From the Las Vegas Optic Most businesses and some government offices have closed temporarily to help slow the spread of COVID-19, but closing isn’t an option for the state’s courts and jails. The U.S. Constitution provides several rights to anyone charged with a crime, and the New Mexico Rules of Criminal Procedure further outline rights…
From the Las Vegas Optic Criminal bookings at the San Miguel County Detention Center have decreased substantially since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in New Mexico on March 11, according to data compiled by the Optic. During the two-week period of March 11 to March 25 in 2019, SMCDC had 92 criminal bookings. During…
From the Idaho Business Review Although many people likely view reporting to a probation officer as a punishment, Ada County Juvenile Court Probation Supervisor Leahann Romero said her goal is to instead make those visits about rehabilitation. It’s an approach that has shown success. By helping juveniles in the criminal court system set and meet…
From the Las Vegas Optic Officials with the San Miguel County Detention Center have suspended in-person visitation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Warden Matt Elwell told the Optic the suspension of visitations will last at least three weeks, and that officials will review the policy at that point. “We’ve canceled our public visitation, and (are preventing)…
From the Las Vegas Optic Voters in this June’s Democratic primary election will have to choose between two candidates for the position of district attorney in the Fourth Judicial District. No Republicans filed to run, placing more importance on the results of the primary election since the winner will run unopposed in November’s general election.…
From the Las Vegas Optic After serving four terms as the top prosecutor in San Miguel, Mora and Guadalupe counties, District Attorney Richard Flores has decided not to seek re-election. “After four terms, and about 16 years in this position, I just thought it was time to hand over the reigns to someone else,” Flores…
From the Las Vegas Optic Editor’s note: The following is part two in an ongoing series on drug and alcohol addiction in San Miguel and Mora counties. In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the roots of addiction, what’s being done about it and take a look at how other communities are addressing addiction. It was…
From the Las Vegas Optic Las Vegas Police are searching for a man investigators allege killed William “Skip” Smith Jr. in August 2019. An arrest warrant for Seig Isaac Chavez, 40, was issued following a lengthy investigation by LVPD. Chavez has been charged with first-degree murder and felony tampering with evidence in the stabbing death…
From the Las Vegas Optic Editor’s note: The following is Part 1 in a series. In the coming weeks, the Optic will explore drug and alcohol addiction in San Miguel and Mora counties, hear stories from police and prosecutors, health care providers and by those struggling with addiction. We’ll explore the roots of addiction, what’s…
From the Las Vegas Optic A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty to being intoxicated when he crashed a vehicle with four juvenile passengers on July 4, 2019. According to a plea agreement filed in San Miguel Magistrate Court, Alexander C. Crowell, 29, pleaded guilty to aggravated DWI, improper restraining of a child in a vehicle…
