Latest news with #Bujanda
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Leader Of Albuquerque FBI Steps Down
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The leader of the federal agency that investigated the DWI corruption scandal has left his position as Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Albuquerque. Now, former SAC Raul Bujanda sat down with KRQE's Anchor, Dean Staley, for an extended exit interview that covered crime, guns, and the state's biggest police corruption scandal. Bujanda discusses his time with the FBI, youth violence, and speaks candidly about teens' access to guns. 'Nothing's gonna happen unless we get control of one of these two things: either our appetite for drugs, or our overall supply of guns,' Bujanda explained. What does the former FBI leader believe is the main driver of crime in New Mexico? Will more cops be charged in the corruption scheme? Those questions and more are discussed in the full interview above. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others. You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQE's YouTube page at Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term 'KRQE' or 'New Mexico News Insiders' (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at or Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
KRQE Newsfeed: Stepping down, Offender arrested, More rain ahead, Suspect search, Fire restrictions
Tucumcari community rallies around well known 'Kix on 66' after devastating fire FBI discusses future of DWI scandal as another APD officer takes a plea Santa Fe police release new details on deadly crash involving city employee Developer shares details on new Nob Hill Hiway Hotel in Albuquerque These movies and shows were filmed in Las Vegas. Have you seen them? UNM dual-sport athlete granted NFL opportunity Trump's first 100 days: A timeline [1] A conversation with FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda as he steps down – FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda is stepping down after 27 years in law enforcement. In a recent interview with KRQE, Bujanda said the main issues he's seen throughout his time is gun violence and how easy it is to get one. Bujanda says the first step in tackling the problem is reaching out to kids early, before they become involved in dangerous activities. Bujanda says he is proud of the bureau's work on the problem of missing and murdered indigenous people during his time. [2] Albuquerque judge orders convicted sex offender be held on charges during trial – A convicted sex offender, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, will be held behind bars until his trial. The 14-year-old told police she had an ongoing sexual relationship with 42-year-old Joseph Lacour-Benavidez. When police searched his home they found the 14-year-old and an 11-year-old. Detectives later found several sexual text messages between Lacour-Benavidez and the victim. Tuesday, Judge Cindy Leos agreed to the state's request to keep Lacour-Benavidez in custody on his charges while awaiting trial. [3] Storm departs, warmer weather before another storm arrives in New Mexico – Another chance for rain will return Wednesday afternoon in northern and eastern New Mexico. Temperatures will be warmer across the state. On Thursday, the best chance for rain will stay in northern New Mexico, especially along the Colorado state line. The weather turns even more active starting Friday as a cold front again moves west across the state Thursday night bringing in higher moisture across New Mexico. A storm system will also start approaching New Mexico from the west on Friday. [4] Duo suspected of stealing $80K worth of copper wire from ABQ school – Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers is seeking the public's help with identifying two suspects accused of breaking into electrical boxes at an Albuquerque school. Officials said the incident happened on April 19 at the Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts, on Indian School Rd NE near Eubank Blvd. The suspects are accused of stealing copper wiring with an estimated value of $80,000. [5] Santa Fe National Forest to implement stage 1 fire restrictions on Sunday – With fire risk elevating across the state, the Santa Fe National Forest is implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions. Visitors cannot build a campfire outside of a designated campground, smoking is not allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle or building, chainsaw use is not allowed and more. Restrictions will remain in place until October 1. For a complete list of Stage 1 fire restrictions, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
Justice Department allocates resources to Indian Country to assist FBI with unresolved violent crimes
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Amid an increase in unsolved violent crime in Indian Country, the U.S. Department of Justice is ramping up FBI personnel at sites across the country, including New Mexico. 'What it really does, it just kind of force multiplies our resources,' said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. Story continues below Weather: Heavy snow moves into parts of New Mexico this weekend Sports: Jake Hall commits to New Mexico men's basketball Crime: APD investigating Walmart shooting as potential justifiable homicide On Tuesday, the Justice Department alerted FBI agencies across the United States that they will send 60 agents, on 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period, to address an influx in violent crime and the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people on tribal lands. 'So, the investigations don't necessarily change different. Sometimes when you hear we're surging resources, it kind of implies that there's going to be like a big operation. What they actually do is allow us to work on cases that happened yesterday,' continued Bujanda, who leads the FBI Division out of Albuquerque. Operation Not Forgotten, an initiative that launched in 2023, provides intelligence and victim service support to Indian Country offices. The surge in resources allows field agents to quickly find violent offenders and those who have gone missing. 'It helps us have more resources to be able to work with them, because they are also inundated with things that are happening. We can provide a person or an agent that can be there with them when these crimes are happening,' emphasized Bujanda. Bujanda said the program has been well-received thus fair, with cooperation from tribal leaders and community members alike, 'It gives more of an opportunity to have more one-on-one conversations with law enforcement community because we're not just chasing the next investigation, but we can also focus on that investigation and have attendance at the community event so that we are having that connection with our community.' The Justice Department said Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization. In New Mexico, the FBI hopes to focus its efforts on the Navajo Nation near Farmington and Gallup, where they see a disproportionate amount of violent crime against women and children. This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to more than 500 cases in the past two years. These operations resulted in the recovery of ten child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Yahoo
‘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. Related Coverage First person pleads guilty in APD DWI dismissal scandal; NMSP, BCSO now named 'Corruption at its finest': ACLU Attorney reacts to DWI scheme charges APD releases timeline of investigation into DWI Unit scandal 'This is clearly just the beginning': New Mexico's U.S. Attorney on DWI scandal charges Albuquerque police place 2 more officers on leave following charges in DWI Unit scandal 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.
