First Judicial District Attorney

06/03/2026

State of New Mexico v. Steve Ortiz | D-101-CR-2025-00116

Santa Fe Jury Convicts Former Police Officer of Three Counts of Battery Upon Healthcare Workers

Today, a Santa Fe County jury found Steve Ortiz guilty of three counts of Battery Upon a Healthcare Worker (Fourth Degree Felony) in Case No. D-101-CR-2025-00116, State of New Mexico v. Steve Ortiz.

The convictions resulted from an incident that occurred on March 5, 2025, where Ortiz violently assaulted three female nurses who were attempting to provide him medical care.

Following a two-day trial, jurors rejected defense arguments related to intoxication and returned guilty verdicts on all three counts. Healthcare professionals dedicate their careers to helping others and they should be able to perform their duties without fear of violence, abuse, or assault and the nurses showed tremendous courage by coming forward.

The First Judicial District Attorney's Office commends Deputy District Attorney Edna Sprague and Assistant District Attorney Alia Attallah for their outstanding work in securing these convictions and recognizes the contributions of the FJDA team: Devon Harrison, Anthony Mendez, Theresa Peña, Victim Advocate Christine Fitzsimmons, Deputy District Attorney Nancy Cortesi, and ADA Victor Sanchez. The FJDA also thanks Santa Fe Police Department Agent Brian Serna for his professionalism and his investigation

The First Judicial District Attorney's Office extends its gratitude to healthcare workers for the essential care they provide to the people of New Mexico.

06/03/2026

Congratulations on 25 Years of Service, Renee Padilla!

Thank you to Renee Padilla, Chief Financial Officer for the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, on her retirement after 25 years of dedicated service to the State of New Mexico.

We are grateful for Renee’s years of service and dedication. Thank you, Renee and congratulations! Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

06/03/2026

Congratulations to all of the elected officials who were successful in the June 2, 2026, election. Thank you to the voters who participated in the election process. Your engagement strengthens our democracy and helps shape the future of our communities.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

🗳️ Polls are open until 7 PM!

There’s still time to make your voice heard—every vote counts and every voice matters. Take a few minutes out of your day to show up, stand up, and participate in shaping your community’s future.

✅ Bring your ID/proof of address
✅ Check your polling location
✅ Encourage a friend, family member, or neighbor to go with you

Your voice matters. Get out and vote! 🇺🇸

06/01/2026

We again remind everyone that you will not be texted or called if you have a warrant and law enforcement will NEVER reach out to request payment from you. If you receive such a call or text that threatens you with arrest, don’t pay! Warrants cannot be rectified by payments or wire transfer. The scammers may threaten that they are prepared to send a deputy to arrest you if you do not make a payment …it’s not true, DO NOT MAKE A PAYMENT!

If you receive a call or message like this, do not give out any information, don’t’ pay, and simply HANG UP! If you are concerned it might be legitimate you can make a call to the court or our agency to verify. You can also report the scam to the internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov

Please remind your friends, family members and neighbors not to panic, share information, or pay and to simply hang up.

06/01/2026

June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the contributions they make to our workplaces, communities, and society.

At the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, we celebrate diversity every day. Our strength comes from the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the people who serve our communities. This month, we join others across the nation in recognizing Pride Month and reaffirming our commitment to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, inclusion, and equal treatment for all.

We are proud to serve a diverse community and to work alongside colleagues whose differences make us stronger. This Pride Month, we celebrate authenticity, acceptance, and the value of every individual.

Happy Pride Month from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

06/01/2026

The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office was proud to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run on Friday, May 29, 2026, joining law enforcement and community partners in support of an organization that empowers athletes and celebrates inclusion, determination, and achievement.

A special congratulations to our office runners: Tim Struck, Monique Montoya, and Kathryn McEnery for representing our office and helping carry the Flame of Hope.

We also want to give a special shout-out to Erica Montoya of the Santa Fe Police Department for organizing another successful Torch Run event. Her dedication and hard work help make this meaningful tradition possible year after year.

The Special Olympics movement inspires all of us, and we are honored to support its mission and the incredible athletes it serves. We look forward to participating again next year!

05/30/2026

SANTA FE JURY CONVICTS JOSEPH JONES OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED BURGLARY, AND TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE IN THE RETRIAL OF STATE V. JOSEPH M JONES

SANTA FE, N.M. — Today, a Santa Fe jury found Joseph Jones guilty of First-Degree Murder, Attempted Aggravated Burglary, and Tampering with Evidence in connection with the July 30, 2018, shooting death of Robert Romero at his home in Santa Fe.

This verdict marks the second time a Santa Fe jury has returned a guilty verdict against Joseph Jones for the murder of Robert Romero. Jones was originally convicted on February 27, 2023, following a jury trial. The New Mexico Supreme Court overturned those convictions based on the definition of a "structure" under New Mexico's burglary statute in July 2025. The Court found that Romero's portal, which is a covered porch or patio open on two sides, did not qualify as an enclosed structure subject to the burglary law. The Supreme Court confirmed that double jeopardy protections did not bar retrial, and the First Judicial District Attorney's Office immediately committed to re-prosecuting the case in pursuit of justice for Robert Romero and his family.

Joseph Jones evaded identification for two years after the crime, but advances in DNA forensic technology provided investigators with the breakthrough they needed to identify Jones as a suspect and move the case forward.

A married father of two, Robert Romero, 52, was born and raised in Santa Fe and was a beloved member of the community. Romero was fatally shot on the evening of July 30, 2018, after discovering Jones on his property. Jones had entered the Romero family's backyard armed with a handgun and with the intent to commit theft.

The First Judicial District Attorney's Office recognizes that no verdict can undo the tragedy the Romero family has endured but hopes that today's outcome reaffirms that those who commit violent crimes in our community will be held accountable.

"This case required extraordinary perseverance," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Padgett Macias. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said, "The Supreme Court's ruling sent us back to trial, but it never shook our resolve. We are grateful that justice has been delivered once again for Robert Romero and his family."

The First Judicial District Attorney's Office thanks the Romero family and friends for their continued support throughout this long process. The FJDA thanks the members of the jury for their service.

The FJDA would also like to thank the FJDA team, especially Janet Trujillo, Janet Gomez, Brian Roybal, Paul Prentice, and Victim Advocates Christine Fitzsimmons and Jordan De Graff. FJDA appreciates the dedicated service of SFPD retired case agent Bryan Martinez, and the law enforcement partners and expert witnesses who helped achieve this outcome.

Jones now faces a sentence of life in prison, plus additional time for the remaining charges. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.

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