Albuquerque attorney disbarred for DWI racketeering scheme

A federal judge has permanently disbarred an Albuquerque attorney for his role in a major DWI racketeering scheme. Thomas Clear III was banned from practicing law in New Mexico after admitting to paying off law enforcement officials to dismiss DWI cases. Chief U.S. District Judge Kenneth Gonzales announced the disbarment following Clear's temporary suspension last month. Clear and his paralegal, Ricardo "Rick" Mendez, along with several police officers, have pleaded guilty in what is believed to be one of the largest public corruption cases in New Mexico. The duo ran a scheme for decades, bribing law enforcement to help their clients avoid legal consequences. As part of their plea agreements, Clear and Mendez confessed to their involvement in racketeering along with multiple officers who accepted bribes. More than a dozen law enforcement personnel have either resigned or been placed on paid leave due to the FBI investigation. Clear did not contest his disbarment. He had already pleaded guilty to serious charges, including bribery and racketeering conspiracy. Meanwhile, another attorney, Rudolph Chavez, faces suspension following claims that he also participated in the scheme. A hearing for Chavez is set for April 7, though he has not been charged with any crimes. As a result of the investigation, over 269 DWI cases have been dismissed by the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office due to the involvement of the indicted officers.