‘Has to be greed:' FBI Albuquerque talks DWI public corruption investigation
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The man in charge of the FBI's investigation into a DWI dismissal scheme mainly operated by members of the Albuquerque Police Department, at least two other law enforcement agencies, and legal professionals says the work is far from over.
FBI Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda explained that the discovery of what could be the state's largest public corruption scandal reflects poorly on all members of law enforcement. 'It's a stain on every single one of us to carry a badge,' Bujanda told KRQE Investigates.
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Bujanda and his team of New Mexico-based FBI agents spent years investigating the so-called 'DWI Enterprise.' The efforts brought in results Friday when Ricardo 'Rick' Mendez, the man the feds say 'handled the day-to-day coordination of the scheme,' pleaded guilty in federal court to eight charges, including conspiracy, bribery of a police officer receiving federal funds, and interfering with commerce by extortion.
According to federal court documents, Mendez, a paralegal, worked directly with law enforcement members from APD, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and New Mexico State Police, to funnel their drunk-driving defendants to his boss, who KRQE News 13 believes is Attorney Thomas Clear III. As a result, the drunk driving suspects would get their cases dismissed in exchange for money and other favors.
'What would make someone do this? Why would you take a risk, whether it's $100, a gift, or whatever the case may be? What would make you want to do that? It has to be greed,' Bujanda said, adding that it's a public corruption scandal like he's never seen. 'The length of time that this was going on for. It's concerning, but, uh, and unique. Definitely haven't seen anything like this somewhere else.'
Bujanda compared the actions of those who were involved in the scheme to those commonly seen in gang activity. 'They did it for the same reason as an organization would, which is to profit from it,' he said.
While Mendez's admission helped federal investigators, Bujanda said the investigation is actually probably only at a 'midpoint.'
'When we go after someone who's a law enforcement officer, we got to be 100% sure. So everything that we've done and reason why this investigation has taken as long as it has and will continue to take, however long it's going to take, is because we want to make sure we get it right,' Bujanda explained.
Officials believe this 'DWI Enterprise' started at least 17 years ago. Because of the length of time, KRQE Investigates asked what happens if investigators can't get enough evidence to bring charges against retired officers.
Bujanda said he will do whatever is in his power to keep them from working in law enforcement again. 'They have violated that trust that they don't get to wear a badge again,' he explained.
As for the more recent officers, many who quit as their suspected actions came to light,Bujanda made it clear: wherever they are now, they'll be held accountable. 'The FBI is in every state. We're international. So it wouldn't really matter where they decide to go or try to hide,' said Bujanda.
As the investigation continues, Bujanda asks anyone who was offered the scheme or took part in it to contact the FBI. To submit an anonymous tip, call the FBI Albuquerque Office at 505-889-1300.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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