Federal Investigation Uncovers Corruption Scandal Involving APD Officers and Attorney
ICARO Media Group
In a shocking turn of events, a federal investigation has revealed a deep-rooted corruption scandal involving multiple Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers and a local attorney. The investigation, which has resulted in the dismissal of numerous DWI cases, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Although none of the individuals involved have been officially charged, extensive research conducted by KOB 4 has identified four officers from APD's DWI Unit. These officers have recently been added to the Bernalillo County District Attorney's list of law enforcement individuals with credibility issues as witnesses in court, commonly known as the Brady or Giglio list.
Further investigations have confirmed that the FBI conducted raids on the office of attorney Thomas Clear III, who represented clients in the dismissed DWI cases as well as other cases. The US Attorney's Office in Albuquerque has confirmed that these raids are connected to their ongoing investigation.
The spotlight falls on Officer Honorio Alba Jr., an officer who was previously hailed for his work against drunk driving. In fact, Alba was recognized as the top officer for the year 2023 by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). However, Alba's name has emerged in a staggering 46% of the recently dismissed cases. He remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officer Joshua Montano, a long-time member of the DWI unit, finds himself in a similar situation as Alba. Montano, who was severely injured by a drunk driver in 2022, has had his credibility undermined and is no longer considered a credible witness by the District Attorney's office. Likewise, Officer Nelson Ortiz, another DWI unit member, is under investigation and is currently on paid administrative leave.
The attorney at the center of this scandal, Thomas Clear III, continues to appear in the list of dismissed DWI cases. His office was raided by the FBI, with agents using a battering ram to enter the premises.
These revelations have raised questions about why the officers failed to show up in court. The motives behind their absence remain unclear, but it is a crucial aspect of the ongoing federal investigation.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, while aware of the public's desire for more information, has stressed the importance of allowing federal authorities to conduct a thorough investigation without interference. He acknowledges that once the investigation is complete, more details about the scandal may come to light.
DWI cases heavily rely on the testimony of the investigating officers, and without their presence in court, these cases cannot proceed. The Law Office of the Public Defender views the Giglio-Brady list as a means to hold police officers accountable and ensure the reliability of their testimony in court.
As the investigation unfolds, the community eagerly awaits answers and justice for those affected by the dismissed DWI cases.