Press Releases

Press release: Clovis Man Sentenced to Maximum Time in Prison for Attempted Murder

Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler announced today that James Gilbert, age 32, was sentenced to serve nine (9) years in prison for one (1) count of Attempted Murder, which is the maximum time for attempted murder in New Mexico.

The charges stem from October 3, 2010 when Curry County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call concerning a stabbing.  The investigation uncovered that James Gilbert unlawfully entered the home of the victim at approximately 3:15 a.m. and repeatedly stabbed her with a knife while she slept in her bed.  The six-inch blade eventually lodged into the victim’s leg bone and Gilbert fled the area.  Medical personnel stated that the victim sustained over fifteen stab wounds during the attack.  An arrest warrant was immediately issued for Gilbert, who was eventually located in his vehicle on Curry County Road A. I would say it’s not, and hope our legislators take a serious look at the penalties in New Mexico to see if the penalties really do fit the crime.”

District Judge Stephen Quinn presided over the proceedings and Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Reeb prosecuted the case for the State. The State was able to prove this crime was a serious violent offense, meaning that Gilbert must serve at least 85% of his 9-year sentence before he is eligible to be paroled.  Once Gilbert completes his prison term, he must serve an additional five (5) years of intensively supervised probation. 

For additional information, please contact the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Press release: Udall's measures advance to president

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) reported today that his legislation to help prevent drunk driving and dangerous "air rage" will now be sent to the president's desk as a part of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that passed the Senate. Udall, whodiscussed the accomplishment on his weekly radio call, has been fighting to pass this measure following a deadly alcohol-related car crash in 2006 that claimed six lives. Click here for full audio of this week’s call.

Udall's proposal requires airlines to train flight attendants and gate agents on recognizing and dealing with inebriated or belligerent passengers. The purpose is to help personnel makeinformed decisions about whether a customer should be served alcohol, and to help them cope with passengers who disrupt flights. Current federal regulations prohibit an intoxicated person from boarding a flight, but it is not mandatory for airlines to provide training to ensure that regulations are obeyed.

"This provision aims to make both our skies and our roads safer," said Udall. "As New Mexico's Attorney General, I fought for more effective alcohol server training for bars and restaurants and given the dangers of passengers being overserved on flights, it's commonsense that we should prepare our airline personnel the same way."

Udall was prompted to research airline alcohol server protocol as a member of the House of Representatives after a drunk driving accident in New Mexico that resulted in the deaths of five family members from Las Vegas. The driver, who caused the crash, was also killed and had been drinking on an airline before the accident.

During his research on airline personnel training, Udall discovered that "air rage" incidents-dangerous outbursts by airline passengers often fueled by alcohol-have risen 400 percent since 2000. Roughly 10,000 incidents occur each year in the United States. His proposal would train airline personnel on how to prevent these incidents and how to address them when they occur.

The legislation has been endorsed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and organizations representing flight attendants, pilots, federal air marshals,airport law enforcement, and air traffic controllers. These include the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA).

Udall also detailed two more of his initiatives that were included in the FAA bill.

His measure to speed-up privacy protections for airline passengers screened by whole-body scanners by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will also be signed into law. It requires the TSA to implement the use of new, less invasive screening software to eliminate the use of passenger-specific body images during the screening process by June. For comparative images, click here<http://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=760>.

The bill also includes his provision to advance a land exchange to improve access at the Santa Teresa Airport.

"Airplane travel is a norm for countless Americans. And I don't know anyone who doesn't want it to be moreefficient and as safe as possible. Because of this bill, we are able to create or save jobs by improving flight safety,” Udall said on the call. “It's not a perfect bill, but its passage was vitally important.”

In addition the FAA Reauthorization bill will:

• Create or save almost 280,000 jobs

• Provide a four year budget for the FAA allowing better long-term planning and provide the stability it needs for a world-class air travel system

• Upgrade this country’s air-traffic control system from the World War II-era technology relied on today. Improvements would upgrade to modern, satellite technology to track aircraft and guide them in for safe landings.

Press release: Bingaman talks FAA reauthorization bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today talked about a bill currently before the Senate to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. Bingaman’s remarks can be retrieved by going to his website or clicking on the following link:

http://bingaman.senate.gov/mediaasset/bingaman020612m.mp3

00:00 – Bingaman talks about the FAA reauthorization bill before the Senate.

02:31 – Bingaman talks about the future of nuclear power in the United States.

04:22 – Bingaman talks about the effects of natural gas prices on renewable energy development.

06:20 – Bingaman comments on the state’s ongoing debate on allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

07:40 - Bingaman talks about other issues on the Senate agenda, including a bill to extend the payroll tax cut.

Press release: Naming competition for baby giraffe

On January 25, 2012, a baby was born to Jael, our Rothschild giraffe.  The 6 feet, 120 lb. female calf is receiving around the clock care from the zoo staff.  Future plans for the baby include the construction of a runway that will lead to the giraffe enclosure.  Also, as the weather begins to warm up, the Zoo hopes to be able to allow the public to view her. 

 “Because she was much anticipated by the public, the Parks & Recreation Department would like for the community to name her.  I wish to hold a citywide contest to name the baby.  The winner of the contest will have their name on a plaque and receive a family year pass to the zoo,” advised Parks & Recreation Director Bill Bizzell on Thursday.  Clovis residents wishing to submit written nominations for the name of the baby giraffe should send these together with their contact information (name, address and phone number/e-mail)  to the Clovis Parks & Recreation Department at 500 Sycamore, Clovis, NM 88101 between Monday, February 6th, 2012 and 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 29th, 2012.   

Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (575) 769-7870.

Press release: Ribbon cutting set for dog park

The City of Clovis will be holding a ribbon cutting for the new dog park area at Hillcrest Park at 12:30 p.m., Monday, February 6th, 2012.

Clovis Parks & Recreation Director Mr. Bill Bizzell advises that the dog park consists of two areas, one for large and one for smaller dogs. There are park benches, fire hydrants and “mutt mitts” in the area. The project was completed at the cost of $50,000. “We are very pleased to have the dog park area up and running” advised Clovis Mayor Gayla Brumfield Thursday. “It is a wonderful addition to our parks system”.

“I think the dog park is a great place for people to get out and exercise their pet, especially the large dogs who have a lot of energy. I am really impressed with the amount of thought and planning that went into its design and construction”, advised Linda Cross of the High Plains Humane Society.

“The dog park is a great place for pet owners to take their dogs for exercise and socialization” advised Clovis veterinarian Dr. David Hudson Thursday. “As a veterinarian I am concerned about their safety. There is plenty of shade and level terrain for them to play on. The city has established a set of rules for users of the park and if followed should provide a safe and fun environment for our pets.”

Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (575) 769-7828.

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Udall: USDA Pilot Program to Help Rural N.M. Homeowners

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will launch a new Single Family Housing Guaranteed Rural Refinance Pilot Program in New Mexico to help rural borrowers refinance their mortgages.

Currently, approximately 2,000 New Mexico families are enrolled in the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Program. They are now eligible to refinance their homes at a lower interest rate and reduce their monthly mortgage payments. To take part in the new pilot program, rural residents are encouraged to contact their banks.

“I applaud the Obama Administration for expanding their homeowner assistance programs in New Mexico,” Udall said.  “The money that this program will save makes a big difference to families trying to make ends meet and struggling to stay in their homes.  I am working with USDA to see that the initiative helps New Mexico’s rural communities as much as possible.”

To be eligible under this pilot, borrowers must have made their mortgage payments on time for 12 consecutive months. They do not have to obtain new credit reports, property inspections or home appraisals.  Refinanced loans must be at rates below the original interest rate. Terms cannot exceed 30 years.  No cash out is permitted to the borrower.

Governor Susana Martinez announces arrest in Mexico of alleged fugitive child killer Noe Torres

SANTA FE – Today, Governor Susana Martinez and District Attorney Matt Chandler stood with the family of murdered 10-year old Carlos Perez to announce that fugitive murder suspect Noe Torres has been arrested in Chihuahua, Mexico and is awaiting extradition. Torres is wanted for the September 15, 2005 murder of Perez in Clovis, New Mexico. He has been on the run since Perez was shot while sleeping in the middle of the night, believed to have been hiding out in a Mexican religious compound.

On January 18th, Torres wrote a letter to Governor Martinez requesting that she provide assistance in dropping the murder charges against him. The next day, Martinez met with District Attorney Chandler, who provided her with information about where authorities believed Torres to be located in Mexico, as well as details about previous activity in the case. Later that evening, Martinez met with Chihuahua Governor Cesar Duarte prior to an economic development summit that was held in Pojoaque and provided him with all relevant details on the case – including the address at which Torres was believed to be hiding, photos of the hideout, and his mug shot. She asked Governor Duarte to provide the information to Mexican law enforcement officials and for his help in securing the arrest of the suspected killer.

After more than six years of evading capture, while law enforcement officials at the state and federal level worked to keep the case alive and bring Torres to justice, Torres was arrested in Chihuahua, Mexico on January 25th at approximately 2:00 PM.

“I want to thank Governor Duarte and Mexican law enforcement agents for helping to capture this suspected child-killer so that he can face the justice he deserves. We have worked to build a strong relationship with our neighbors in Mexico that is not only helping to create jobs along the border, but is also capable of promoting public safety and cooperation on both sides,” said Martinez. “This is a tragic case of a peaceful child killed in his sleep and a family that continues to grieve his loss. Collectively, we have worked together to send a loud message that our families deserve to be safe and those who terrorize them will face stiff punishment.”

Martinez also praised the United States Marshal's office and New Mexico U.S. Marshal Conrad Candelaria for all the work the Marshal's office did to make this arrest possible.

Torres has been featured on “America’s Most Wanted,” and his accomplice in the crime, Edward Salas, is on the U.S. Marshal’s 15 Most Wanted List. Salas was convicted of first degree murder, among other crimes, and is currently on the run after escaping with seven other prisoners from the Curry County Detention Center while awaiting transport to the state penitentiary. Of the eight prisoners who escaped, only Salas remains at large as he attempts to outrun his 56-year prison sentence.

In addition to Edward Salas and Noe Torres, Orlando Salas pled guilty as a serious youthful offender to accessory to first degree murder, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Demetrio Salas was convicted of first degree murder, shooting at a dwelling, tampering with evidence, and intimidation of a witness. David Griego was convicted of second degree murder.

“It’s been over six years since Carlos was murdered and his family has suffered tremendously as they wait for justice in this matter and the prosecution of the final alleged murderer. We are grateful that within six days of Governor Martinez’s meeting with Governor Duarte, Noe Torres is in custody and will be held accountable for his actions,” said 9th Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler, who frequently received taunting phone calls from Torres over the past few years. “Each time I spoke with him, I told him that we would never forget what happened to Carlos and that we were confident he would be found and brought to justice.”

Torres, who calls himself “Lil Loco,” is currently in jail awaiting extradition from Mexico.

Press release: Udall talks STOCK Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today discussed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act on his weekly radio call. Udall also talked about the Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act, which is headed to the President for his signature. Click here for audio.

Below is a timeline of Senator Udall’s remarks:

00:00 – Udall opens the conversation by giving an update of final passage of the Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act, which he worked on with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. In addition he gives his thoughts on the STOCK Act being debated on the Senate floor this week.

2:44 – Answers questions on the STOCK Act and discusses the process moving forward to ensure the bill passes the Senate.

4:43 – Talks about his expectations regarding debate on the payroll tax, unemployment benefits and tax extenders, which expire at the end of February.

7:15 – Highlights growing support for campaign finance reform through a constitutional amendment. Notes that since the Citizens United decision, special interest funding in campaigns has gone up 1,600 percent.

Press release: Missing-Endangered-Caution Person Advisory (picture attached)

Curry County – On behalf of the Curry County Sheriff’s Department please note that the following person is considered a Missing-Endangered-Caution Person.

Robert J. Gutierrez was last seen in Clovis on 01-27-12. Gutierrez is a 45 year old hispanic male with brown hair and brown eyes. Gutierrez is 5’8” tall and weighs 176 pounds.

Robert J. Gutierrez has been diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis with cavitary lung disease. Gutierrez should be presumed to be infectious and should be placed in airborne isolation.

Please call 911 or the Curry County Sheriff’s Department at (575) 769-2335 if you have any information about Robert J. Gutierrez.

Press release: Roch bill gives tax break to retired military

Military retirees in living in New Mexico may see their state income tax burden reduced under a bill introduced this week in the State House by Representative Dennis Roch (R-Texico).

House Bill 162 proposes to exempt twenty-five percent of a retiree’s military pension income from the state’s personal income tax, with that percentage increasing to fifty percent, seventy-five percent, and ultimately one hundred percent over time.

“Not only do our men and women in uniform defend our freedom, they also make significant contributions to our communities,” Roch noted. “It’s time we honor their service to New Mexico and the nation by allowing them to keep every penny they’ve earned through their selfless service.”

The exemption would apply to retirees from all branches of the armed forces. In addition to New Mexico natives who served a career in the armed forces before returning to the state, Curry and Roosevelt Counties are home to a number of military retirees, many of whom chose to remain in New Mexico after concluding their active duty service at Cannon AFB.