14-02-2025
First New Mexico State Police officer placed on leave in connection to ‘DWI Enterprise' scandal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico State Police announced on Friday they have placed Sgt. Toby Lafave on administrative leave as part of the ongoing 'DWI Enterprise' scandal. He is the first NMSP officer to be publicly named in connection to the 'DWI Enterprise' scandal.
KRQE's previous coverage of New Mexico State Police Sergeant Toby Lafave's DWI arrests:
June 26, 2024: VIDEO: APD officer charged with driving drunk in patrol vehicle
Sept. 21, 2020: VIDEO: Accused DWI driver found sleeping in running truck on side of I-25
Dec. 23, 2019: Video shows NMSP officer use SUV to stop accused drunk driver
April 24, 2019: Grants police officer arrested for DWI on I-25 in Albuquerque
Nov. 20, 2018: State Police officer busts more drunk drivers than any other cop
Oct. 4, 2018: Video: Flirty grandma arrested for DWI with grandson in car
Oct. 20, 2017: State Police officer moved to tears after DWI stop
Sept. 15, 2017: State Police officer makes 100th DWI arrest
Throughout his career, Lafave was named Officer of the Month by Mothers Against Drunk Driving twice and has been one of NMSP's most prolific officers in the arrests of drunk drivers.
This week, Defense Attorney Thomas Clear III pled guilty to racketeering charges in connection to the scandal. Former APD Officer Neill Elsman also pled guilty this week to conspiracy, extortion, and bribery charges. Last week, former Albuquerque Police Department Officers Honorio Alba Jr. and Joshua Montaño also pled guilty to racketeering charges.
Clear's paralegal Rick Mednez was the first to plead guilty in the scandal. Each person who has pled guilty admitted that the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and New Mexico State Police were involved in the 'DWI Enterprise.'
BCSO placed Jeff Hammerel on leave last month.
This is a developing story, KRQE News 13 will provide updates as they become available.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
