Bribery Scheme Allowed Drunk Drivers to Evade Convictions
Two former Albuquerque Police Department officers pleaded guilty Friday to racketeering, extortion, and accepting bribes in a widespread corruption investigation involving the dismissal of DWI cases. Federal prosecutors revealed that the officers, Joshua Montaño and Honorio Alba, admitted to working with attorney Ricardo Mendez in a scheme where police were paid to avoid appearing in court, allowing drunk driving suspects to escape conviction.
Years-Long Bribery Scheme Uncovered
Court records detail how Mendez’s law firm orchestrated the scheme, offering bribes in the form of cash payments of $5,000 or more, gifts, and legal services to officers who agreed to skip their required court appearances. The absence of these officers in court led to automatic dismissals of DWI charges against Mendez’s clients. The scheme relied on DWI suspects paying a cash retainer to Mendez’s firm, which was then funneled to officers involved in the conspiracy.
Both Montaño and Alba signed plea agreements, agreeing to cooperate with federal investigators in exchange for reduced sentences. Their attorneys have not responded to requests for comment.
Attorney Also Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges
Ricardo Mendez, the attorney at the center of the operation, pleaded guilty last month to multiple federal charges, including racketeering and bribery. Investigators believe the scheme lasted for years, compromising numerous DWI cases in Albuquerque’s legal system.
APD Chief Condemns Corruption
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina praised the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in exposing the scandal but warned that the investigation is far from over. He stated that law enforcement continues to uncover details about those involved and emphasized that there may be further consequences. Medina confirmed that both Montaño and Alba resigned rather than face questioning from the department’s internal affairs investigators.
More Officers Under Investigation
The corruption scandal has rocked the Albuquerque Police Department. More than a dozen officers have either resigned, been placed on administrative leave, terminated, or reassigned due to their alleged involvement in the scheme. Authorities continue to investigate, and additional charges may follow as the probe deepens.
