ALBUQUERQUE SCHOOL TEACHER CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING STUDENT -- Late this afternoon , a jury found Rejoice Uzo-Hez guilty of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Child 13-18 years old by a School Employee, Criminal Sexual Contact of a Child 13-18 years old, and Child Abuse. BACKGROUND: In February of 2025, Uzo-Hez was a teacher at the Voz Charter School in SE Albuquerque. He repeatedly sexually abused one of the female students at the school. Uzo-Hez, who also goes by the name Uzo-Hez Chukwuebuka, taught multiple classes at the charter school. Sentencing will take place at a later date. Deputy District Attorney Rebekah Reyes and Chief Deputy District Attorney Natalie Lyon prosecuted this case.

WOMAN WHO STOLE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN MERCHANDISE FROM CORONADO CENTER SENTENCED This week, a judge sentenced Marileysi Campos to seven years in the New Mexico Corrections Department. Campos and two accomplices stole thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise from Sephora in 2023. In 2024, she pleaded guilty to Organized Retail Crime in connection with the theft. In April, Campos violated the terms of her probation by failing to complete court-ordered counseling and testing positive for illegal drugs. As a result, the court revoked her probation and imposed the seven-year sentence.

🏛️⚖️ GREAT JOB, METRO COURT TEAM! ⚖️🏛️ (FIRST WEEK OF JUNE) - What a week of teamwork, dedication, and results! From a bench trial on Monday to a DWI jury trial on Friday, the Metro Court Team tackled 11 trials in just one week—and secured 10 convictions, including a Domestic Violence jury trial. These victories weren't achieved by individual efforts alone. Throughout the week, team members stepped up for one another by covering dockets, ensuring courtroom coverage, coordinating witnesses, assisting with trial preparation, and providing encouragement every step of the way. This was a true team effort that showcased the professionalism, commitment, and collaborative spirit of the entire Metro Court Team. 👏 Congratulations to the entire Metro Court Team on an outstanding week of hard work, dedication, and success! Your commitment to serving the community and supporting one another continues to make a difference every day. #Teamwork #JusticeServed #MetroCourt #TrialSuccess #PublicService #WinningTogether 🏆⚖️👏

BCSO DEPUTY INDICTED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND FELONY AGGRAVATED BATTERY A grand jury has indicted Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputy Bryan Lassley on charges of child abuse and felony aggravated battery stemming from an incident involving a juvenile female on Dec. 3, 2025. According to investigators, the juvenile had allegedly injured two sheriff's deputies and a court security officer prior to the encounter with Lassley. Lassley arrived on scene to take photographs of the already detained juvenile. Body-camera footage captured the juvenile in the back of a patrol vehicle. After Lassley ordered her to exit the vehicle, an exchange of words occurred during which the teen cursed at the deputy and moved toward him. The video shows Lassley pushing the juvenile away before grabbing her head and striking it against the inside of the patrol vehicle twice. Another deputy then intervened. Following a review of the evidence, a grand jury determined there was sufficient probable cause to bring criminal charges, resulting in the indictment against BCSO Deputy Lassley. An indictment is a formal accusation and is not a determination of guilt. BCSO Deputy Lassley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

MAN FOUND GUILTY OF BATTERING WIFE -- A jury has found former Albuquerque Police officer James Eichel guilty of Aggravated Battery Against a Household Member. The incident occurred in January 2025 at a home in southeast Albuquerque. Police responded to a domestic dispute and learned the residence belonged to Eichel, who was an APD officer at the time. He left the home before officers arrived. The victim suffered significant facial swelling and bruising, and her eye was swollen shut. She told investigators Eichel punched her several times during an argument. Sentencing will take place at a later date. APD says Eichel has since resigned from the police department. Deputy District Attorney Dana Beyal and Deputy District Attorney Lindsay Stuart prosecuted this case.

JUDGE ORDERS FIFTH SUSPECT DETAINED IN CONNECTION WITH EXECUTION STYLE MURDER NEAR UNM -- A judge has ordered that Zakiya Umstead, the fifth suspect charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Eden Rock, remain in custody as her case goes through the judicial process. The shooting happened on May 13 just before 11 p.m. near the Frontier Restaurant along Central Avenue in Albuquerque. Investigators believe Umstead lured Rock outside the restaurant, where detectives believe the attack had been planned. Surveillance video showed several suspects hiding behind a dumpster before rushing toward Rock and shooting him execution style in an alley near Cornell Drive and Stanford Drive. Four men have also been charged in connection with the case. As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club for hosting a great community discussion! Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman was the guest speaker and shared an update on public safety. He noted that overall crime trends are decreasing, with the exception of juvenile crime, and highlighted that the Juvenile Laws have not been updated in more than three decades. Bregman also discussed efforts to strengthen prosecutions, expand diversion programs, and address root causes of crime. Since taking office in 2023, Bregman has hired 80 attorneys to help manage rising caseloads and improve outcomes in court. The Kiwanis Club is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities. They also honored an APD Officer for his outstanding work in the community.

SIXTH TEEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH HOMICIDE NEAR OLD TOWN -- Today, a judge ordered a sixth suspect detained in connection with the May 18, 2025 homicide of 19-year-old Luis Ortiz near Old Town. Police say 19-year-old Alonzo Cuarenta was involved in the robbery and fatal shooting. Investigators believe Ortiz met a group of teens to sell them alcohol when they fired multiple shots at him. Ortiz later crashed his vehicle near 23rd Street NW, and authorities say his pistol and the alcohol were stolen. Six teens have now been charged in the case.

17-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH MURDER WILL REMAIN IN CUSTODY — The suspect was 16 years old at the time of the crime and is accused of taking part in the robbery and murder of Luis Ortiz. Background The crime happened on May 18, 2025. Investigators say a group of teens met Ortiz in a parking lot near Old Town, where they had planned to buy alcohol from him. During the encounter, multiple shots were fired at Ortiz. Police say Ortiz drove away from the scene before crashing his car near 23rd Street NW. Investigators believe the teens initially fled the area, then later returned to the crash site. Officers recovered additional shell casings at the scene. Authorities say Ortiz was also robbed of his pistol and the alcohol. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office plans to charge the teen as an adult. Under New Mexico law, our office is not allowed to release juvenile suspects’ mugshots.

Man Convicted of Shooting Victim Multiple Times Sentenced to Life in Prison - Today, a judge sentenced Samuel Jimenez Perez to Life in Prison in the New Mexico Corrections Department. In February, a jury convicted him of First-Degree murder for the shooting death of Rosendo Martinez. September 2024, Jimenez Perez went to Martinez’s home at approximately 5:45 in the morning, prepared for violence. He was wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Martinez was shot seven times in a barrage of gunfire that claimed his life. Investigators recovered 25 spent bullet casings at the scene. Under New Mexico law, a life sentence for First-Degree Murder means Jimenez Perez will not be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.

MAN CONVICTED OF SHOOTING WOMAN IN THE HEAD SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON A man convicted of shooting a woman in the head at a Southeast Albuquerque apartment complex has been sentenced to life in prison. In April, a jury convicted Houston Coate of First-Degree Murder for the fatal shooting of Barbara Chavez on August 29, 2024. The shooting happened in the 1000 block of Valencia Drive SE. Coate went to the apartment, knocked on the door, and demanded his belongings. When the situation escalated, he fired several shots into the apartment, striking Chavez in the head and killing her. Under New Mexico law, a life sentence for First-Degree Murder means Coate will not be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.

MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH FATAL CRASH INVOLVING BCSO SERGEANT -- Miguel Orlando Perez has been charged in connection with the February 23, 2026 crash that killed Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Schlattman on Interstate 40 near the Carnuel exit. Perez is charged with Careless Driving and Operation of Vehicle on Approach of Emergency Vehicle. The Rio Rancho Police Department investigation found Sgt. Schlattman had completed a traffic stop in the westbound lanes of I-40 and was returning to his patrol vehicle when it was struck from behind by a semi-truck driven by Perez. The impact pushed the patrol unit into Sgt. Schlattman, causing fatal injuries. Investigators determined the semi-truck was traveling approximately 64 mph at the time of the crash and that no brakes were applied before impact. The investigation also found no mechanical issues with either the semi-truck or Sgt. Schlattman’s patrol vehicle. Contributing factors identified by investigators included sun glare, the position of the patrol vehicle, and driver inattention. Perez holds a valid Florida Class A commercial driver’s license. The case was investigated by the Rio Rancho Police Department and later submitted to the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review and charging consideration. Perez is due in court next month.

WELCOME INTERNS! 👏⚖️ The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney Sam Bregman are proud to welcome 14 interns to our office this summer! Our interns come from the University of New Mexico School of Law, the University of New Mexico, local high schools, and even as far away as New Hampshire. Today, the interns had a chance to sit down and chat with DA Bregman, who asked them about their future goals and aspirations and what inspired them to pursue this opportunity. After the conversation, we took photos together to mark the start of the summer program. They’ll be learning more about the criminal justice system and criminal law while helping serve our community throughout the summer. We’re excited to have them on the team. Welcome! 🎉

TEEN SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM PENALTY UNDER NEW MEXICO LAW FOR TWO ALBUQUERQUE MURDERS - This morning, a judge sentenced Andres Herrera to 40 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department for two separate homicides he committed when he was 16 years old. Herrera was a juvenile at the time of the murders, but he was prosecuted and sentenced as an adult. In July 2025, Herrera entered no contest pleas to two counts of First-Degree Murder in connection with the deaths of Phillip Apodaca and Damion Alday. BACKGROUND: October 6, 2023 – Murder of Phillip Apodaca Phillip Apodaca was fatally shot outside Resource Brewing Co. in Albuquerque after being struck multiple times in the back. Investigators connected Herrera to the homicide through surveillance evidence, including the clothing he wore and the vehicle he was driving at the time. December 27, 2023 – Murder of Damion Alday Nineteen-year-old Damion Alday was shot and killed at Sundoro Park in northwest Albuquerque. Surveillance footage captured Herrera firing at Alday at close range. Prosecutors said Herrera later posted statements on social media bragging about approaching Alday and shooting him multiple times in the head. Because of the severity of the crimes, Herrera was charged as an adult under New Mexico law and ultimately received the maximum sentence allowed.

On behalf of the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This Memorial Day, we thank you for your service, courage, and selfless dedication. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

FORMER CHURCH PASTOR CONVICTED OF RAPE- Late this afternoon, a jury convicted former church pastor Andrew Miller of Criminal Sexual Penetration Resulting in Personal Injury. Miller used false pretenses, including posing as a reality show producer connected to New Hope Church, to gain access to the victim. He then sexually assaulted her. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Lisa Roybal and Senior Trial Attorney Crystal Cabrido. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office thanks the victim for her courage throughout the investigation and trial process. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Today at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Memorial in Santa Fe, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities and our state. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. May we always remember their sacrifice and keep their families and fellow officers in our prayers.

FOURTH SUSPECT IN EXECUTION-STYLE MURDER DETAINED Today, a judge ruled that Jaylen Hopewell will remain in custody as his case moves through the judicial process. Hopewell and four other suspects are charged in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Eden Rock. Rock and one of the suspects had been involved in a feud earlier that day. Investigators believe a woman lured Rock into an alley behind the restaurant, where four male suspects, including Hopewell, were waiting behind a dumpster. The suspects then ambushed Rock and shot him execution-style. As always, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted in a court of law.

MAN CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING GIRL -- Today, a jury convicted Abraham Zuniga of criminal sexual contact of a minor (ages 13–18) while in a position of authority. In August 2024, the 16-year-old victim was staying at Zuniga's home when he sexually assaulted her. The victim locked herself in the bathroom, then Zuniga texted her and apologized. The following day, the victim reported the incident to school staff, which led to the investigation and prosecution. Zuniga faces a possible sentence of 3 to 15 years in prison. Sentencing will take place at a later date. Deputy District Attorney Rebekah Reyes and Attorney Julia Oliver prosecuted this case.