Bernalillo County District Attorney

05/24/2021

This month marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We celebrate the accomplishments, contributions, and advancements of those of AAPI heritage in New Mexico. We also recognize our continued responsibility to prosecute hate crimes and ensure equity in the legal systems for AAPI members of our community. #SocialJustice #Community

This month marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We celebrate the accomplishments, contributions, and advancements of those of AAPI heritage in New Mexico. We also recognize our continued responsibility to prosecute hate crimes and ensure equity in the legal systems for AAPI members of our community. #SocialJustice #Community

05/24/2021

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we encourage all to seek out the many resources available in our community to support your mental health. Graphic via: @NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we encourage all to seek out the many resources available in our community to support your mental health. Graphic via: @NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

05/20/2021

We are committed to working with victims through the legal process in collaboration with various organizations in our community. That’s why we have the Victim Resource Center available to connect victims to helpful resources and information in the greater Albuquerque area. Learn more: https://buff.ly/30viVcy #VictimsMatter #Community

We are committed to working with victims through the legal process in collaboration with various organizations in our community. That’s why we have the Victim Resource Center available to connect victims to helpful resources and information in the greater Albuquerque area. Learn more: https://buff.ly/30viVcy #VictimsMatter #Community

05/12/2021

Measures for Justice, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and Tableau Foundation bringing data, community engagement investments to criminal justice reform movement

“I am thrilled to be spearheading this initiative in New Mexico and taking the lead in a national effort that will build community trust in the justice system through transparency and accountability.” - DA Torrez

Press Release: Measures for Justice, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and Tableau Foundation bringing data, community engagement investments to criminal justice reform movement Read the PDF Version FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Partnership to scale use of racial data, analytics by prosecutors offices t...

05/11/2021

Working for Equitable Treatment Within the Criminal Justice System

We are committed to transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. Measures for Justice will help us identify whenever defendants are treated differently and help us develop methods for assuring equal justice for all. #nodatanochange #transparency #datadrivenjustice

05/07/2021

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to an end, we wanted to recognize all of the educators and their contributions to our community. Thank you for all the work you do!

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to an end, we wanted to recognize all of the educators and their contributions to our community. Thank you for all the work you do!

05/06/2021

#TBT to our Community-Based Crime Reduction grant's Community Action Project! Our team members, Highland High School and Albuquerque High School students visited two locations, Casa de las Comunidades Community Garden, and the Mesa Verde Park to help clean and beautify their spaces. This was a safe and successful event thanks to our staff and other volunteers.

#TBT to our Community-Based Crime Reduction grant's Community Action Project! Our team members, Highland High School and Albuquerque High School students visited two locations, Casa de las Comunidades Community Garden, and the Mesa Verde Park to help clean and beautify their spaces. This was a safe and successful event thanks to our staff and other volunteers.

05/05/2021

Today we remember the countless indigenous persons who have been murdered or who are currently missing. This ongoing tragedy impacts us all and we must work together to support Tribal communities.

Today we remember the countless indigenous persons who have been murdered or who are currently missing. This ongoing tragedy impacts us all and we must work together to support Tribal communities.

05/03/2021

Virtual Resource HUB

The Virtual Resource Hub is to connect you to Albuquerque organizations that can provide healthcare, education, housing, food and other assistance that you may need to help you succeed.
Learn more:

Virtual Resource HUB The purpose of sharing the below resource hub is to connect you to Albuquerque organizations that can provide healthcare, education, housing, food and other assistance that you…

04/30/2021

Victim Resource Center

The Victim Resource Center provides extensive assistance and referrals to victims of both misdemeanor and felony crimes. Victim advocates help victims understand their rights under the New Mexico Victims of Crime Act and keep them involved with their cases as they move through the criminal justice system.

The Victims of Crimes Act provides certain rights to victims of violent crime. This division is here to help victims understand those rights, to keep victims informed about their case, and to provide information regarding available victim assistance programs.

The Victim Impact Program division provides guidelines for possible financial assistance available for medical expenses and lost wages incurred as a result of crimes. We are committed to working with you as your case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

Contact us at (505) 222-1204 to set up an appointment with one of our Victim Advocates and find out how we can help you.

For more information visit us at:

#youarenotalone #victimservices

In May 2018, we inaugurated our Victim Resource Center in an effort to create a space within our office dedicated to victims. We are committed to working with victims throughout the legal process I…

04/28/2021

DA's office explains how it uses social media to track violent crime among teens

ICYMI: The Crime Strategies Unit facilitates an intelligence-driven strategy of crime reduction in addition to supporting prosecutors. Last night, Strategic Crime Analyst Bridgewater spoke to KOB about CSU’s social media monitoring.

Full Story:

Colette Bridgewater, a crime analyst with the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, said teens are often the ones using apps like Snapchat to solicit firearms and drugs.

04/28/2021

Suspect in heist, slaying was on pretrial release

Our Office asked that Devin Munford be held in custody until his trial after he was arrested for a violent crime nearly four months ago, but our request for detention was denied. Instead the court ordered that Munford wear a GPS monitor which confirmed his presence at a murder scene on April 23 as well as a subsequent aggravated assault which is still under investigation. We have and will continue to move to detain individuals who pose a danger to our community and to advocate for much needed reforms to our pre-trial release system.

Full Story:

DA's Office wanted detention; public defender calls case 'outlier'

04/27/2021

Recovering from Sexual Violence | RAINN

"Recovering from a sexual assault or abuse is a process, and that process looks different for everyone. It may take weeks, months, or years—there’s no timetable for healing. Below you’ll find some resources to help you navigate the process." via RAIIN

Recovering from sexual assault or abuse is a process, and that process looks different for everyone. It may take weeks, months, or years: there’s no timetable for healing. Here are some resources to help you navigate the process.

04/26/2021

Specialty Courts

Our office participates in a variety of courts in both District Court, felonies, and Metropolitan Court, misdemeanors, with the goal of rehabilitating the defendant in order to assist with making the community safer and more productive. By treating underlying behavioral health and substance use disorders, Specialty Courts offer improved outcomes over traditional prosecution for enrolled individuals, their families, and the community-at-large.

Learn more:

Overview The District Attorney’s Office participates in a variety of courts in both District Court (felonies) and Metropolitan Court (misdemeanors) with the goal of rehabilitating the defenda…

04/23/2021

"This week we celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. In light of this week we remember and honor the surviving victims' of crime, as well as renew our commitment to serving them as they navigate the resources and systems in search of justice.

Victim Advocates in our office are integral to the criminal justice system because we ensure that the minimal rights victims of crime are afforded legally, are upheld throughout the length of prosecution. Our goal is to always empower, educate, assist and most importantly, give the victim control of the very crime that has taken over their life." - Tiffany Corn, Victim-Witness Specialist

"This week we celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. In light of this week we remember and honor the surviving victims' of crime, as well as renew our commitment to serving them as they navigate the resources and systems in search of justice.

Victim Advocates in our office are integral to the criminal justice system because we ensure that the minimal rights victims of crime are afforded legally, are upheld throughout the length of prosecution. Our goal is to always empower, educate, assist and most importantly, give the victim control of the very crime that has taken over their life." - Tiffany Corn, Victim-Witness Specialist

04/22/2021

Across New Mexico and the country organizations have come together to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, many of which have a 24-hour hotline. Below is a list of organizations in New Mexico that dedicate their time to help victims.
#SAAM #victimsupport #youarenotalone

Albuquerque SANE
https://abqsane.org/
(505) 884-7263

Domestic Violence Resource Center
https://www.dvrcnm.org/
(505) 248-3165

Haven House
https://www.havenhouseinc.org/
(505) 896-4869
24 hour hotline: (800) 526-7157

New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
https://nmcsap.org/
(505) 883-8020

Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico
https://rapecrisiscnm.org/
24-Hour Hotline: 505-266-7711

04/21/2021

If you are a victim of a crime and need services such as housing or counseling visit our service guide below. #SAAM #VictimServices #youarenotalone https://berncoda.com/service-guide/

04/20/2021

BREAKING: Derek Chauvin was just convicted for his role in the unlawful killing of George Floyd and we strongly support the jury’s verdict. This is a pivotal moment in our country as we hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions and demonstrate that no one is above the law. Now that the criminal case has been resolved, the much harder process of healing this country begins. We must all commit ourselves to building a safer, more inclusive and more just society. #BLM #DerekChauvinTrial #GeorgeFloyd #DerekChauvinVerdict

BREAKING: Derek Chauvin was just convicted for his role in the unlawful killing of George Floyd and we strongly support the jury’s verdict. This is a pivotal moment in our country as we hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions and demonstrate that no one is above the law. Now that the criminal case has been resolved, the much harder process of healing this country begins. We must all commit ourselves to building a safer, more inclusive and more just society. #BLM #DerekChauvinTrial #GeorgeFloyd #DerekChauvinVerdict

04/20/2021

Careers and Internships

As many know April is #sexualassaultawarenessmonth! New Mexico has a history of backlogged sexual assault cases and in 2017 when DA Torrez took office he formed the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative(SAKI) team with a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Since it's inception the SAKI team continues to grow and our office is hiring another SAKI attorney to further the mission of seeking justice for victims of the backlogged sexual assault cases.

Apply today:

Employees of the District Attorney’s office are entrusted with the critical work of protecting and fighting for our community to make Bernalillo County safer. The District Attorney seeks to g…

04/19/2021

Safe harbor bill aims to make it easier for victims to report domestic violence

#ICYMI The Albuquerque Public Safety Committee passed a resolution that would create a “safe harbor” for domestic violence victims. That means even if a victim has criminal warrants, they won’t be arrested for calling police if any “reasonable alternatives to arrest are available”.

The measure will head to the city council in May.

04/16/2021

The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases | RAINN

April is #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth! When law enforcement investigates a case of sexual violence, DNA evidence can make or break the outcome. DNA evidence has become a routine part of investigating and prosecuting all types of crimes. It is often an important tool in achieving justice for survivors of sexual assault.

What’s the benefit of having a sexual assault forensic exam?
• Increases likelihood of identifying the perpetrator.
• Increases likelihood of holding perpetrators accountable.
• Prevents future sexual assaults from occurring.
via @RAINN01

Read More:

Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.

04/15/2021

Diversion Programming

Low-level, non-violent offenders should not should not use up scarce state resources by going through the system without rehabilitation or assistance for a mental health or substance use disorder. Diversion programs are intelligent interventions that are proven to have a lower recidivism rate for individuals who complete them. Our office believes that diversion appropriate individuals can produce better outcomes for the community, reducing costs, and ensuring safety by addressing the underlying issues through these programs.

Read more about our diversion programs:

Low-level, non-violent offenders should not should not use up scarce state resources by going through the system without rehabilitation or assistance for a mental health or substance use disorder. …

04/14/2021

It's now easier to contact Bernalillo County District Attorney.

It's now easier to contact Bernalillo County District Attorney.

04/14/2021

04/14/2021

OPINION | Editorial: Bail reform is good, but burglar case shows guidance is needed

“If the justice system hopes to retain a modicum of public faith and confidence in what should be a better system than the old bail bond model, another dose of common-sense guidance from the Supreme Court would be more than helpful.”

OPINION | It seemed simple enough.Amend the New Mexico Constitution to do away with the 'money-f ...

04/14/2021

4 Investigates: Albuquerque business leaders step up to help tackle crime problem

To build a safer community we need to fundamentally change our approach to criminal justice and that includes adopting a modern, data informed approach to law enforcement. We’re proud that business leaders in this state share our vision and that they’re willing to invest to make our home a safer place to live.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque residents can fairly declare—violent crime is spiraling out of control. It’s mid-April and Albuquerque is on track to break all homicide records by the end of the year.

04/13/2021

Yesterday, Marcelo Harmon was convicted on charges of child abuse, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a household member. ADA Charette and ADA Berg worked hard on this case to obtain a guilty verdict from the jury. Harmon is facing at least 7.5 years with a possibility of more time because he's a habitual offender, sentencing for his conviction is in July.

Yesterday, Marcelo Harmon was convicted on charges of child abuse, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a household member. ADA Charette and ADA Berg worked hard on this case to obtain a guilty verdict from the jury. Harmon is facing at least 7.5 years with a possibility of more time because he's a habitual offender, sentencing for his conviction is in July.