children, Youth and Families Division on the living conditions for the children within the apartment.

11:18 p.m. - Officers Darrell Chavez and Martin Valenzuela responded to Magic Forest Restaurant for a report of suspicious activity.

Chavez reports they located two individuals in a pickup truck, secured them for investigation and obtained permission to search the vehicle.

Chavez reports finding a grocery bag containing a green leafy substance, a pipe with residue and a pen tube with residue and a burnt tip, in the glove compartment of the truck.

Chavez arrested Leo Salcido, 21, of Hondo, on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Chavez reported that the second man did not appear to have any connection to the drugs or paraphernalia, so he was released.

Jan. 10

Officer Darrell Chavez responded to White Mountain Trailer Park, for a report of a fight in progress.

Chavez reports that he determined that it was just an argument and no there was no physical contact.

Chavez reports that he returned to the scene later because of a report of a man shouting. Chavez reported finding a man with a busted mouth, laceration to his head and covered in dirt. The man said he fell into a ditch.

EMS responded and transported the man to Lincoln County Medical Center for treatment.

Ruidoso Police briefs  (posted January 18, 2011)

From the Ruidoso News

Jan. 7

10:24 a.m. - Officer Josh Snodgrass responded to White Mountain Meadows gatehouse for a report of criminal damage to property.

Snodgrass reports someone shot a window in the gatehouse off Gavilan Canyon Road, making two small holes in the window.

The reporting party said he had noticed it the previous evening but didn't want to bother the police with it at night.

6:17 p.m. - Officer Lance Ledford responded to the 1000 block of Mechem for a report of a domestic disturbance.

Ledford reported that Ruidoso Downs Police officer Darrell Chavez responded to translate for the Spanish-speaking female involved.

Ledford determined this was just a verbal argument and separated the two for the night.

Jan. 8

9:39 a.m. - Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to The Barber Shop at 666 Sudderth for a report of a broken window.

Tyson reports the window was broken and there was a rock lying on the floor.

There was nothing reported missing.

10:16 a.m. - Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to Ski West, 2807 Sudderth, for a report of a burglary.

Tyson reported that a window was broken, there was a rock on the floor and four "Mad Bomber" toboggans were reportedly missing.

Store personnel reported someone had returned one toboggan they found on First Street.

4:37 p.m. - Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on Sudderth Drive and was advised while in route that the arguing parties were at the Allsups at Sudderth and Mechem.

Tyson reported that one of the men had reportedly been harassing the other, swerving his car like he was going to hit him and making obscene gestures as they drove up Sudderth Drive. The argument was about a woman.

Jan. 10

Time not recorded - Corporal Aaron Frost took a report of criminal damage to property on in the 100 block of Course View.

Frost reports the windows of two cars had been broken.

Jan. 11

7:51 p.m. - Officer Larry Smith responded to the 100 block of Mescalero Trail for a report of an unwanted subject.

Smith reports that the "unwanted subject" was accusing the man at the residence of stealing his cell phone. Roberto Herrera, 22, denied having the cell phone. Smith reported having dispatch call the phone and that the dispatcher said she could hear Smith and the two men talking.

Herrera admitted having the phone and showed Smith that it was in a closet inside a red cup of water.

Herrera reportedly told Smith he took the phone and damaged it in retaliation for previous problems with the phone's owner.

Smith arrested Herrera on charges of larceny and criminal damage to property. Herrera's bond was set at $1,000 cash.

District Court cases (posted January 18, 2011)

From the Ruidoso News

Alcohol abuse treatment

Adelina Payne, 51, appeared in court for a probation revocation hearing Nov. 18 and admitted consuming alcohol in violation of her probation.

Judge Karen Parsons ordered Payne's probation revoked and then continued, but ordered Payne held at Lincoln County Detention Center until she could enter the Otero County Counsel on Alcohol Abuse program.

Payne pled no contest to a charge of attempting to commit a felony, to wit, abuse or abandonment of a child and driving while intoxicated Nov. 12, 2009. Parsons sentenced her to two years, six months, less one day, on probation.

New Mexico State Police officer Eric Marrujo arrested Payne Nov. 22, 2007 for driving while intoxicated with a 12-year old child in the truck. Marrujo stopped Payne on Paradise Canyon Road and also cited her for a driving on a suspended or revoked license, no insurance expired registration and roadways laned for traffic.

Probation revocation

Valencia Palmer, 29, appeared in court Dec. 10 and admitted violating the conditions of her probation.

A Sept. 10 urine test showed THC, amphetamines and methamphetamines.

Judge Karen Parsons revoked her probation and placed her on a four year, less one day, probation. Parson gave Palmer credit for time served in jail from Aug. 20 through Dec. 10, 2010.

Palmer had pleaded no contest to charges of possession of methamphetamines, conspiracy to possess methamphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia Feb. 19, 2010.

Ruidoso Downs Police officer Chris Rupp arrested Palmer at the Muddy Grubby Car Wash Sept. 6, 2009 after Rupp and Officer Joseph Bailey found 14.9 grams of methamphetamines, $400 cash, two syringes and a glass pipe in Palmer's car.

Sentencing

Alejandro Preciado, 43, appeared in court Dec. 10 for sentencing.

Preciado pled no contest to charges of driving while intoxicated and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer under a plea and disposition agreement reached by Public Defender Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Williams.

Under the plea agreement, the State dismissed a charge of driving on a suspended or revoked license and Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Preciado to 364 days in jail, with 274 suspended and 90 days mandatory jail time.

Parsons also ordered Preciado to enter a treatment program, 28-day in-patient or 90 day out-patient, perform 96 hours of community service, install an ignition interlock device for three years and serve five years of supervised probation.

Preciado had been convicted of DWI Nov. 24, 2004 and June 3, 2009.

Parsons ordered Preciado to report to Lincoln County Detention Center Dec. 31, 2009 to begin serving his 90-day jail term.

Probation violation

Ralph Pichardo, 29, of Roswell, appeared in court for sentencing on a probation violation, having pleaded no contest to the violation,

Judge Karen Parsons revoked Pichardo's probation and placed him on probation for two years, less two days and ordered him to pay $500 in restitution.

Pichardo pleaded no contest to misdemeanor larceny Feb. 13, 2009 under a plea and disposition agreement reached by Public Defender Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Jason Ely. Under that agreement, the State dismissed charges of felony larceny and false imprisonment.

Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff DeAnna Preston filed the charges against Pichardo for an incident at Champions Run in Ruidoso Downs Nov. 10, 2008, during which Pichardo allegedly tied a bedroom door closed, locking the residents of the home inside, and stealing their plasma television set and remote.

Change of plea

Stephanie McCall appeared in court Dec. 16 for a change of plea.

McCall pleaded no contest to charges of receiving stolen property over $2,500, embezzlement of over $500, and receiving stolen property over $250 under a plea and disposition agreement reached by Public Defender Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed 10 additional charges of receiving stolen property and one additional charge of embezzlement.

Judge Karen Parsons sentenced McCall to five and a half years in jail, suspended the sentence and placed McCall on five years supervised probation.

Parsons ordered McCall to pay $185 in restitution to a Ruidoso pawn shop and $975 in restitution to a Ruidoso jewelry store.

Sent back down

Judge Jerry Ritter remanded Percy Herrera's case for a 5th or subsequent driving while intoxicated charge to Magistrate Court Division II on Jan. 6.

At the request of the defense, Judge Karen Parson was excused from the case.

Merritt promotion (posted January 14, 2011)

From the Ruidoso News

The Ruidoso Police Department announced Thursday that Ray Merritt has been promoted to lieutenant.

Merritt joined the Ruidoso Police Department in Dec. 1998, moving to Ruidoso from the San Francisco, Calif. area. He is a U.S. Army veteran, serving eight years as a Military Policeman.

The promotion came after Merritt completed written testing Wednesday morning, oral exams in the afternoon and an interview

Merritt replaces Deputy Chief Dwayne Goar, who retired Dec. 25.

The promotion leaves a vacancy for a Detective Sergeant, the position Merritt held, and Police Chief Joe Magill said that position would be filled soon.

Magill also said there will be testing for promotion to Sergeant and Corporal soon.

Today there are interviews scheduled for certified police officers to fill vacancies in the Patrol Division.

Carrizozo Magistrate Court warrants (posted January 14, 2011)

From the Ruidoso News

Issued in Dec. 2010

Beau J. Allen, 26, failure to appear

Joe W. Andrade, 51, failure to pay

Ricky G. Begs, 55, failure to pay fines

Hugo A. Correa, 21, failure to pay fines

Derrick M. Cunningham, 49, failure to appear

Gilbert Esqueda, 47, failure to pay

Jacob Froese, 33, failure to pay

Alejandro A. Garcia, 20, failure to appear

Patrick S. McLeod, 34, not listed in court documents

Greg S. Pargas, 51, failure to appear

Alfonso Pena, 40, failure to pay fines

Saul A. Rojas, 18, not listed in court documents

Ricardo Sera, 50, failure to appear

Burke J. Thorpe, 37, failure to pay

Venacio Ruibe-Contreras, 47, failure to appear

The court issued a warrant for Lshayne Hardesty, 35, for failure to pay. According to court records, on Jan. 7, 2011, Hardesty choose to spend 11 days in jail to pay his fines and court costs.

Driver who struck officer makes deal (posted January 11, 2011)

From the Ruidoso News

The driver who struck a Ruidoso Police officer directing traffic for a parade in October has pled no contest to reckless driving.

Brady Hester, 40, appeared in Carrizozo Magistrate Court Dec. 27, 2010 and pled no contest to a charge of reckless driving under a plea and disposition agreement reached by Public Defender Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Reed Thompson.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of driving on a revoked or suspended driver's license.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Hester to 90 days in jail, with 85 days suspended and five days to be served, 85 days of supervised probation, a $100 fine and unspecified restitution to the Village of Ruidoso or officer David Gallegos.

Hester struck Gallegos at the intersection of Mechem Drive and Terrace Drive as Gallegos directed traffic around the AspenFest Parade route on Oct. 2, 2010. Gallegos was treated and released at Lincoln County Medical Center, then spent several weeks on limited duty.

New Mexico State Police officer Cory Crayton reportedly consulted with the District Attorney's office before citing Hester for reckless driving and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Proctor also ordered Hester to write a letter of apology to Gallegos.

District Court cases (posted January 11, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

Larceny deal

Justin Rowe, 21, appeared in court Dec. 10 and pled no contest to charges of larceny over $2500, receiving stolen property (disposing) over $500 and two counts of larceny over $250 under a plea and disposition agreement reached by Public Defender Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of residential burglary, non-residential burglary, receiving stolen property (disposing) over $2500, larceny over $500, and three counts of larceny under $250.

Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Rowe to five years probation, with credit for time served from Sept. 15 through Dec. 10, and ordered him to pay restitution of $4,630.

Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Charlie LaBelle charged Rowe with selling a backhoe attachment for a skid loader and selling a new snowplow on Sept. 17, 2010. Rowe had been charged with nine counts of burglary and larceny on Sept. 8. The charges included stealing $400 in quarters, stealing a drill press, scroll saw, and two cords of wood, one cedar and one pine.

Charges dropped

Assistant District Attorney Matthew Wade dismissed charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia against Lynda Summers, 60, on Jan. 3.

Wade cited the New Mexico Statute on immunity from prosecution for overdose prevention in informing the court the charges were being dismissed.

That statute says that a person possessing a controlled substance pursuant to seeking medical assistance for an overdose shall not be prosecuted.

A Grand Jury indicted Summers on the charges Nov. 16, 2009.

Crenshaw gets probation (posted January 11, 2011)

From the Ruidoso News  

CARRIZOZO - Richard Lance Crenshaw has been sentenced to five years probation by District Judge Karen Parsons.

Crenshaw pled no contest to charges of forgery, fraud, unlawful use of an identification card, larceny and receiving and disposing of stolen property Dec. 10 under a plea and disposition agreement.

Under that agreement, the State dismissed 39 additional charges, 36 of those charges involved unlawful use of an identification card.

Ruidoso Police arrested Crenshaw, 29, June 1, after a search that began in April when residents of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs started reporting checks being stolen from their mailboxes. Those checks would reappear with a different name in the "pay to" line and a different amount.

Crenshaw would steal the checks from mailboxes and "wash" the information, then cash the checks or use them to make purchases.

Police obtained video of Crenshaw making purchases at Walmart in Ruidoso Downs with stolen checks. Crenshaw would then return the merchandise for a cash refund. A picture of Crenshaw in a car in the Walmart parking lot helped Ruidoso police identify him.

Corporal Mike Weaver recognized the vehicle when answering an unrelated call and identified Crenshaw as the forger they had been seeking.

Crenshaw also left a clue as to his identity at the Inn of the Mountain Gods.

"He slipped up by signing for the Player's Club under the name of one of his victims," Detective Sergeant Ray Merritt, Jr. said. "But he put his real date of birth on the player's club. I did a database search of dates of births in our system and we got a hit."

Merritt said Crenshaw has been stealing and "washing" checks all over Southern New Mexico for several years.

Parsons ordered Crenshaw to attend a program at Opportunity House, a substance abuse clinic, and to pay restitution of $250 to the Inn of the Mountain Gods and $915.59 to Walmart within 30 days of completing the Opportunity House Program.

Crenshaw pled no contest to two charges of forgery over $2500 in Carlsbad District Court in June and received probation and time served.

Crenshaw also pled no contest to a charge of fraud of less than $250, a charge of forgery, and six counts of receiving stolen property of less than $250 in Las Cruces District Court, Dec. 21.

The State dismissed 15 counts of forgery one count of fraud of over $500 six counts of receiving stolen property of less than $250, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of possession or use of an altered, forged or fictitious license in that case.

The case was reassigned to Judge Mike Murphy on Jan. 3, 2011 and Murphy will sentence Crenshaw at some time in the future. Crenshaw's sentencing was scheduled for Jan. 10, but was put on hold when Murphy replaced Judge Stephen Bridgforth on the bench.

Ruidoso Downs Police briefs (posted January 7, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

Dec. 29

3:31 p.m. - Officer Chris Rupp reported stopping a 1994 Honda on Highway 70 for an expired registration.

Rupp reports that the driver, Lanay Aragon, presented him an Identification Card and said that she did not have a driver's license.

Rupp inquired about the passenger having a driver's license and was informed that he did not have a driver's license either.

Rupp identified the passenger as Skylar Reed, and recalled that there was a recent warrant issued for Reed from Ruidoso Magistrate Court. Rupp reports he contacted the court and confirmed the warrant.

Rupp issued Aragon a citation for driver must be licensed, no proof of insurance and had the vehicle towed.

Rupp arrested Reed on the warrant.

8:58 p.m. - Officer Chris Rupp responded to Walmart for a report of a private property accident.

Rupp reports that a vehicle driven by John Taylor struck a pickup while backing from a parking lot.

Rupp reportedly discovered that Taylor's driver's license was suspended, he had no proof of insurance and the registration on his vehicle was expired. Rupp also reports there were two warrants for Taylor's arrest.

Rupp arrested Taylor, booked him and had him transported to Lincoln County Detention Center.

10:40 p.m. - Officer Darrell Chavez responded to the 300 block of West Circle for a report of a missing debit card.

Chavez reports the victim's mother had the missing debit card and the incident was considered to have been a misunderstanding between mother and daughter.

Jan. 6 - Ruidoso Police briefs (posted January 7, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

Dec. 25

8:56 a.m. - Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to the 200 block of Camelot for a possible breaking and entering.

Tyson reports that he found the door to the apartment open and the door frame broken. No one was inside the apartment and nothing appeared to be disturbed.

Tyson reports he secured the apartment and contacted the manager. Two days later, Tyson reported he followed up and maintenance had repaired the door. There appeared to have been nothing taken from the apartment.

Jan. 3

3:55 p.m. - Corporal Aaron Frost met with a man at the Ruidoso Police Department for a report of criminal damage to a vehicle.

The victim reported that the damage happened a couple of weeks earlier in the 100 block of Chaparral Drive, but because he is a college student, he had not had time to report it.

The victim reportedly showed Frost scratches on the hood and an impact on the windshield that he said he believed to have been made by rocks. He reported there was also damage to the driver's door of the pickup.

Jan. 4

9:06 a.m. - Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to the 600 block of Highway 70 for a report of a larceny.

Tyson reports a winch was reportedly taken from the front of a trailer. The victim reported it was there the previous evening.

Jan. 5

8:16 p.m. - Officer Chris Bryant responded to the 300 block of Heath Drive for a report of a lost jacket and passport.

The victim reportedly told Bryant that he had been talking to a friend in the 200 block of Highway 70 and had laid his jacket on top of his car. When he got home to Heath Drive he discovered the black and white "Zebra" jacket missing and retraced his route.

The victim reported that his U.S. Passport was in the pocket of the jacket and reportedly told Bryant he needed a police report to get a new passport.

Ruidoso Magistrate Court warrants (posted January 7, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

Issued Jan. 3-6, 2011

Billy Allen, 42, 811 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M. (two warrants for failure to pay fines)

Luis G. Chavez, 18, MM 279.3 Hwy. 70 E. San Patricio, N.M. (failure to pay fines)

Kenneth W. Hummel, 47, 1901 Boyd Dr. Space 29, Carlsbad, N.M. (failure to pay fines)

Corey R. Lewter, 23, 108 La Canada, Ruidoso Downs, N.M. (three warrants for failure to pay fines)

Daniel Sanchez, 33, 2913 Dana Teresa Place, Albuquerque, N.M. (failure to pay fines)

Ruidoso Magistrate Court cases (posted January 5, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

DWI case

Rebecca Thompson appeared in court Dec. 22 and pled no contest to charges of aggravated driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and open container.

Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced Thompson to 90 days in jail, with 28 days suspended and credit for 62 days time served, 304 days of supervised probation and a $500 fine.

LaMay also ordered Thompson to complete DWI school within 90 days, install an ignition interlock device for one year, and to complete 24 hours of community service.

LaMay also fined Thompson $25 for the open container violation and ordered her to pay $282 in court costs.

Plea deal

Brian Mendez appeared in court Dec. 29, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to charges of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and driver must be licensed, under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz.

Under the agreement, the State amended the charge of driving while license suspended to driving without a license and Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced Mendez to a 90 day suspended jail term, 364 days of supervised probation and a $500 fine, with $100 suspended.

LaMay also ordered Mendez to install an ignition interlock device for one year, complete 24 hours of community service within 60 days and complete DWI school within 90 days.

LaMay ordered Mendez to pay a $100 fine for driving without a license and ordered him to pay $282 in court costs.

Ruidoso Magistrate Court warrants (posted January 4, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

Issued Dec. 17 - Dec. 30, 2010

Trevor A. Atole, 19, 102 Natzille Ct., Mescalero, N.M.

Don K. Balderrama, 19, 620 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, N.M.

Bradley H. Beavers, 32, 500 Beavers Lane, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Roberto Z. Beltran, 23, 708 Utah, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Christy E. Bigmouth, 19, 874 A Mescalero Blvd. Mescalero, N.M.

Emanuel Carr Botella, 22, 319 Dipalo Hill Dr. Apt #16B, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Susan Brockman-Jimenez, 53, MM 284 Hwy. 70, Hondo, N.M.

Shelli Brooks, 42, P.O. Box 1563, Capitan, N.M.

Dillon D. Carpenter, 19, 545 2nd St. Ruidoso, N.M.

Ryan J. Chavez, 35, 275 Hwy. 244, Mescalero, N.M.

Jimmy R. Coates, 40, 1601 Wood Lane, Ruidoso, N.M.

Barbara Enos-McKeown, 53, 103 Kirkman Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Lesley Evans, 27, 106 Cochise Dr., Mescalero, N.M.

Fabian Francisco, 35, 2318 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, N.M.

Eston P. Fulson, 49, 127 Big Hunter Dr. Mescalero, N.M.

Adam N. Gallardo, 23, 105 Moskean Ct. Mescalero, N.M.

Verlinda R. Gallardo, 25, 105 Moskean Ct., Mescalero, N.M.

George Goodall, 40, 2314A Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Angelina Gutierrez, 54, 613 6th St., Alamogordo, N.M.

Tracy Haragan, 47, 206 Grove, Ruidoso, N.M.

Marcella Ibarra, 38, 301 West Drive, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Kayla Johnson, 20, 667 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Steven D. Leach, 29, 309 Carter Ln., Ruidoso, N.M.

Leroy O. Lopez, 20, 207 West View, Ruidoso Downs, N.M. (two warrants)

Ronnie Macias, 39, 100 E. Washington, Anthony, Texas

Scott Martin, 42, 717 White Mountain #41, Ruidoso, N.M. (two warrants)

Stephanie C. McCall, 35, 108 White Angel Mesa, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Samantha Mendez, 24, 384 Mesquite Dr. Mescalero, N.M.

Paz I. Primera, 29, 501 S. Ohio, Roswell, N.M.

Del R. Spriggs, 41, P.O. Box 161, Ruidoso, N.M.

Donald W. Swanner, 34, 139 Upper Terrace, Ruidoso, N.M. (two warrants)

Nathaniel Tejeda, 23, 201 Mechem Dr. #7, Ruidoso, N.M.

Sherman R. Trujillo, 28, 801 Penn Scott Dr., Mescalero, N.M.

Juliana R. Venego, 25, 1008 White Tail, Mescalero, N.M.

John Ward, 25, 1100 D Ave., Carrizozo, N.M.

Warrants are issued for failure to appear in court, failure to pay fines and probation violations.

Jan. 3 - Ruidoso Police briefs (posted January 4, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

Dec. 24

4:03 p.m. - Officer Jon Lund responded to a report of vicious dogs at 226 Hemlock.

Lund reported that Jennifer Williams, 25, said she had let her three pit bulls out of the yard and they attacked the neighbor's dog.

Williams and the neighbor reportedly both sustained minor injuries trying to stop the attack. The dog they attacked reportedly died later.

Lund reports that Williams voluntarily took the dogs to the Humane Society for quarantine and said she was willing to have the dogs put down because she couldn't handle them.

Lund cited Williams for vicious animal and animal at large.

Dec. 25

7:49 a.m. - Officers responded to a report of a violent domestic in the 200 block of Upper Terrace.

The victim reportedly said her boyfriend of six years threw her around the apartment, held her down and kicked her in the face with his boot and pulled her head up, stretching her neck. The victim's sister reportedly confirmed the actions.

Magistrate Judge Lorena LaMay issued an arrest warrant for Carson Lutse, 44, for aggravated battery on a household member, a 3rd degree felony.

Officer Jon Lund arrested Lutse at work and booked him on the charge. LaMay set his bond at $10,000 cash only.

8:02 a.m. - Officer Jon Lund responded to a report of a vicious animal in the 200 block of Lower Terrace.

A witness reportedly told Lund there was a black dog running loose that had attacked and killed a cat.

Lund reported making contact with the dog's owner J.T. Olvera at 105 Rainbow. Olvera reportedly said the dog was kept in a fenced yard, but the dog was gone when he went to show Lund, according to Lund's report.

Lund returned the dog to Olvera and cited him for animal at large.

Dec. 28

7:18 a.m. - Officer Steve Corbin and New Mexico State Police officer Cory Crayton responded to 128 High Street for a report of a domestic disturbance.

Corbin reports that their investigation showed the disturbance to have been verbal only.

However, Corbin found that there was an Otero County warrant for the arrest of the man involved, Michael Munoz, 21, for failure to pay fines.

Munoz was unable to post bond and was transported to Lincoln County Detention Center.

Jan. 3

4:20 a.m. - Corporal Lawrence Chavez stopped a vehicle he reported as traveling southbound and weaving across the lanes on Mechem Drive,

When Chavez approached the vehicle he reported the driver became belligerent and said he didn't have his license of wallet because he was wearing his pajamas.

Chavez reports that he made repeated attempts to get the driver to provide identification, then placed him under arrest for concealing his identity.

Officer Jon Lund arrived to assist and identified the man from previous contact as Mario Jinzo, 46.

The officers discovered that Jinzo's driver's license was revoked with an arrest clause.

Jinzo posted a $1,500 bond through Amador Bond and was released.

Jinzo is scheduled for a trial for aggravated driving while intoxicated, 3rd offense, refusal of testing, expired registration and failure to stop in Carrizozo Magistrate Court Jan. 13. These charges were filed against Jinzo by New Mexico State Police officer Samuel Huston Aug. 9, 2010.

District Court cases (posted January 3, 2011)  

From the Ruidoso News

Sentencing

Francisco Javier Solis, 28, appeared in court Nov. 10 for sentencing, having pled no contest to a charge of attempt to commit a felony, to wit, battery on a peace officer, and criminal trespass

The State amended the charge of battery on a peace officer and Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Solis to two years, less two days, on probation concurrent with his sentence on a no contest plea May 6, 2009 to charges of battery, careless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, 3rd offense.

Ruidoso Police officer Chris Bryant arrested Solis July 16, 2009 after responding, along with then Police Chief Wolfgang Born and several other officers, to Club Gas at the corner of Mechem Drive and White Mountain Drive for a report of an unwanted subject.

Bryant arrested Solis for criminal trespass and place him in a police unit. Bryant reported that the unit began shaking as Solis hit the cage of the unit with his head. Bryant reported trying to calm Solis down. Solis then head-butted Bryant in the face.

Employees at Club Gas declined to pursue charges against Solis, but Bryant charged him with battery on a peace officer and criminal trespass.

Change of plea

Tanner Pharris, 21, appeared in court Nov. 19 for a change of plea.

Pharris pled no contest to charges of receiving and disposing of stolen property and receiving stolen property - firearm, under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney John W. Day and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman.

Under the agreement, the state dismissed charges of disposing of a stolen firearm and receiving stolen property over $500.

Under the agreement, Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Pharris to three years supervised probation, ordered him to pay $1,150 in restitution and ordered him to perform 100 hours of community service.

Parsons also ordered Pharris to have no contact with Donna baker, Friday Bodine, Kevin Parker, Cody Preston, John Dobbs or Charles Quade Addison or any of his family.

Parsons gave Pharris credit for time served in Lincoln County Detention Center from July 4, 2010 to Nov. 19, 2010. Pharris had been arrested on Feb. 4, 2010, then released on bond. New Mexico State Police officer Robert Diaz cited Pharris for no registration on Mar. 24. NMSP officer Cory Crayton cited Pharris for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, minor in possession of alcohol and open container on May 16.

Capitan police arrested Pharris July 4 when officer Kevin Kennedy saw Pharris riding a horse, fast, across the Lincoln County Fairgrounds during the festivities there. Pharris was supposed to stay on his own property as a condition of his release from custody on the charges.

Pharris remained in jail until his change of plea hearing Nov. 19.

Probation violation

Denise L. Gregory, 46, appeared in court Dec. 10 for a probation revocation hearing.

Gregory admitted using cocaine, alcohol and prescription drugs not prescribed to her, in violation of her probation.

Judge Karen Parsons revoked Gregory's probation, reinstated the 18-month sentence Gregory received for forgery and suspended that sentence, placing Gregory on probation again. Parson placed the additional requirement of treatment at New Life and ordered Gregory held in Lincoln County Detention Center until a bed became available at New Life.

Gregory had pled no contest March 12, 2010, to the forgery charge for altering a check.

Change of plea

Becky Smith, 43, appeared in court Dec. 10, for a change of plea.

Smith pled no contest to a charge of receiving stolen property over $500 under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Todd Holmes and Deputy District Attorney Reed Thompson.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of conspiracy to commit burglary and Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Smith to one and one half years of supervised probation.

Ruidoso Police Sergeant Dale Harrison charged Smith with taking a large spool of cooper wire from a pickup at Motel 6 in Ruidoso, March 3, 2010. The wire was valued at $800.

The driver of the vehicle provided police with a description of the vehicle and Ruidoso Downs police stopped the car. Smith was the driver and said passenger Sarah Kuehnemund loaded the spool of wire into the trunk of the car.

Kuehnemund pled no contest to larceny of over $250 but less than $500 in Ruidoso Magistrate Court May 20, 2010 under a plea and disposition agreement reached by Public Defender Mandy Denson and Deputy District Attorney Reed Thompson. Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of burglary, larceny and conspiracy against Kuehnemund and Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced her to 364 days probation. The plea and disposition agreement included a provision that Keuhnemund testify against Smith.

Deal made

Stevan E. Luque, 36, appeared in court Dec. 15 for a change of plea and sentencing.

Luque pled no contest to a charge of robbery and the State dismissed charges of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Luque to three years supervised probation, with credit for time served from June 7 through Dec. 15.

On June 2, 2010 Luque took a vehicle from it's owner at knife point from the Grubby Muddy Car Wash in Ruidoso Downs. Bureau of Indian Affairs officer Autbo found the vehicle at a residence on Penn Scott Drive in Mescalero the following day and found Luque in the residence.

Autbo detained and transported Luque to the Ruidoso Downs Police Department, where officer Martin Valenzuela arrested Luque.

District Court cases are compiled from court documents

Dec. 31 - Ruidoso Police briefs  

From the Ruidoso News

Dec. 18

11:03 a.m. - Animal Control officer Chris Eisenberg responded to a report of a loose dog in the 300 block of South Evergreen.

The reporting party told Eisenberg there was a brown Lab running loose on Carrizo Canyon Road.

Eisenberg reports that he found the dog and took it to the Lincoln County Humane Society Shelter.

Eisenberg reports that he then found the owner's wife and issued a citation to Phillip Poremba for dog running loose.

Eisenberg reports that he informed the woman he was issuing a citation because he had responded to calls about this dog running loose on Oct. 13, Oct. 30 and again this date.

Poremba reportedly contacted Eisenberg and said he wanted to sign the dog over to the Humane Society for adoption.

Dec. 26

1:57 p.m. - Officers Steve Corbin and Jon Lund responded to the 200 block of Sunny Slope for a report of a fight in progress.

Before they arrived, dispatch advised that weapons were involved and the subjects had left in a Dodge truck.

Corbin reports he and Lund located the truck at Sunny Slope and Del Norte. The officers ordered the two male occupants out of the vehicle and placed them in investigative detention.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Joshua Tauriac, 21, and Jacob Tauriac, 19.

Corbin reports that he observed blood on Jacob Tauriac's hand and that Joshua Turiac had a wrist injury. EMS responded and transported Joshua Turiac to Lincoln County Medical Center.

The men had reportedly gone to get an iPod and were injured when the entered the home. The people at the house reportedly said the Turiacs barged into the home, assaulted the occupants and were repelled with a pool cue, which is what allegedly caused Joshua Turiac's wrist injury.

Corbin arrested Jacob Turiac for aggravated battery and criminal trespass and cited Joshua Turiac to appear in court on the same charges.

Dec. 27

2:02 p.m. - Officer Steve Corbin responded to the 600 block of Sudderth for a report of a battery. Based on the information Corbin obtained, Magistrate Judge Lorena LaMay issued an arrest warrant for Lesley Evans, 27, of Mescalero, for battery on a household member and interfering with communications.

Corbin reports Evans' mother reported that Evans punched her in the chin and broke her cell phone. Evans had left before Corbin arrived.

The victim reportedly said she had recently been released from prison and was on probation, so she could not fight back. She reportedly told Corbin Evans was on probation from Mescalero.

Dec. 28

2:20 a.m. - Corporal Mike Weaver reports stopping a Lexus with Texas plated that was weaving in the lane and crossing the middle stripe on Sudderth Drive.

Weaver reported smelling alcohol on the driver. Officer Larry Smith assisted and reported smelling alcohol on the passenger also.

Weaver arrested Kaitlan A. Farmer, 18, of Lubbock, on a charge of aggravated driving under the influence of intoxicating drugs or alcohol, minor allowing self to be served, no proof of insurance and roadways laned for traffic.

Smith cited Cassandra R. Torres, 19, of Lubbock, for minor allowing self to be served.

Time not recorded - Officer David Gallegos responded to a report of a vehicle driving erratic and the occupants throwing beer cans out the windows.

Gallegos reports locating the vehicle at the intersection of Mechem and White Mountain Drives.

Gallegos arrested Jake Morgan, 17, of Mescalero, for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. Gallegos summoned Morgan to appear in court and released him.

Gallegos also cited Kenneth Kayitah, 17, Robyn Hugar, 17, Kyle L. Chee, 16, and Jessica Sainz, 18, for minors allowing self to be served.  

Carrizozo Magistrate Court warrants (posted December 28, 2010)

From the Ruidoso News

Issued Nov. 15 - Nov. 30

Lawrence Babcock, 25, failure to pay fines of $329

Stephen R. Bazan, 21, failure to pay fines of $111

Eric Betancourt, 29, failure to appear in court on renewal of license charge

Omar S. Campos, 32, failure to appear in court on a driver must be licensed charge

Laura Core, 43, failure to appear in court on a driving with a suspended license charge

Michael T. Cox, Jr., 26, failure to appear in court on a larceny charge

Rafael Gonzalez-Jordan, 40, Failure to appear in court on an hours of service of drivers charge

Kevin M. Goodreau, 56, failure to pay fines of $76

Albert M. Harris, 33, failure to pay fines of $421

William Huband, 50, failure to pay fines of $81

Alfonso Inclan, 41, failure to pay fines of $242

Jeffrey P. Johnson, 44, failure to pay fines of $381

Donacio Mondragon, 32, failure to appear in court on an unlawful hunting or fishing charge

David Sanchez, 51, failure to appear in court on a charge of no insurance

Adrian J. Valdez, 25, failure to appear in court on a charge of no insurance

Larry D. Woodward, 51, failure to appear in court on a charge of driving on a suspended or revoked license

Dec. 27 - Ruidoso Magistrate Court warrants (posted December 28, 2010)  

From the Ruidoso News

Issued Nov. 29 - Dec. 16

Raymond E. Aragon, 32, 2407 Rule St., Amarillo, Texas

Rupert C. Aragon, 34, 122 Chihuahua Wells Rd. Mescalero, N.M.

Don K. Balderrama, 19, 620 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Raymond Bernal, 24, 114 Upper Terrace, Ruidoso, N.M.

Kristin E. Billingslea, 32, MM 287 Highway 70, Hondo, N.M.

Michael R. Cooper, 52, P.O. Box 493, Mescalero, N.M.

Joshua A. Cowan, 20, 401 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Jorge I. Flores-Pallares, 28, 110 Sierra Lane #4, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Fabian Francisco, 35, 2318 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Jade L. Frazier, 24, 200 Friedenbloom #32B, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Jeremiah Gaitan, 23, 300 W. Mescalero Apt. A, Roswell, N.M.

Delbert Holder, 53, 803 Utah, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Kayla Johnson, 20, 667 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Krystal Kayitah, 20, White Mountain Sub Div. W27, Mescalero, N.M.

Joesef King, 35, 3833 Diamond Loch E, North Richland Hills, Texas

Kalene N. O'Brien, 19, 1715 W. Walnut, Roswell, N.M.

John P. Ortiz, 30, 1001 Drexel, Carrizozo, N.M.

John S. Ortiz, 38, 101 Highway 380, Carrizozo, N.M.

Francisca Ramirez. 49, no address provided

Benny R. Ramos, 22, 145 Carrizo Canyon, Ruidoso

Allan S. Ryen, 37, P.O. Box 707, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Mark Simpson, 69, 111 Mustang Dr., Ruidoso, N.M.

Josue Soto, 24, 806 Utah Ln., Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Jodie Tapia, 24, 749 Main, Ruidoso, N.M.

Charlton H. Treas, 27, #8 Saltwell Rd., Mescalero, N.M.

Joey Treas, 23, 807 Penn Scott Dr., Mescalero, N.M.

Rebertha Trujillo, 26, White Mountain RV Park #26, Ruidoso Downs, N.M. (three warrants)

Christopher Tsinnijinnie, 34, 102 Natzille Court, Mescalero, N.M.

Michael W. Tue, 42, 7906 Lynn Haven Ave., Lubbock, Texas

Nicholas Vasile, 21, 1788 W. Canary Way, Chandler, Ariz.

Kristen D. Wade, 36, 111 Corral, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Warrants were issued for failure to appear in court, failure to pay fines or probation violations, provided by the Ruidoso Magistrate Court and compiled by Harold Oakes/hoakes@ruidosonews.com

Dec. 27 - Ruidoso Magistrate Court case (posted December 28, 2010)  

From the Ruidoso News

DWI deal

Lisa Guzman appeared in court Dec. 15, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (1st offense) under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of careless driving and Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced Guzman to a suspended 90-day jail term, suspended $100 of a$500 fine and placed Guzman on 364 days of supervised probation.

LaMay also ordered Guzman to pay $221 in mandatory court costs, complete DWI school within 90 days, complete an alcohol/drug screening and comply with recommended treatment or counseling, have an ignition interlock device installed for one year and complete 24 hours of community service within 60 days.

Ruidoso Magistrate Court cases are compiled from Judgement and Sentencing documents provided by the Court by Harold Oakes/ hoakes@ruidosonews.com

Dec. 27 - Carrizozo Magistrate Court cases (posted December 28, 2010)  

From the Ruidoso News

Hunting area closed

Danielle R. Romero, 37, of Edgewood, N.M., appeared in court Dec. 16, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to hunting in a closed area.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Romero to a suspended 182-day jail term, suspended $250 of a $500 fine and placed Romero on 182 days of unsupervised probation.

A New Mexico Game Fish and Game officer cited Romero for hunting deer at Fort Stanton Nov. 6. Fort Stanton is closed to deer hunting.

Shooting from road

Andrew Urioste, 38, of Las Vegas, N.M., appeared in court Dec. 16, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to shooting from the roadway.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Urioste to a 182-day suspended jail term, suspended $250 of a $500 fine and placed Urioste on 182 days of unsupervised probation.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Urioste Nov. 21 for shooting at an artificial deer from his vehicle on Highway 246.

No hunting there

Kevin D. Zelenko, 24, of Hobbs, N.M., appeared in court Dec. 16, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to hunting in a closed area.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Zelenko to a 182-day suspended jail term, suspended $250 of a $500 fine and placed Zelenko on 182 days of unsupervised probation.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Zelenko for hunting deer at Fort Stanton Nov. 6.

Magistrate Court cases are compiled from Judgement and Sentencing documents provided by the court by Harold Oakes/hoakes@ruidosonews.com  

Dec. 27 - Ruidoso Police briefs (posted December 28, 2010)  

From the Ruidoso News

Dec. 19

10:50 p.m. - Corporal Lawrence Chavez reported being advised to be on the lookout for a maroon Ford Explorer that had been driving on the wrong side of the road on Sudderth Drive.

A few minutes later, dispatch advised Chavez the vehicle was in the parking lot at 1717 Sudderth Drive.

Chavez reported that when he arrived he observed Brandon Martin, 24, standing beside the open door of the vehicle with a handful of hydrocodone pills, which he was in the process of taking.

Chavez reported Martin was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. Chavez administered a field sobriety test, which Martin allegedly failed, and then arrested Martin.

When Chavez searched Martin's vehicle he reportedly found a multi-colored glass pipe and three more bottles of prescription medication, including another bottle of hydrocodone, a bottle of oxycodone and a bottle of muscle relaxers. Chavez reported the prescriptions came from three different doctors, one in Ruidoso and two in Las Cruces.

Chavez reported that since Dec. 2, 2010, Martin had been dispensed 360 prescription pills and only had 71 left at the time of his arrest. Martin reportedly told Chavez a friend had stolen some of his pills but he had not had a chance to report the theft to the police.

Chavez reportedly advised Martin of the implied consent law and transported him to Lincoln County Medical Center for a blood draw. The result of that test are pending.

Chavez booked Martin for driving under the influence of intoxicating drugs or liquor and possession of drug paraphernalia. Martin's bond was set at $2,000 cash.

Dec. 21

11:46 a.m. - Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to 2546 Sudderth Drive in reference to a battery that allegedly took place in the parking lot at 2703 Sudderth Drive about 30 minutes earlier.

The victim reportedly told Tyson that she was picking up lunch when her ex-husband and an unknown woman attacked her, striking her in the head and face. The victim had an abrasion on her head and was vomiting. EMS responded and transported her to LCMC.

Tyson and Corporal Aaron Frost followed up and located the ex-husband in Denver City, Texas, where he works for a construction company. The company reportedly said he was at work that day and a co-worker vouched for him being in Denver City, Texas, not in Ruidoso.

The victim reportedly told Tyson and Frost that it must have been her ex-husband's brother. She said she had not seen either of them in about 10 years and they reportedly look alike.

Dec. 22

11:22 a.m. - Sergeant Dale Harrison responded to the 200 block of Sunny Slope for a report of a larceny.

The victim reportedly told Harrison that someone had dug up and stole a five to six foot tall, six year old Fern tree from her yard between 11 a.m. the previous day and the time she called the police.

11:52 a.m. - Officer Matt Christian took a report at the Ruidoso Police Department of a stolen vehicle.

The victim reported that someone stole a 1991 silver Toyota 4-Runner from in front of his residence in the 100 block of Sandstone. The victim reported the vehicle was last seen on Dec. 3.

Christian reported entering the vehicle in the National Crime Information Center.

Ruidoso Police briefs are compiled from Incident reports on file at the Ruidoso Police Department by Harold Oakes/hoakes@ruidosonews.com  

Carrizozo Magistrate Court cases (posted December 24, 2010)  

From the Ruidoso News

Found guilty

Scott Yates, 47, of Nogal, pled not guilty and was tried by a jury Nov. 15.

The jury found Yates guilty of assault on a police officer, driving without a license, driving without registration, no proof of insurance, no driver's license, registration to be signed and failure to stop.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Yates to a total of 814 days supervised probation and $2,199 in fines and court costs.

New Mexico State Police officer Samuel Huston stopped Yates for rolling through the stop sign at Highway 37 and Highway 48 on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, Dec. 12, 2009 and found the other traffic violations.

Huston reported that Yates threatened him, telling him to take his badge and gun off so Yates could apply his foot to Huston's gluteous maximus with great force and threatened to "break his jaw."

Hunting violation

Cynthia Brown appeared in court Nov. 18 and pled no contest to a charge of hunting in a closed area.

Judge Martha Proctor deferred Brown's sentence for 182 days and ordered her to pay $73 in court costs.

Minor with alcohol

Bryan Marlin appeared in court Nov. 18 and pled guilty to a charge of minor allowing self to be served.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Marlin to 182 days unsupervised probation, 30 hours of community service and ordered him to pay $150 of a $1,000 fine plus $73 in court costs.

Bound over for trial

Judge Martha Proctor ordered Maurice McWhirter bound over for trial in District Court when McWhirter's defense attorney waived the preliminary hearing Nov. 29.

Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Neal Cox charged McWhirter with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated burglary with intent to commit a violent felony and conspiracy Sept. 16, 2010.

Cox reports that he responded to the Emergency Room at Lincoln County Medical Center at approximately 7:36 a.m. for a report of a home invasion. The victim reportedly told Cox that a man entered his home in Nogal, without permission, and struck him in the head. The victim identified a female that was allegedly with the man.

Cox contacted the female and McWhirter. McWhirter allegedly said the female was his girlfriend and he was upset with the victim because he had "slept with" his girlfriend.

McWhirter allegedly said he went to the victim's house to fight with him, kicked in the front door, knocked on the victim's bedroom door and when he answered the door, struck him with a metal flashlight. McWhirter allegedly said he did not know how many times he struck the victim with the flashlight.

Allegedly the victim's roommate came out of his room with a rifle and ordered McWhirter and his girlfriend out of the house.

Bound over for trial

Judge Martha Proctor bound James Allen over to District Court for trial after defense attorney Todd Holmes waived a preliminary hearing on Nov. 29.

Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Charlie LaBelle charged Allen with auto burglary and two counts of criminal damage to property less than $1,000, Aug. 12, 2010.

LaBelle reported that Allen entered a 2000 Chevy Trailblazer without permission, damaged the dashboard with a flashlight and removed the stereo radio. LaBelle reports that Allen took the radio and returned with it about an hour later, throwing it at the vehicle, damaging the radio.

Plea agreement reached

Carrie McLeod appeared in court Nov. 29, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to amended charges of driving without a license and no insurance under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Williams.

Under the agreement, the State amended the charge of driving on a revoked or suspended license and dismissed charged of expired registration and failure to obey a signal.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced McLeod to two 90-day suspended jail terms, 180 days unsupervised probation, $442 in fines and court costs and ordered McLeod to pay a $100 bench warrant fee.

New Mexico State Police officer Cory Crayton cited McLeod for running a traffic light on Highway 48 April 4, 2010, then cited her for the other violations.

Charge amended

Desaree Castleberry appeared in court Nov. 29, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to an amended charge of driver must be licensed under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Williams.

Under the agreement, the State amended the charge from driving on a revoked or suspended license and Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Castleberry to a 90 day suspended jail term and suspended $250 of a $300 fine.

Proctor ordered Castleberry to pay $81 in court costs and to serve 90 days of unsupervised probation.

New Mexico State Police officer Robert Diaz cited Castleberry April 30, 2010 when he stopped her on Highway 48 between Alto and Capitan and found her license to be suspended.

Plea to two charges

Robert Totman appeared in court Nov. 29, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to an amended charge of driver must be licensed and careless driving under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Williams.

Under the agreement, the State amended a charge of driving on a suspended or revoked license and dismissed a charge of obstructing an investigation.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Totman to two suspended 90-day jail terms and suspended $250 of each of two $300 fines.

Proctor ordered Totman to pay $$142 in court costs and to serve 180 days on unsupervised probation.

New Mexico State Police officer Samuel Huston cited Totman after finding him in the ditch on Cedar Creek Road Aug. 28, 2010. Totman reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle and went into the ditch. Huston reported he confronted Totman about his story and Totman admitted he may have been going too fast and was driving in the middle of the road.

Huston reported Totman had a valid Nevada license, but was suspended in New Mexico for failure to pay child support.

Hunting violation

Chris Carrillo, 46, of Roswell, appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled guilty to a charge of hunting in the wrong unit.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Carrillo to a suspended 182-day jail term, and suspended $200 of a $400 fine.

Proctor also ordered Carrillo to pay $73 in court costs.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Carrillo for hunting in Game Management Unit 37 with a license for Game Management Unit 32 on Nov. 1, 2010.

Hunting partner

Crescencio Carrillo, 81, appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled guilty to a charge of hunting in the wrong unit.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Carrillo to a 182 day suspended jail term, suspended $200 of a $400 fine, placed Carrillo on 182 days of unsupervised probation and ordered him to pay $73 in court costs.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Carrillo for hunting in Game Management Unit 37 with a license for Game Management Unit 32 on Nov. 1, 2010.

No license

Karen Burleson, 50, of Ada, Okla., appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of fishing without a license.

Judge Martha Proctor fined Burleson $75, ordered her to pay $73 in court costs and placed her on 182 days unsupervised probation.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Burleson when he saw her fishing at Mr. Limackers on Nov. 12.

Missing stamp

Josh Nowell, 33, appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to hunting without a habitat stamp.

Judge Martha Proctor suspended a 182 days jail term, suspended $450 of a $500 fine and ordered Nowell to pay $73 in court costs.

Proctor also placed Nowell on 182 days unsupervised probation.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Nowell for unlawful hunting Oct. 17, for killing a bull elk in the national forest without a habitat improvement stamp in his hunting license.

Possession

Erik Siegel appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to charges of possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Siegel to a suspended 380 day jail term, $200 in fines and $276 in court costs and placed Siegel on 380 days of unsupervised probation.

Road closed

Donovan Abeyta, and Ryan Jiron, from Isleta Pueblo, Maracus Maratin, from Albuquerque, and Louis Lente, of Bosque Farms, N.M., appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and each pled guilty of driving on a closed road.

Judge Martha Proctor suspended a 182-day jail sentence and suspended $400 of a $500 fine for each of the men. Proctor also ordered them to pay $73 in court costs and placed each on 182 days unsupervised probation.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited the men for driving on Pajarito Ranch Oct. 30.

Hunting closed

Ben Romero, of Edgewood, N.M., appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of hunting in a closed area.

Judge Martha Proctor suspended a 182 day jail sentence, suspended $250 of a $500 fine and ordered Romero to pay $73 in court costs and serve 182 days of unsupervised probation.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Romero for hunting at Fort Stanton Nov. 6.

Shooting from a vehicle

Derrell Clark, of El Dorado, Ariz., appeared in court Nov. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled guilty to a charge of shooting at game from a vehicle.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Clark to a suspended 182-day jail term, suspended $250 of a $500 fine and ordered Clark to pay $73 in court costs. Proctor also placed Clark on unsupervised probation for 182 days.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Clark when he observed and video taped Clark shooting at an artificial deer from a vehicle on State Highway 246 Nov. 7.

Shooting from roadway

Charles Holt, of Los Lunas, N.M. appeared in court Dec. 1, waived the right to legal representation and pled guilty to a charge of shooting from a roadway.

Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Holt to a suspended 182-day jail term, suspended $250 of a $500 fine, placed Holt on 182 days unsupervised probation and ordered him to pay $73 in court costs.

A New Mexico Fish and Game officer cited Holt for shooting at an artificial deer from a vehicle on the roadway on State Highway 246 Nov. 7.

Fugitive still at large  (posted December 24, 2010)  

From the Ruidoso News

Click photo to enlarge

(Juan Mercado)

Ruidoso Police are requesting assistance in locating and apprehending a fugitive sought in connection with a homicide.

Juan Mercado is believed to have been the driver of the vehicle used to transport the victim and perpetrator to the scene of the homicide.

After being interviewed by police, Mercado fled the area and is believed to be hiding in Mexico.

Mercado's girlfriend, Korina Enriquez, has been reluctant to give information as to his location. Enriquez lives with her parents at 6889 Old Chisum Trail, in Dexter, NM.

Mercado goes by several alias names: Daniel Mendoza, Daniel Pelcastre, Daniel Pelcastre-Mendoza, Juan Mercado-Santillan .

Mercado also uses several alias dates of birth, April 30, 1983, April 20, 1975 and July 9, 1974, and has two NM driver's licenses: NM # 005754020 and NM # 503492491.

His Social Security number is listed as 690-67-3456

A felony warrant has been issued for Juan Mercado and is entered NCIC.

Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and court bind-over of Juan Mercado.

Informants can remain anonymous and your identity will not be released.

The Crime Stoppers phone number is (575)257-4545 or (575)258-7300 .

Ruidoso Magistrate Court cases  (posted October 25, 2010)  

Oct. 7

Gabino Lara appeared in Magistrate Court and pled no contest to a charge of disorderly conduct under a plea and disposition agreement reached by Public Defender Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of assault against a household member and LaMay suspended a 182 jail sentence, suspended $200 of a $500 fine, ordered Lara to serve 182 days of supervised probation, and ordered Lara to undergo screening for anger and alcohol.

LaMay also ordered Lara to pay $73 in court costs.

Oct. 13

Derek Toohey waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of driving on a revoked license, under a plea and disposition agreement he reached with Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of no insurance and failure to obey traffic control devices and LaMay sentenced Toohey to 364 days in jail, with credit for 22 days served and 342 days suspended, a $1,000 fine, with $700 suspended, and 342 days supervised probation.

LaMay also ordered Toohey to pay $81 in court costs and $200 in bench warrant fees.

Steven Mulkey pled no contest to a charge of driver must be licensed under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Roderick Frechette and Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of driving while license revoked and speeding and LaMay sentenced Mulkey to a 90 day suspended jail term, a $300 fine, with $250 suspended, and 90 days of unsupervised probation.

LaMay also ordered Mulkey to pay $81 in court costs.

Wilber J. Gonzales pled no contest to charges of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (1^st offense), under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Charles Hawthorne and Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and no proof of insurance.

As per the agreement, Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced Gonzales to a 90 day suspended jail term, a $500 fine, with $300 suspended, 24 hours of community service, 364 days supervised probation and ordered him to install an ignition interlock device on his vehicle for one year.

LaMay also ordered Gonzales to pay $221 in court costs.

Oct. 19

Gina Jacobo appeared in Magistrate Court, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of attempted issuance of a worthless check.

Under a plea and disposition agreement Jacobo reached with Assistant District Attorney Reed Thompson, the State amended the original charge to “attempted” and dismissed a second charge.

Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced Jacobo to 364 days in jail, with 363 suspended and credit for one day served, a $1,000 fine, with $900 suspended, and 363 days supervised probation.

LaMay noted that Jacobo had made full restitution.

Oct. 21

Brysen Platta appeared in Magistrate Court and pled no contest to a charge of criminal damage to property under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Reed Thompson.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of disorderly conduct and Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced Platta to a 182 day suspended jail term, a $500 fine, with $400 suspended and 182 days of supervised probation.

LaMay also ordered Platta to make $810 in restitution to Hotel Ruidoso and to not enter their property.

Platta’s probation in this case is to run concurrent with his Aug. 16 no contest plea to a charge of minor in possession of alcohol. LaMay sentenced him to

364 days supervised probation for that charge. She also ordered Platta to pay $173 and issued a bench warrant for him Oct. 21 for failure to report to Adult Probation and Parole in September and failure to provide proof of completing 30 hours of community service, which was part of his sentence in the MIP case.

LaMay ordered Platta to pay an additional $73 in court costs for the criminal damage to property conviction.

Berson Jim appeared in court and pled not guilty to charges of aggravated battery and interference with communications.

Judge Lorena LaMay found Jim guilty of both charges and on the aggravated battery charge, sentenced him to 364 days in jail, with 304 days suspended and credit for 60 days served, 304 days of supervised probation and a $1,000 fine, with $700 suspended.

LaMay sentenced Jim to a suspended 364 days jail sentence for interfering with communication, 364 days of supervised probation, consecutive to the probation for the aggravated battery, and a $1,000 fine, with $900 suspended.

LaMay also ordered Jim to pay $226 in court costs and a $100 bench warrant fee and ordered Jim to not have any contact with the victim.

District Court cases  (posted October 25, 2010)  

Sept. 3

Todd Dentler, 40, appeared in District Court for sentencing, having pled guilty July 16, 2010, to charges of receiving stolen property (over $500), disposing of stolen property (over $500) and conspiracy to receive stolen property.

Judge Karen Parson noted Dentler’s prior felonies, designating him a habitual offender. She noted that his prior felonies were non-violent and noted “it is the finding of the court that justice will not be served by imposing the mandatory sentence of imprisonment" and that there were “substantial and compelling reasons for departing from the sentencing” guidelines.

Parsons sentenced Dentler to three consecutive 18-month prison terms, suspended the sentence and placed Dentler on 5 ½ years probation, including one year enhancement for being a habitual offender.

Dentler was arrested Jan. 10, 2010 for being part of a burglary ring that included Donna Baker, Autemn Judd Painter and Bryan Painter.

Guy Woody, 36, appeared in District Court for sentencing, having pled no contest to charges of attempted possession of mathamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Woody to two consecutive 364 day jail terms, suspended the jail time and placed Woody on probation for two years less two days.

New Mexico State Police officer Eric Marrujo arrested Woody July 26, 2009 for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamines, expired vehicle registration, no insurance and driving while license suspended or revoked. Under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Thomas Blakeney, the State dismissed the other charges.

Sept. 7

Heath T. Neel appeared in Alamogordo District Court for a probation violation hearing.

Judge Jerry Ritter, Jr. revoked Neel’s probation and ordered him incarcerated in Lincoln County Detention Center for 90 days. Ritter ordered Neel to serve the remainder of his sentence on probation.

Neel traveled outside Otero County without notifying his parole officer and also tested positive for marijuana, both of which are probation violations.

Neel was on probation for an aggravated burglary in Ruidoso in February 2006. He pled no contest to aggravated burglary May 13, 2008 and was placed on 5 ½ years probation.

Sept. 23

Melissa Sleeper, 26, appeared in District Court and pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit residential burglary.

Judge Karen Parsons noted Sleeper had a previous felony conviction and added one year to her 18 months sentence, then suspended the sentence and placed Sleeper on probation for 2 ½ years.

Sept. 24

Michelle Hepner appeared in District Court for a probation violation hearing.

Judge Karen Parsons revoked Hepner’s probation and ordered her sent to Lincoln County Detention Center (LCDC) for at least 30 days, and up to the remainder of her 364-day sentence, for inpatient treatment. Parsons ordered that Hepner get outpatient care upon her release from LCDC.

Hepner tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines in a drug test Aug. 3.

Hepner is on probation for a March 31, 2010 conviction for attempted possession of a controlled substance.

Ruidoso Downs Police arrested Hepner for possession of six hydrocodone pills Sept. 29, 2009. Under a plea bargain agreement in March, Hepner pled no contest to attempted possession of a controlled substance and was placed on probation for 364 days.

David Smoot, 52, appeared in District Court to change his plea to no contest to a charge of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Smoot to 18 months supervised probation. Smoot took a Postal Service vehicle in Ruidoso July 24, 2010. An off-duty Ruidoso Police officer apprehended Smoot in traffic at Paradise Canyon Drive. Smoot told the officer he took the vehicle to get to the hospital.

Charles H. Miller, 53, appeared in District Court for a change of plea and sentencing.

Miller pled no contest to a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicating drugs or alcohol under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Charles Hawthorne and Assistant District Attorney David Ceballes.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, no insurance, and failure to drive safely on mountain highways.

Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Miller to 364 days in jail, with 360 days suspended and credit for four days served. Parsons also ordered Miller to pay $272 in fines and fees.

New Mexico State Police officer Robert Eshom arrested Miller on the charges Feb. 17, 2010.

Sept. 30

Michael Anthony Garcia, 33, appeared in District Court for a jury trial but defense attorney Mandy Denson and Deputy District Attorney Reed Thompson reached a plea and disposition agreement.

Garcia pled no contest to charges of forgery and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer and the State dismissed a second charge of resisting, evading or obstructing an officer and a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Under the agreement, Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Garcia to 18 months in jail for the forgery and 364 days for resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, for 2 ½ years total. Parsons suspended the sentence and placed Garcia on probation for 2 ½ years and ordered him to obtain a valid identification card.

Ruidoso Downs Police officer Chris Rupp charged Garcia in January 2010, after he had arrested Garcia, who used the name Billy Barnhart, Dec. 19, 2009 then determined Billy Barnhart was Michael Garcia.

Garcia bonded out of jail in December 2009 using the name Billy Barnhart, incurring a forgery charge.

When Ruidoso Downs Police arrested Garcia at his Ruidoso Downs home, they found a weapon in the house and drug paraphernalia.

Ruidoso Police reports (posted October 18, 2010)  

B&E

Officer Steve Corbin responded to a report of a breaking and entering in the 200 block of Country Club Oct. 16. Some had broken a window and entered the house. 

Nothing appeared to be missing.

Picking up trouble

Sergeant Joel Martin responded to a report of a shoplifting at Lawrence Brothers IGA Oct 15. 

The manager reported  a female took a bottle of Jose Quervo pre-mixed Margatiras from the shelf, concealed it, left the store without paying and was in a car in the parking lot. 

Martin made contact with the people in the car. The suspect, in the passenger seat, reportedly told Martin she had replaced the bottle on the shelf and offered to let Martin search her purse. 

Finding nothing in the purse, Martin asked for permission to search the car. According to Martin, this made the woman nervous. The driver consented to the search and Martin found the liquor bottle partially hidden under the passenger seat. 

Martin arrested Kaylah Johnson, 20, for shoplifting and being a minor in possession of alcohol.

TV and guns stolen

Officer James Urban Responded to a report of an aggravated burglary and larceny in the 300 block of Resort Drive Oct. 14. 

The victim reported a flat screen television and some rifles had been stolen earlier that day. The victim pointed out to Urban that the dog door had been broken and they suspected that as being the point of entry. 

Criminal Investigation Division is investigating.

Armed robbery

Officer Jon Lund arrested Larry A. Turner, 35, Oct. 11, for robbery, aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, false imprisonment and conspiracy. 

Lund responded to a report of an armed robbery at an apartment in the 100 block of Rio Arriba Street Oct. 10. The victims told him a man knocked on the door and when the male victim answered, he put a gun to his throat and forced his way into the apartment where he forced the victims to lie on the floor while he took the males wallet. The armed intruder reportedly told the couple not to call the cops or he would kill them. 

Corporal Aaron Frost recognized Turner from the description the victims gave. 

The following day Lund and Frost located Turner's car at a home on Paradise Canyon. The resident there gave them permission to search the home and Lund found Turner hiding behind a bedroom door. 

The officers asked Turner to follow them to the Police Department to answer some questions. Turner complied. Under questioning, Turner said he had driven someone else to the Rio Arriba apartment and waited in the car while the "took care of some business." 

Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman approved the charges against Turner.

Through the window

Officer Larry Smith responded to a report of a burglary in the 200 block of Mechem Oct. 10. 

The victim said the window air conditioner appeared to have been removed and replaced, the front door was left open and two laptop computers were missing. 

Criminal Investigations Division is investigating.

Rocking their car

Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to a report of criminal damage to property in the 200 block of N Street Oct. 10. The victims reported someone had dented the door and hood of their car and broken the windshield. 

Tyson reported finding several large rocks next to the vehicle.

Come and get it

Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to a Sherwin Williams for a report of found property Oct. 3. An employee found a backpack, containing clothing, and several other items strewn around it, behind the store. 

Tyson reported that he was able to determine that the items belong to Zachary Cleveland, an individual the Ruidoso Police Department has an outstanding warrant on.

Ruidoso Magistrate Court warrants (posted October 18, 2010)  

Warrants issued Oct. 4-15

Joseph C. Allard, 34, 57 Carrizo Trail, Mescalero, N.M.

Jaime Arcos, 29, 108 Castellano Drive 201, El Paso, Texas

Abran Barela,, 23, 19 Calle de Centro, Lajoya, N.M.

Avery B. Belin, 31, 264 Penn Scott Drive, Mescalero, N.M.

Emanuel Carr Botella, 21, 319 Dipalo Hill Drive Apt. 16B, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Carol Bowker, 63, 115 Spruce Drive, Ruidoso, N.M.

Amber Canning, 36, no address provided

Greg Catlin, 39, 719 Dallas Street, Albuquerque, N.M.

Cyndi L. Davis, 50, 334 Hoagland Road, Las Cruces, N.M.

Joshua E. Eisler, 27, 435 Downs Drive, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Rachel N. Ferguson, 22, 2814 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, N.M.

Michael Graham, 30, 4 Cholla Unit C BRS, Alamogordo, N.M.

Michelle G. Hepner, 53, 110 Seirra Lane #D26, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Lilly Hunter, 63, no address provided

Pamela Iles, 53, 26536 Highway 70 East #71, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Beck J. Kawauney, 27, 42 Papago Road, Alamogordo, N.M.

Neills Kaydahzinne, 48, P.O. Box 435, Mescalero, N.M.

Cody Landry, 21, 100 Long Road, Capitan, N.M.

Nita J. Montoya, 23, no address provided

Cash S. Peso, 18, 418 Second Street, Ruidoso, N.M.

Gervase C. Peso, 21, 418 Second Street, Ruidoso, N.M.

Benny R. Ramos, 22, 145 Carrizozo Canyon, Ruidoso, N.M.

Charlie E. Reyes, 35, 4500 Las Hermanas, Albuquerque, N.M.

Jose Adrian Rodriguez, 18, 941 Navarrette, El Paso, Texas

Luiz Alberta Rodriguez, 18, 733 Spalding Way, El Paso, Texas

Isaiah Salas, 20, 106 Wiley Road, Ruidoso, N.M.

Gary Silva, 45, P.O. Box 25, Glencoe, N.M.

William Smith, 27, 301 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, N.M.

Gilbert J. Trujillo, 43, 101 Robin Road, Ruidoso, N.M. (two warrants)

Ruidoso Police reports (posted October 15, 2010)  

Love is in the air

Officer Lance Ledford responded to a report of an intoxicated male attempting to leave The Quarters in a pickup at 10:43 p.m., Oct. 13.

Ledford reports spotting the pickup, with no license plates, westbound on Sudderth. With lights and siren on, Ledford pursued the old Ford Truck onto Mechem, then onto Brady Canyon and then onto Porr Drive. The vehicle failed to stop for any of these turns.

Once the truck stopped, Ledford reported Jeffrey Renteria, 24, exited the vehicle and approached him in a rude manner, demanding to know why he had been stopped. Ledford reports that Renteria smelled of alcoholic beverages and had bloodshot, watery eyes. Ledford also reports that Renteria’s speech was slurred and he was hard to understand.

Ledford asked Renteria why he didn’t stop, to which Renteria replied that he “didn’t have a gun.” When asked what he meant by that, Renteria responded that he didn’t feel safe being stopped by a man with a gun unless he had one too. Ledford reports that Renteria continued to make references to guns that made him concerned for his safety, so he placed Renteria under arrest.

Ledford reported that Renteria refused to turn around and allow Ledford to place him in handcuffs. Ledford cuffed him, with difficulty, and placed him in the patrol unit.

Once Renteria was in the unit he began screaming obscenities and then began to cry profusely. He then reportedly began slamming his head against the window of the patrol car and kicking the unit and spitting.

During the inventory of Renteria’s truck Ledford found a multi-colored glass pipe with burnt residue in it.

At the Police department, officer Eric Ament assisted Ledford in booking an uncooperative Renteria, who yelled obscenities at the officers and refused to be fingerprinted. Renteria threatened the officers, stating he was a level 5 expert in Krav Maga and assorted other martial arts. Renteria reportedly attempted to elbow Ament, who took him to the floor and Ament and Ledford dragged Renteria into the holding cell.

At about 12:15 a.m., Renteria complained of chest pains. An ambulance was called and transported him to the Emergency Room at Lincoln County Medical Center. Ledford reports that Renteria continued to fight himself and the medical staff. Then, Renteria stated he was fine and didn’t need medical attention. The doctor conducted an x-ray on Renteria and informed Ledford that he was cleared to be incarcerated.

Ledford then transported Renteria to the Lincoln County Detention Center, where he reports Renteria allegedly began to flirt with him, saying Ledford was “cute” and blowing him a kiss. Ledford reported these sexual advances made him uncomfortable.

Ledford charged Renteria with possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, driving under the influence, reckless driving and no registration.

Home alone

Animal Control officer Chris Eisenberg responded to 624 Sudderth Drive Oct. 8 for a report of  animal cruelty. The owner of the apartments said he found the dog in Apartment D with no food or water. He reported there were piles of animal feces in the apartment.

Eisenberg took possession of the dog and transported her (Jade) to the Lincoln County Humane Society.  He reports that Jade was determined to be a 5 on the Tufts Animal Care and Condition scales. A level 5 is emaciated.

Eisenberg reports the he contacted the dog’s owner, Raul Luevano, by phone. Luevano reportedly said he was out of town and had left Jade locked in the apartment for over a week.

Eisenberg told Leuvano to come to the Ruidoso Police Department on Oct. 12, where he would be issued a citation for animal cruelty. Luevano did come to the PD and receive the citation.

Leuvano signed Jade over to the Humane Society.

Two sought for embezzlement (posted October 14, 2010)  

The investigation into missing money led to charges against two former employees of Movie Gallery.

Ruidoso Magistrate Judge Lorena LaMay issued warrants for Nita Montoya and Neil Hoffer Tuesday, Oct 12. Both are former employees of, the now closed, Movie Gallery store in Ruidoso. Both are charged with embezzlement.

Ruidoso Police detectives were investigating missing bank deposits from May 2010 when they discovered a second embezzlement.

Montoya reportedly admitted taking one of the deposits and had agreed to repay the $1,200. She did not. Detective Doug Babcock went to the court for a warrant.

“I went to her house and it looks like she has moved,” Babcock said on Wednesday. “We’ll find her though.”

Movie Gallery supervisors said there were five deposits, totaling $2,373 that did not get to the bank just before the store closed. Montoya allegedly admitting taking only the May 31st deposit.

While interviewing former employees on this embezzlement, Babcock said Hoffer admitted taking $100 a week out of the cash register every week he worked at the store from March until June. He is charged with embezzling $1,200.

Babcock said he expected Hoffer to surrender to the Police to face the charge.

Ruidoso Police reports (posted October 14, 2010)  

Man beater

Officer Josh Snodgrass responded to a report of a domestic incident at 12:38 a.m., Oct 10 at 330 South Evergreen.

The victim reportedly told Snodgrass that her boyfriend had hit and choked her.

The boyfriend said he was lying on the bed when she became enraged for no reason. He said she hit him, bit him and said she was going to kick his “ass” and kill him. The boyfriend said he grabbed her wrists to restrain her from hitting him and pushed her outside.

She then allegedly threw a rock through the window. Snodgrass reported a rock lying on the floor and marks on the man consistent with being hit and bitten.

Snodgrass arrested Ryadell Chino, 28 (1982) for criminal damage to property and battery against a household member.

He goes to jail

Officer Tyrel Tyson responded to a report of a domestic in progress at 202 Lower Terrace #B, Oct. 9.

Tyson reports that the victim said Denny L. Ward, 43, threw shoes and plastic dishes of food at her and when she tried to get her clothes to leave, took her phone and pushed her in a closet and would not let her leave.

The victim was on the phone with a friend when the incident allegedly happened and asked the friend to call 911.

Based on the information, Tyson arrested Ward on charges of false imprisonment, battery against a household member, assault against a household member and interference with communication. Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman approved the charges and Ward was transported to Lincoln County Detention Center.

Ruidoso Police reports (posted October 13, 2010)  

Outdoorsy criminal

Sergeant Dale Harrison responded to the area of Sudderth and Country Club for a report of a Midtown Ruidoso auto burglary and damage. The victim reported leaving her vehicle in the parking lot behind 4 Seasons Mall on Rio Street at 11 p.m., the previous night. When she returned to it at about 1 a.m., she drove a short distance before realizing that someone had slashed the passenger side tires. She then discovered that someone had stolen her wallet and a tent.

Purse snagged

Officer James Urban responded to My Sister’s Closet for a report of a larceny Oct. 7. A female reported that her purse had been stolen while she was working.

We’ll turn the light off for you

Officer Chris Bryant arrested Charles Swenson, 53, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire for battery on a police officer, battery, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass Oct. 7 after responding to a call to Comfort Inn for a disorderly guest who would not leave the motel. Swenson reportedly struck the female motel manager in the face, claimed to be a Federal Agent, and yelled obscenities at Bryant and kicked Bryant in the leg. Swenson claimed that Bryant had broken his leg, an injury he was reportedly complaining about prior to Bryant’s arrival. Swenson had reportedly became upset when the motel would not extend his stay because he had been reportedly walking the halls and talking to himself, which disturbed the other guests. Swenson refused treatment for his leg.

Late reporting

Officer Chris Bryant received a phone call Oct. 7, from a victim in Georgetown, Texas, reporting that someone entered his vehicle at Cree Meadows Sept. 4, and stole a silver Kodak Easyshare digital camera. The victim reported that he was accompanied by a female, who left her purse behind the bar at Cree Meadows and someone stole items from her purse and, he believes, took his truck keys from the purse and stole the camera. State Police are investigating the items stolen from the purse.

Not sick, just drunk

Sergeant Jonas Proctor arrested Robert M. Burns, 57, for battery on a peace officer and assault on a peace officer Oct. 6. Proctor reported that Burns struck him when he was trying to quiet him in the Lincoln County Medical Center Emergency Room. The Emergency Room doctor reportedly determined that, other than being drunk, there was nothing wrong with Burns. He was transported to Lincoln County Detention Center.

Tools taken

Officer Chris Bryant responded to the 100 block of Queen Air Court for a report of a burglary Oct. 6. The victim reported someone had taken a Tile Saw, a Grinder and a box of miscellaneous tools from his home while he was away for an hour and a half.

Radio taken

Officer Jon Lund took a report of a theft from a motor vehicle from a victim at the Ruidoso Police Department Oct. 3. The victim reported someone tampered with the window of his truck in the IGA parking lot and stole a Motorola Radio and a checkbook from the truck the previous day. The victim said the rear sliding window had been tampered with to gain entry.

District Court cases (posted October 13, 2010)  

Lovelace gets probation

Gary J. Lovelace appeared in District Court Sept. 29, and pled no contest to Aggravated battery on a peace officer (great bodily harm) and aggravated battery on a peace officer (deadly weapon) under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Gary C. Mitchell and Deputy District Attorney Reed Thompson.

Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of aggravated battery against a household member and three counts of resisting, evading or obstructing a police officer.

Judge James W. Counts sentenced Lovelace to six years in prison, then suspended the sentence and placed Lovelace on five years of probation with the provisions that Lovelace enroll in and successfully comple an anger management course and maintain full-time employment.

The agreement also calls for Lovelace to pay for medical expenses for Carrizozo Police Chief Rachel Weiser, not settled by a civil court proceeding.

Lovelace kicked Weiser in the face as she tried to arrest him March 4, 2010.

Weiser had responded to a report of a domestic incident at Lovelace’s home in Carrizozo and she and Deputy Sheriff J.R. Romo located Lovelace on a loader on 17th Avenue and attempted to arrest him. Lovelace used the loader to evade arrest then barricaded himself in the office of Carrizozo Ready Mix, where there were guns present.

Undersheriff Robert Shepperd tried to talk Lovelace into surrendering. Lovelace’s wife and daughter entered the office before officer could stop them, according to Sergeant Ken Cramer’s statement.

Cramer reports that Sheriff Rick Virden and Shepperd rushed the office and took a Winchester .30 caliber rifle away from him.

The rifle was loaded, but the hammer was not cocked, according to Cramer’s report.

What’s in a name?

Robert Rutley, aka Berry Spiller, appeared in District Court Sept. 24, for imposition of sentence, having pled no contest to receiving stolen property and forgery under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman.

Under the agreement, the State amended a charge of burglary of a vehicle from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Judge Karen Parsons sentenced Rutley/Spiller to 364 days in jail for the auto burglary, six months for receiving stolen property and 18 months for forgery. Parsons ordered the sentences to run consecutive for a total period of three years in jail. Parsons also ordered Rutley/Spiller to serve one year mandatory parole following completion of his prison sentence.

Rutley/Spiller was charged with taking a Timex watch from a vehicle in January 2010. The forgery charge came from a May 2010 incident in which Rutley was arrested and booked under the name Berry Spiller. Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Johnny Parker filed charges alleging that Spiller had been booked in Lincoln County Detention Center in February 2010 under the name Robert Rutley.

Spiller reportedly said that he found the Robert Rutley license in the front seat of his car when leaving a Roswell bar. According to Spiller, witnesses said a biker threw the identification in Spiller’s car when police arrived. Spiller said he did not have a license, so he kept Rutley’s license so he could drive.

Serving out

Lonnie R. Youngman appeared in District Court Sept. 24 for a hearing on a probation violation.

Judge Karen Parson ordered Youngman incarcerated until Dec. 19, 2010. Youngman was charged with battery on a household member.

This was not Youngman’s first probation violation since pleading no contest to charges of selling or giving alcohol to a minor in January 2008 and received two years on probation.

Lincoln County jury decision

A jury found Marcos Vargas not guilty of driving while under the influence but guilty of a seat belt violation and guilty of possession of an open container of alcohol, Sept. 22.

Judge Karen Parsons ordered Vargas to pay a $25 fine on each count plus $132 in mandatory court costs.

Ruidoso Police Corporal Lawrence Chavez arrested Vargas Jan. 16, 2010 on Ike Wingfield Street after stopping him for speeding and reporting that Vargas failed a field sobriety test. Chavez also charged Vargas with having an open container of alcoholic beverage in the vehicle.

Seatbelt required

Melvin Franks appeared in court Sept. 2 for a hearing on probation revocation and pled no contest to the allegations.

Judge Karen Parsons revoked his probation and ordered probation to continue under the previous conditions.

Franks is on probation from a July 2008 conviction for burglary of a house, tampering with evidence and receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle and receiving a stolen vehicle.

Franks received a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt July 14, 2010. This constituted a probation violation.

Carrizozo Magistrate Court cases (posted October 9, 2010)  

No license deal

Michael Dockham appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to an amended charge of driver must be licensed under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney James S. Newton. Under the agreement, the State amended the original charge of driving while license suspended or revoked and Judge Martha Proctor sentenced Dockham to a suspended 90-day jail sentence and a $300 fine, with $150 suspended. Proctor also ordered Dockham to pay $81 in court costs and to serve 90 days on unsupervised probation. Officer Fredrick Curtis stopped Dockham for speeding on Highway 54 July 21 and found Dockham to be driving on a suspended license.

And speeding

Keith Sultheimer appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to and amended charge of driver must be licensed and speeding (73 mph in a 55 mph zone) under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman. Under the agreement, the State amended the original charge of driving while license suspended or revoked and Judge Proctor sentenced Sultheimer to 90 days in jail, suspended, 90 days unsupervised probation and a $300 fine, with $150 suspended, for the charge of driving without a license and a $65 fine for speeding. Proctor also ordered Sultheimer to pay $142 in court costs. Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Ray Montes cited Sultheimer April 9, when he observed Sultheimer speeding on Highway 37 and discovered Sultheimer’s license was suspended. Montes noted that the truck Sultheimer was driving was towed because it did not have brakes.

Couple of charges dropped

Juana Oruna appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 29, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to charges of driving on a revoked or suspended license and no insurance under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Williams. Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of expired registration and speeding (65 mph in a 55 mph zone) and Judge Proctor sentenced Oruna to 364 days in jail, with 360 suspended and four days to serve, a $1,000 fine, with $900 suspended for driving on a suspended or revoked license and 90 days in jail, suspended, and a $300 fine, with $250 suspended for no insurance. Proctor also ordered Oruna to serve 450 days on unsupervised probation and to pay $142 in court costs. New Mexico State Police officer Cory Crayton stopped Oruna for speeding on Highway 380 March 7 and found Oruna was driving on a suspended or revoked California license. Crayton noted Oruna’s license was suspended for failure to appear in court.

Suspended and speeding dropped

Cliff McKinney appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 29, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of driver must be licensed under a plea and disposition agreement reached with Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Williams. Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of driving on a suspended or revoked license and speeding (50 mph in a 40 mph zone) and Judge Proctor sentenced McKinney to 90 days in jail, suspended and a $300 fine, with $150 suspended and 90 days of unsupervised probation. Proctor also ordered McKinney to pay $81 in court costs. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy D. Chavez cited McKinney after stopping him for speeding on Highway 380 October 14, 2009 and finding that McKinney’s license was suspended and not eligible for reinstatement. Chavez noted that he measured McKinney’s speed at 57 mph, but only cited him for 50.

Old charge

Joseph Velasquez appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 20, and pled no contest to an amended charge of attempted distribution of marijuana under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman. Under the agreement the charge was amended from distribution of a controlled substance and Judge Proctor sentenced Velasquez to 364 days in jail, suspended, a $1,000 fine, with $800 suspended and 364 days of supervised probation. Proctor also ordered Velasquez to pay $142 in court costs. Proctor issued an arrest warrant for Velasquez’s arrest after a Lincoln County Narcotics agent filed an affidavit stating that Velasquez gave the agent a small amount of marijuana August 2, 2007. Proctor issued the arrest warrant July 8, 2010.

Wrong turn

Crystal Lujan appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 20, and pled not guilty to a charge of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (1st offense), and failure to obey a traffic sign. Judge Proctor found Lujan guilty of both charges and sentenced her to 90 days in jail, suspended, and a $500 fine, with $250 suspended, on the DWI charge and a $10 fine for failure to obey traffic sign. Proctor also ordered Lujan to pay $276 in court fees. New Mexico State Police officer Samuel Huston stopped Lujan at 10:25 p.m., April 10, 2010, when he observed Lujan turn left onto Sudderth from Carrizo Canyon Road and arrested Lujan for DWI when he smelled alcohol on her breath and she failed a field sobriety test.

Not DWI

Justin Rivera appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 20, and pled no contest to a charge of speeding (68 mph in a 55 mph zone) under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz. Under the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs (1st offense) and Judge Proctor sentenced Rivera to a $30 fine and ordered him to pay $81 in court costs. New Mexico State Police officer Cory Crayton arrested Rivera Aug. 12, after he stopped Rivera for speeding on Highway 48 and smelled alcohol on Rivera and reported Rivera failed the field sobriety test. Crayton reports that upon testing, Rivera’s blood alcohol measured .05 and .06, under the legal limit of .08 for DWI. Crayton contacted Judge Proctor who ordered Rivera released on his own recognizance. Crayton took Rivera home and told him to contact the Magistrate Court.

Game changer

Enirque Sifuentes appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 20, and pled no contest to driving on a revoked license, with an arrest clause, under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Mandy Denson and Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz. Under the agreement, Judge Proctor sentenced Sifuentes to 364 days in jail, with 353 suspended and credit for four days served, leaving seven days to be served, and a $1,000 fine, with $750 suspended and 353 days of supervised probation. Proctor also ordered Sifuentes to pay $75 in court costs. Ruidoso Police officer Tyrel Tyson arrested Sifuentes Oct. 10, 2009 after off-duty Ruidoso Police officer Matt Christian saw Sifuentes drive up to the Shell Station on Ski Run Road and called the Department to report that he knew Sifuentes’ license was suspended. Tyson responded and Sifuentes told him he was on his way to a softball game that was near his home. Tyson found there was an arrest clause on the suspension of Sifuentes license and a warrant for his arrest. Sifuentes went to jail instead of going to the softball game.

Carrizozo Police calls for September 2010 (posted October 8, 2010)  

Sept. 1^st

Officer Darrell Chavez responded to a report of black and white dog at Allsup’s. Dog gone on Chavez’s arrival.

Sept. 3^rd

Officer Gary Lindsey served an arrest warrant on Orlando Williams.

Officer Lindsey served an arrest warrant on Tracy Frost.

Officer Lindsey responded to a report of intoxicated subject at Allsup’s

Sept.  4^th

Officer Lindsey report of male/female having intercourse on hole 8 at Valle del Sol Golf Course. Subjects gone on arrival of Lindsey, Lindsey Located them later at Willie’s restaurant. No citation issued.

Officer Chavez responded to a report of dog running loose at Lincoln County Courthouse. Poodle located and returned to owner.

Sept.  5^th

Officer Chavez responded to a civil issue regarding custody.

Sept. 6^th

Officer Lindsey responded to a complaint of someone parking on private property over a sewer line. Owner of the vehicle contacted and advised of the sewer line

Sept.  7^th

Officer Lindsey responded to assist wrecker in traffic control at Ironwood and 14^th Street, to tow a vehicle.

Officer Chavez responded to a report of found property on side of road-misc. items of toys, check book, etc.

Sept.  8^th

Chief Rachel Weiser responded to a report of chainsaws stolen from 201 Brick.

Chief Weiser responded to a report of a dead dog hanging from a fence at 100 11^th Street. Owner notified.

Chief Weiser responded to a civil dispute over tools. Former employee told to retrieve tools through civil action.

Sept. 9^th

Chief Weiser responded to a report of a report of attempted break in at storage shed at 310 Cedar

Sept. 10^th

Chief Weiser responded to a report of an accident at Cedar and 14^th Street. A vehicle backed over stop sign. Report taken

Chief Weiser responded to a report of a 911 call from subject advising he can’t get out of his driveway due to construction on Airport Street. Subject involved in confrontation with work crew. Charges pending on caller.

Chief Weiser responded to a report of a nuisance call in the area of B Avenue, multiple residences with dogs barking. Report taken.

Officer Lindsey responded to a report of lights on in vacant house at 509 E Ave. House locked and secured, lights on upstairs, unable to turn lights off.

Sept. 11^th

Officer Lindsey report of drunk driver leaving residence at 309 10^th Street. located driver, arrested for Thomas Tsethlikai DWI,

Officer Lindsey responded to a report of an alarm at Carrizozo Clinic. Cleaning person accidentally set off alarm.

Officer Lindsey responded to an agency assist request from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, assisted Deputy Sheriff Cox in locating an drunk person at Valley of Fires,. Unable to locate subject.

Officer Darrell responded to a report of a dog running at large on Jasmine. Dog returned to owner.

Sept. 12^th

Officer Chavez responded to a report of a dog at large at Valle del Sol, black and white puppy, Turned over to calling party.

Sept. 13^th

Chief Weiser responded to a report of a hit and run accident. The accident occurred in Capitan, reported to Carrizozo

Sept. 14^th

Chief Weiser took a report of gas stolen from gas tanks at Valle del Sol

Sept. 15^th

Chief Weiser arrested Darnell Batts on a warrant.

Sept. 17^th

Chief Weiser responded to a report of people driving through barricaded section of Airport, while road construction is being conducted. Weiser could not locate the vehicle.

Officer Lindsey responded to a report ofdogs running loose on F Ave (1600). Located owners and Deborah Apodaca and Christy Swift cited for dogs running loose.

Officer Lindsey responded to an accident on private property at Allsups.

Officer Lindsey responded to a complaint of disturbance at 1208 D Ave.

Officer Chavez responded to a report of dogs running loose on F Ave. Chaves was unable to locate the dogs.

Sept. 18^th

Officer Lindsey responded to a report of loud music at Chaparral Motel. Bikers playing music to loud, told to turn music down, they complied.

Sept. 19^th

Officer Lindsey responded to another report of dogs loose on F Ave. Owners of these dogs located and cited (warning citation)

Sept. 20^th

Chief Weiser responded to a report of weiner dog running loose on Birch.

Officer Lindsey report of someone breaking into yard at 306 D Ave, John Ortiz suspect, committed assault on officer – warrant issued-picked up by Alamo DPS Sept. 29.

Chief Weiser report of glass breaking in the area of Drexel at 308 D Ave, responded did not locate additional glass broken.

Sept. 21^st

Chief Weiser called out 908 5^th Street. John Ortiz causing problems with mother, mother refused to file charges to damage to her property (continuation of call Officer Lindsey was handling the night before)

Sept.  22^nd

Officer Chavez received call about a drunk driver traveling West on Highway 380 by Valle del Sol, a red pickup. Chavez was unable to locate the vehicle.

Sept. 23^rd

Chief Weiser 604 D Ave, report of reckless driver, driving white pick up lives at 706 D Ave. Vehicle belonging to a Capitan resident, Capitan PD contacted the owner and advised her of her reckless driving

Chief Weiser arrested Jerry Monroe, at District Court, for contempt of court.

Sept. 25^th

Officer Chavez responded to a report of battery. Christian Horner cited for aggravated battery.

Officer Chavez responded to a report of subject trespassing on school property. Unable to locate subject on school property.

Sept. 26^th

Chief Weiser responded to a report of threats made by a parent at Rocking Horse Day care about her child, resolved.

Officer Chavez responded to a report of dogs barking in the area of B Ave. No contact made with dogs

Sept. 27^th

Officer Chavez responded to a report of a dispute between Allsups and a customer over payment for gas. Customer lacked of funds. Agreement reached between manager and customer.

Sept. 29^th

Chief Weiser responded to a report of dogs running loose at Rainbow Inn, Pit bull returned to owner.

Officer Chavez responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle driving around 905 5^th Street. Unable to locate.

Sept. 30^th

Officer Lindsey responded to a report of suspicious vehicle on Highway 54 coming into Carrizozo, white van with Chihuahua plates, unknown activity being reported. Lindsey reported observing the vehicle, but he did not observe infraction.

Officer Lindsey responded to a BOLO for erratic driver, a fire truck heading West on Highway 380 from Capitan. BOLO given out after vehicle had driven through Carrizozo. No further action.

Ruidoso Police reports (posted October 7, 2010)  

Keep the change

Officer Glenn Koshinski responded to a report of a burglary in the 100 blockof Rio Arriba Oct. 3. The victim reported a desk top computer, flat screen television and a jar of change were missing. The victim reported that the cable box and modem for the computer were also missing. Koshinski reported observing pry marks on the window.

Rocking the houses

Officer Glenn Koshinski responded to the 400 block of Warwick Drive at 7:07 p.m., Oct 4 for a report of a burglary. The victims, who were visiting and using a relative’s residence, reported that the French door glass was broken, a rock was lying on the floor and the flat screen television was gone. Two days earlier Corporal Mike Weaver responded to a report of someone breaking a front door and driving away in the 100 block of Edinburgh at 2:24 a.m., Oct. 2. Weaver reports someone threw a large rock through the front door, reached through the broken glass and unlocked the frond door. The residents were asleep in the bedroom when this happened and their dog barking woke them. They reported observing a vehicle driving away.

Tell it to the Judge

Officers Lance Ledford and Eric Ament and Sergeants Wade Proctor responded to a report of a domestic incident at 1:58 a.m., Oct. 2 at 104 Sandstone. After interviewing the subjects the officers decided to cite both Michelle Sandoval, 39, and William Voges, 40, for battery on a household member. They issued non-traffic citations.

Plate recovery

Sergeant Joel Martin reports being approached by a citizen at the Ruidoso Police Department Oct 2, to report finding a license plate in the roadway near the bridge on Paradise Canyon Road. The license plate had been reported stolen Sept. 25 from a vehicle on Crown Drive.

Upset customer

Officer Steve Corbin responded to Elana’s Place Restaurant at 8:10 p.m., Oct 1, for a report of a battery. The victim reported that a male customer approached him from an adjacent table, angry about the victim’s son’s behavior. They exchanged words and the man threw a wine glass at the victim, striking him on the nose. The assailant then fled the restaurant in a white Dodge Diesel truck with Texas plates and a camper in the bed. One of the waitresses at the restaurant identified the assailant as “Ray” and said he was from Austin, Texas. Corbin issued a Be On the Look Out (BOLO) for the truck. Officers were unable to locate it.

A furnace?

Officer Glenn Koshinski reported responding to a report of a stolen furnace Sept. 30. Koshinski reports that the victim said someone stole his new furnace and all the tools and accessories from the crawl space under his house. The furnace was being prepared for installation and someone reportedly stole it between Sept. 23 and 30.  The value of the furnace and other equipment was listed at about $1,300.

Glass cracked

Officer James Urban responded to a report of a broken window at 2801 Sudderth Drive Sept. 30. Urban reports the window had a crack from the bottom to the top, with a “Y” branch in the middle.

Through the window

Sergeant Joel Martin responded to the 800 block of Hull Road Sept. 29 for a report of a burglary. Martin reports the window screen had been bent and the victim reported coming home to find the door and window open at his apartment and a flat-screen television missing.

Paraphernalia found

Officer Sal Beltran reported finding drug paraphernalia in a student’s vehicle Sept. 24. The Assistant Principal of Ruidoso High School asked Beltran to search the student’s vehicle and the student consented. Beltran reported finding a plastic pouch containing “Bugler’s” smoking tobacco, foil paper, which appeared to have been used to burn something and two ink pens with the insides removed that appeared to have been used smoke or burn something. Beltran arrested Denver Coronado, 16, booked him and released him to his father. Beltran referred Coronado to JPPO.

District Court cases (posted October 6, 2010)

Violator

Orlando T. Williams, Jr. appeared in District Court for a probation revocation hearing Sept. 3, and admitted the allegations, Judge Karen Parsons ordered Williams to continue on probation with the stipulation that he must apply for Adult Drug Court in Alamogordo. Ruidoso Police Corporal Lawrence Chavez found Williams at a party at Birch and Hemlock in Ruidoso at 11:30 p.m., July 19, and Williams admitted to Chavez that he had been drinking. Chavez arrested him for a probation violation at that time and transported him to Lincoln County Detention Center (LCDC). Williams is on probation for trafficking in a counterfeit controlled substance, a charge he pled no contest to in April 2010 under a plea and disposition agreement. He was originally charged with trafficking in cocaine in November 2009.

Assaulting a guard

Javier Ward appeared in District Court Aug. 20, and pled no contest to a charge of assault on a jail employee, a 3^rd degree felony, under a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Todd Holmes and Assistant District Attorney Reed Thompson. Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of conspiracy to assault a jail employee and criminal damage to property of over $1,000. Judge Parson sentenced Ward to 3 years in jail, plus 1 year in jail for being a habitual offender, then, under the agreement, suspended 3 years of the sentence, leaving Ward with 1 year to serve. Parsons also ordered Ward to serve 3 years of supervised probation. Ward was charged with assaulting an officer at LCDC Jan. 13, 2010 and causing over $1,000 to jail property during the assault.

Worthless

Allen Ward appeared in District Court July 16 for sentencing. He had pled guilty to a charge of fraud by worthless check on May 21. Judge Parsons sentenced Ward to 1 year in jail, suspended, and ordered him to pay $87.57 to Onda Oil, $257.21 to Allsups and $35 to the District Attorney for restitution. Ward was charged with issuing worthless checks in January and February 2009.

Ruidoso Magistrate Court cases (posted October 5, 2010)

Restitution included

Jose Rene Onsurez appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of criminal damage to property. Judge Lorena LaMay sentenced Onsurez to a 182 day suspended jail sentence, 182 days of supervised probation and a $500 fine, with $400 suspended. LaMay also ordered Onsurez to pay $100 in restitution to one of his victims, have no contact with two victims and to pay $73 in court costs. Onsurez probation runs concurrent with his probation for a DWI charge.

No contact

Alesia Beveridge appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of disorderly conduct. Judge LaMay sentenced Beveridge to a 182 day suspended jail sentence, 182 days of unsupervised probation and a $500 suspended fine. LaMay also ordered Beveridge to have no contact with the victim, except to exchange their child, and ordered her to pay $73 in court costs.

Light damages

Jeff Anderson appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of criminal damage to property. Judge LaMay sentenced Anderson to a 182 day suspended jail sentence, 182 days of unsupervised probation and a $500 suspended fine. LaMay also ordered Anderson to pay $73 in court costs.

Get a job

Susan Miles appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, waived the right to legal representation and pled no contest to a charge of battery on a household member. Judge LaMay sentenced Miles to 364 days in jail, with 359 days suspended and credit for five days served, 359 days of supervised probation and a $1,000 fine, with $800 suspended. LaMay also ordered Miles to complete a Batterer’s Intervention Program, complete screening for anger, alcohol and drugs, find a job within two weeks and pay $73 in court costs.

Le deal

Richard Girot appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, and pled no contest to a charge of disorderly conduct under the terms of a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Charles Hawthorne and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman. Under the terms of the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of battery and Judge LaMay sentenced Girot to a 182 days suspended jail sentence, a suspended $500 fine and ordered him to have no contact with the victim. LaMay ordered Girot to pay $73 in court costs.

Disorderly deal

Omar Gonzales appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 30, and pled no contest to a charge of disorderly conduct under the terms of a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Charles Hawthorne and Assistant District Attorney Joanna Zimmerman. Under the terms of the agreement, the State dismissed a charge of battery against a household member and Judge LaMay sentenced Gonzales to 182 days in jail, with 181 days suspended and credit for one day served, a $500 fine, with $200 suspended, and ordered him to complete screening for anger, La May also ordered Gonzales to pay $73 in court costs.

Speeding and aggravation dropped

Terry Lee Williams appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 29, and pled no contest to charges of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (1st offense) and open container under the terms of a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Dan Bryant and Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz. Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of speeding and aggravated DWI and Judge LaMay sentenced Williams to a suspended 90 day jail sentence, 364 days of supervised probation, a suspended $500 fine, 24 hours of community service, DWI School and installation of an ignition interlock device for one year. LaMay also ordered Williams to pay $282 in court costs.

No license and speeding dropped

Albert Harris appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 29, and pled no contest to a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (1st offense) under the terms of a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Dan Bryant and Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz. Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of speeding and driving without a license and Judge LaMay sentenced Harris to a suspended 90 day jail sentence, 364 days of supervised probation, a suspended $500 fine, with $300 suspended, 24 hours of community service, DWI School and installation of an ignition interlock device for one year. LaMay also ordered Harris to pay $221 in court costs and to find a job by Oct. 29.

Speeding and failure to yield dropped

Elizabeth Hubbard appeared in Magistrate Court Sept. 29, and pled no contest to a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (1st offense) under the terms of a plea and disposition agreement reached by defense attorney Dan Bryant and Assistant District Attorney John Bernitz. Under the agreement, the State dismissed charges of speeding and failure to yield and Judge LaMay sentenced Hubbard to a suspended 90 day jail sentence, 364 days of supervised probation, a suspended $500 fine, 24 hours of community service, DWI School and installation of an ignition interlock device for one year. LaMay also ordered Williams to pay $221 in court costs. LaMay did authorize Hubbard to travel to El Paso, Texas.

Ruidoso Magistrate Court warrants  (posted October 3, 2010)

Issued Sept. 26 – Oct. 1

Joel Aguilar, 24, 601 S. Pine, Roswell, N.M.

Raymond E. Aragon, 32, 2407 Rule St. Amarillo, Texas

Anthony G. Aruuz, 21, White Mountain Dr. #W4, Mescalero, N.M.

Jeffery Arcq, 50, 280 Crestview Rd., Breezewood, Pennsylvania

Zachary Cleveland, 18, 125 Carrizo Tr., Mescalero, N.M.

Garik S. Cockrum, 23, 2102 Alameda Apt. A, Las Cruces, N.M.

Michael Galarza, 40, HC 3 146, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

James Guill, 37, 313 Wingfield, Ruidoso, N.M.

Mikel B. Gutierrez, 26, 07 Range Rd. Edgewood, N.M.

Delbert Holder, 53, 803 Utah, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

Jason M. Howell, 33, 201 Upper Terrace, Ruidoso, N.M.

Beck J Kawauney, 27, 42 Papago Rd., Alamogordo, N.M.

Vincent Magoosh, 18, 113 Carrizo, Mescalero, N.M.

Angelica Martinez, 24, 11609 Dick Mayers, El Paso, Texas

Lisa Noe, 44, 228 Fourth St., Ruidoso, N.M.

Jason E. Olivas, MM 284, Hondo, N.M.

Aaron Ortega, 19, 109 Forest Dr., Mescalero, N.M.

Johanna Palma, 21, 331 Tee Pan, Roswell, N.M.

Brysen Platta, 18, 852 Old Road, Mescalero, N.M.

Crist Rodriguez, 44, P.O. Box 251, Mescalero, N.M.

Jason R. Swanner, 19, Loma Grande Estates, Alto, N.M.

Bethany Tapia, 18, 1031 Ranger St., El Paso, Texas

Dalana West, 23, 210 Crown Dr. Ruidoso, N.M.

Sherril A. Zamora, 45, 120 Carole Dr. Capitan, N.M.

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