Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputy pleads guilty in DWI Unit scandal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The first Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputy named in the DWI Unit scandal has pled guilty to federal extortion and bribery charges. Jeff Hammerel was placed on leave in January after he was implicated after the first person in the scandal, Rick Mendez, pled guilty. Hammerel resigned from BCSO on Tuesday.
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DWI Advocate Reacts To Corruption Scheme
Hammerel joined BCSO in February 2010 and served in the DWI Unit from January 2013 to November 2024. After going through court records, KRQE Investigates found that he had 24 cases with former attorney Thomas Clear III, and 15 of those cases were dismissed.
Earlier this month, Clear III admitted to running the scheme. Former APD officers Honorio Alba Jr., Joshua Montaño, and Neill Elsman all pled guilty to charges relating to the scandal.
New Mexico State Police Officer Toby Lafave has been placed on leave relating to the scandal. Former BCSO Undersheriff Johann Jareno resigned on Monday. Jareno has been placed on the Giglio List which means his credibility in court has been questioned. The Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office said it is reviewing Jareno's cases to determine if any need to be dismissed.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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