Investigation into DWI bribery expands in New Mexico

A fifth law enforcement officer in New Mexico has pleaded guilty in a federal bribery investigation linked to DWI cases. The latest officer, Nelson Ortiz, admitted his role in the scheme, in which law enforcement officials helped a local attorney dismiss DWI cases. Sgt. Lucas Perez, a former DWI unit sergeant with the Albuquerque Police Department, has been placed on administrative leave during the ongoing investigation. The U.S. Attorney's Office notified police that Perez is under scrutiny. He has not been charged with a crime, but federal prosecutors say his credibility could be questioned if he testifies in court. The investigation has led to the dismissal of over 260 DWI cases in Bernalillo County involving other law enforcement officers connected to the case. So far, federal prosecutors have secured guilty pleas from seven people, including four former APD officers and a disbarred attorney. Ortiz, who joined the APD in 2016, stated in his plea agreement that he received cash, gift cards, and meals in exchange for missing important court hearings. This allowed the attorney's clients to have their DWI charges dismissed. The case highlights how crucial the testimony of arresting officers is in DWI prosecutions, as judges often dismiss cases if officers do not appear in court.