COURT News:
Judge Francis J. Mathew has granted an unopposed motion to consolidate two ongoing First Judicial Court cases involving Los Alamos County Sheriff Marco Lucero. The order was filed Oct. 23 in Court.
The first case was filed against Los Alamos County Council by Lucero Aug. 29 asking the Court for a writ of mandamus directing the Council to fulfill its statutory responsibility to fund the Office of the Sheriff adequately for him to perform what he believes are his statutory duties. It also asks the Court to restrain the Council from taking any further actions contrary to the law establishing the Office of County Sheriff.
The second case, filed Oct. 5 by Los Alamos County asks the Court to issue a temporary restraining order requiring Lucero to cease and desist from enforcing state law and County ordinances.
Another case pertaining to the issue of the Sheriff’s responsibilities has been filed against the County Council and the County in the New Mexico Supreme Court by Los Alamos resident Greg White who wants the Supreme Court to step in and exercise jurisdiction. Sheriff Lucero is listed as an interested party in that suit.
