Police

State Police Checkpoints And Saturation Patrols In Counties Across New Mexico In October 2025

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State Police will conduct sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and registration, insurance, and driver’s license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during October 2025. Courtesy/NMSP

NMSP News:

New Mexico State Police (NMSP) will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and registration, insurance, and driver’s license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during October 2025.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

These checkpoints Read More

FBI: Newcomb Man Pleads Guilty To Assault With Firearm

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Newcomb man pleaded guilty to federal charges arising out of an altercation.

According to court documents, Feb. 28, 2025, James Smiley, Jr., 56, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, entered a residence within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and pointed a firearm at three men while making threats to kill them without provocation.

Smiley pleaded guilty to one count each of assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At sentencing, Smiley faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Smiley Read More

Los Alamos County Launches Video Podcast ‘Fusion’

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COUNTY News:

  • First episode features LAPD Cmdr. Chris Ross and road safety

Los Alamos County has released the first episode of Fusion, a new video podcast designed to connect the community with information about county programs, services, and issues that impact daily life.

Hosted by the County’s Communications and Public Relations (CPR) team, Fusion will feature conversations with staff on a variety of topics.

The inaugural episode features Los Alamos Police Department Cmdr. Christopher Ross and CPR’s Rachel Freeman. They discuss “Operation Just Drive”, a road safety initiative focused Read More

FBI: Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty To Leading Massive Illegal Marijuana Operation And Polluting San Juan River

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Dineh Benally of Shiprock has pleaded guilty in federal court to leading a vast illegal marijuana cultivation and distribution ring.

The ring spanned several years, exploited workers, and polluted the San Juan River on tribal lands.

According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established more than 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members.

Benally pleaded guilty to 15 counts:

  • Two drug trafficking conspiracy charges for orchestrating the illegal
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FBI: Albuquerque Man Indicted For Carjacking, Kidnapping, Fatal Shooting Faces Life In Prison Or Death Penalty

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE —  A federal grand jury has charged Sheliky Sanchez with the Aug. 7, 2025, carjacking resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death – crimes that under federal law are eligible for the death penalty.

According to court documents, on Aug. 7, 2025, Sanchez, 18, carjacked and kidnapped the driver of a 2022 Ford Escape using a firearm, then intentionally killed the driver during and in relation to those crimes.

A federal grand jury indicted Sanchez for carjacking resulting in death, using a firearm during a violent crime and causing death by firing it, and kidnapping Read More

FBI Returns Historic ‘Villa De Santa Fe’ Map To Mexico

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FBI News:

Today, the FBI returned a historic map titled “Villa de Santa Fe” to the Government of Mexico during a ceremony in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The map had been reported stolen in 2011.

“On behalf of the FBI, it is my honor to return this historical artifact to the people of Mexico,” said Justin A. Garris, special agent in charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The FBI is committed to returning stolen art and other objects of cultural and historical significance to the communities to which they belong.”

Patricia Pinzón, Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, emphasized the Government Read More

Public Invited To Coffee With A Cop At Ruby K’s Sept. 25

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LAPD News:

The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) invites community members to join them for Coffee with A Cop, a unique opportunity to connect with local law enforcement. The event will be held on Thursday, September 25th, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Ruby K’s Bagel Cafe, located at 1789 Central Avenue.

Coffee With a Cop offers a casual setting for citizens, business owners, and visitors to engage in meaningful conversations with police officers. This initiative aims to build bridges and foster trust between law enforcement and the community by discussing issues and learning from one another. Read More

FBI: Mexican National Charged For Possessing Over 13,000 Rounds Of Ammunition

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FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Mexican national is facing federal charges for allegedly possessing almost 14,000 rounds of ammunition found during a routine traffic stop.

According to court documents, on August 14, 2025, an officer from Las Cruces Metro Narcotics conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Luis Carlos Martinez Monge, a Mexican national, for speeding, and found 699 boxes of ammunition concealed within the vehicle. Monge admitted to transporting the ammunition for an acquaintance, receiving $1,600 for expenses and agreeing to an additional $200 per box. He acknowledged that, Read More

LAPD Promotes Three Officers At Friday Ceremony

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Newly promoted Los Alamos Police Officers from left, Sgt. Kirk Williamson, Cmdr. Brent Hudspeth and Sgt. Joseph Dezendorf. LAPD hosted the swearing-in ceremony for the officers Friday in the Magistrate Courtroom at the Justice Center. The Honorable Judge Catherine Taylor presided. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Newly promoted Cmdr. Brent Hudspeth is sworn in by Judge Catherine Taylor. Photo. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Newly promoted Sgt. Joseph Dezendorf is sworn in by the Honorable Judge Catherine Taylor. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Newly promoted Sgt. Read More