Former U.S. Attorney speaks out on DWI Unit scandal

Yahoo

29-01-2025

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – As the investigation into the DWI dismissal scandal continues with Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda saying this is just the midpoint, many of you might be asking what comes next? Former New Mexico United States Attorney Damon Martinez said the process may take a while.
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Martinez is no stranger to prosecuting corruption. 'I had been in the U.S. Attorney's office in 2014 for about 13 years and I worked my way from, you know, the line to supervising the wire tap section which means prosecuting the cartels,' said Martinez.
Serving as the chief federal law enforcement officer from 2014 to 2017, Martinez negotiated the consent decree with the city and Albuquerque Police Department in the Department of Justice settlement agreement over excessive use of force but Martinez said the DWI dismissal scandal is nothing he's ever seen before. 'I've dealt with public corruption in my career but this is pretty serious and the extent of it, the scope of it is something that is unheard of in our community,' said Martinez.
As the first member of the scheme, paralegal Rick Mendez, admitted to his role on Friday seemingly cooperating with investigators. Martinez said more will be on the way. 'When you're prosecuting a case and an organization, what you want to do is, you want to find those individuals that will flip and turn on the other defendants and so you try to work your way up the chain,' said Martinez.
However, Martinez said it's not as simple as just trusting those who do flip at their word. 'You have to corroborate that information. So that is something that is going to be important as far as where the FBI comes in to look at, you know, are there other things that validate what he's saying,' said Martinez.
He echoed what current U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez and Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda have urged over the last week, for more people to come forward. 'It only makes the case stronger if you have more victims out there and you can show exactly the extent or scope of this,' said Martinez.
One thing Martinez said will be important to keep an eye on is the transition to a new U.S. Attorney under the Trump administration. Martinez believes when vetting candidates, the biggest question needs to be, 'Will the DWI dismissal scandal be a priority?'
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