Category: Featured Stories

Albuquerque needs sanctioned homeless camps.

Leaving homeless on the streets without solutions is inhuman , the homeless don’t need a service center , they need a place to live.it has been suggested that we create sanctioned homeless camps in Albuquerque but nothing has been done; Portland Oregon and other cities are leading the way. Sanctioned homeless camps will give the unhoused a sense of autonomy while ending camping on city streets , the following link is from Oregon giving an idea of how it works.

https://www.portlandmercury.com/homelessness/2023/03/09/46393967/portlands-first-sanctioned-mass-homeless-camp-expected-to-open-this-summer-in-central-eastside

Albuquerque citizen begins Tim Keller Recall

A local Albuquerque citizen is fed up with the Keller administration and has began the campaign to recall Keller . Amidst high crime and homeless rates many citizens feel Keller is only about photo ops and neglected his duties leading to the closure of many parks. Only after much public pressure has he seemed to begin fighting crime although it might be late in the game. To support the recall of Tim Keller you can go to the go fund me link below.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/recallkeller?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Rent Cap legislation bad for New Mexico.

Much research has shown that passing rental limit legislation not only is unfair to property owners and against capitalistic principles but that it takes away incentives for property owners to maintain properties leading to a decay in values and widespread ghettos. The solution to high rental rates is not attempting to force owners to limit their rates against a free market but to create more housing and increase wages and job opportunities.

Cart before the horse project : ABQ Rail Trail

You can’t build a new “ rail trail “ pedestrian park around downtown if you can’t even keep small parks open because of the crime and homelessness problem .When you can operate basic city parks then think about building others , and the money you raised for this cart before the horse project should go to the needs of the people , like the warrant backlog , then when the crime and homelessness problem is fixed , then maybe do your pet project;this is what’s wrong with New Mexico , politicians asking for money for pet projects then asking for more money for projects that actually help the people ..

Imposter in Congress

There is a growing consensus that George Santos lied to the public about his background and is not qualified to sit in the U.S. Congress. By allowing Santos to remain in office the Republican leader Kevin McCarthy may be complicit in the fraud , what do you think ?

Turing Award winner, alumnus to meet with UNM students on Oct. 10

The University of New Mexico is planning a celebration on Monday, Oct. 10 in honor of alumnus Jack Dongarra, the recipient of the 2021 The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) A.M. Turing Award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of computing.”

Dongarra earned his doctorate in applied mathematics from UNM in 1980. His research was foundational to the field of computer science and in particular, high-performance computing.

Event Information:

Student Q&A and lunch with Jack Dongarra
Noon – 1 p.m.
SUB Ballroom C

OIS Involving Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and Bernalillo Police Department

October 4, 2022

 

Town of Bernalillo, NM – On October 3, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting (OIS), involving the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the Bernalillo Police Department (BPD).

 

State Police Investigations Bureau agents learned that at around 3:30 p.m., SCSO, and BPD responded to 1039 Bosque Loop in Bernalillo where the homeowner reported there was a man on her property who was armed with a rifle.   

 

The man, later identified as Gary Lee DeSanctis, 51, of Rio Rancho, got into a truck and began to drive away as officers arrived. DeSanctis stopped the truck and officers gave him commands to get out of the truck.  

 

DeSanctis got out of the truck holding the rifle, and additional commands were given to drop the rifle.  He refused commands and pointed the rifle toward the officers.  BPD officers and SCSO deputies discharged their duty weapons, fatally striking him.

 

It was later learned that DeSanctis made statements to the homeowner indicating that he wanted a fatal confrontation with law enforcement. Additional details that led up to the incident are still under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. 

 

Agents work to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings are shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.

 

The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office.

 

Officers and deputies were not injured.  For information on the BPD officers and SCSO deputies involved, their duty status, and administrative actions, please contact their respective agencies.

 

Paul Hillman letter to Keller 2018

January 15, 2018

Mayor Tim Keller
Office of the Mayor
PO Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87103

Dear Mayor Keller,

I read the recent article in the Albuquerque Journal “Crime tops Keller’s legislative list”, published Saturday January 13, 2018.  I think the plan the article says you have put forward is only one third of the needed effort to reduce crime in Albuquerque.

I know there is a violent crime problem, but there is also a large non-violent crime problem here in Albuquerque.  I think I heard a couple of days ago that close to 20 vehicles per day are stolen here.  I think non-violent crime could be a gateway to violent crime. A non-violent crime (drugs, property, robbery, burglary, mail / shipped box theft, shop-lifting, car break-in or theft) could easily become violent crimes and involve a weapon of some sort. Non-violent crimes often turn into violent crimes if ‘something’ goes wrong.

I think crime is greatly deterred by three factors:  first,the chance of getting caught, then the chance of being prosecuted (without a technicality coming up and the case being thrown out, which should go against the official making the blunder, instead of it making the criminal instantly innocent),  and finally, the punishment.  If any of these three factors drops to a low likelihood, the overall deterrent to crime drops.    Your plan only involves increasing deterrent  #1, and none of the others.  I attended DA Torrez’s talk at the North Domingo Baca Multi-Generational Center right before Christmas. He said he is concentrating on violent crimes, and does not have the funding or people to pursue and prosecute non-violent criminals.  Thus deterrent #2 for non-violent crime is now zero, the criminals know that, and thus there is now no deterrent for non-violent crimes in Bernalillo County.  I feel the APD officers also know this and it has lowered their incentive to find these criminals.  Mr. Torrez said his department receives much less money per capita than other DAs around the state [ed note: Michael Hendricks, Rep. candidate for Attorney General said this was wrong].  This is what you need to campaign to the legislature about: more money for the DA office so they can prosecute these non-violent criminals.

Last fall our police chief, in a memo, told officers that for many non-violent crimes (property, shop lifting, etc.) the criminal should just get a citation, not be arrested (http://www.koat.com/article/apd-no-longer-to-make-arrests-for-non-violent-misdemeanor-crimes/9662869).  They are criminals and probably gave a fake name to the officer. Are they going to show up for a citation hearing or to pay a fine?  This was all due to a lawsuit by a non-violent criminal injured while in jail; SO FIX THAT PROBLEM instead of not arresting these criminals.  Arrests show a paper trail of a career criminal’s past for future prosecution.  So deterrent #1 is now also zero for many non-violent crimes.

Our prisons are like a summer camp for many of these criminals, warm bed, three meals, better recreational facilities than many of our high schools, dental and health care. (Pretty soon I won’t be surprised if taxpayers are forced to pay for sex change hormones and operations for inmates.)  Due to prison population constraints they get more living space than they had outside jail. Prisoners are treated better than our service men and women (I’ve seen the dorms on base).  It costs close to twice the average NM family income to incarcerate a criminal in jail.   Thus usually jail or prison is not really a deterrent, and factor #3 is also pretty low. The only thing  these locked up criminals can’t do is go about their usual illegal activities (dealing, stealing vehicles, and other types of theft, although some evidently still run their criminal activities while inside).   I do think the sheriff of Maricopa County had it correct with his tent city, pink underwear, etc.  I’d be all for bringing back chain gangs, prisoners not having any liberties, or any luxuries, etc.  Prison should be a deterrent, though I agree they should have access to a law library.  At least New Mexico does not allow conjugal visits. 

Personally I, and several state judges I’ve talked with at various meetings, believe these non-violent crimes are done in the ‘first degree’: that is, they are planned out then executed; they are done on purpose and deliberately. If they get caught and just let go, they’ll just be more careful next time. Many violent crimes are not planned out, they just happen, often in a drunken rage. Therefore I think the DA should find the resources to prosecute these ‘non-violent’ criminals, and the punishment should be just as stiff, and often times greater than even involuntary manslaughter. Over the last 30 or so years we have tried all kinds of treatments, therapy, and being more ‘humane’ in the ways we handle these criminals. Guess what? It’s Not Working! Crime is getting more prevalent as criminals learn they can ‘get away with it’ in broad daylight. I think its time we reverse course and try a more hard-nosed approach, something they can understand; just like how we are making headway with the terrorists from the mid-east and with North Korea.

Sincerely ,

Courtesy : Paul Hillman

Albuquerque is out of control

Albuquerque is out of control , murders have continued without end , property crime is rampant , homelessness everywhere , over worked police , broken court system , emboldened criminals , what’s worse is our hardworking citizens are the victims of this , our leaders carry on like if nothing is happening ,first off we need security , we need increased pay for police and more officers so they have a sense of pride and commitment to our community , enough of this social treatment half hearted attempt at policing , we need a strong robust police force that works with integrity in step with our community going after those criminal Main stays and offenders especially expanding the State police in the fight against drugs , next we need tougher drug trafficking laws and stronger court systems that represent the citizens and not the criminals , the days of rehabilitation are over , the charges we need must be harsh and send a message , not in New Mexico ! We have to couple this effort with an attack on corruption and poverty in our State , no more taking advantage of the people of this Great State , we need to mix up our political “ families “ as well as bring in new “ blood “ into our government , we need new leaders , then we can have security and honesty which will lead to prosperity and will aid us in focusing on poverty , one block at a time one community at a time , no New Mexicans forgotten , education , nutrition , opportunities, mentorship , skills training , intervention, I’m talking a movement , we have somewhere around two million people in this State that’s not a lot , there’s plenty for everyone if we work together for the sake of our own safety, futures and community , with pride , the New Mexico I see is one with the best schools , lowest crime , high tech jobs and opportunities for all socioeconomic statuses , with a culture of civic and personal elevation ,we must have pride in our State and call people out if it’s contrary to our mission ,it will be hard and unpopular but this State can be untangled and placed on the right path if we work as a team with pride , Team New Mexico !

Update NMSP Tatum shooting

the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate an Officer-Involved Shooting involving a New Mexico State Police officer near Tatum, NM.  

 

Agents learned that at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Roswell Police Department (RPD) responded to an armed robbery and carjacking at the Allsup’s gas station in Roswell, NM. As RPD arrived on the scene, the victim told officers the suspect, later identified as Joel Contreras (27) of Roswell, NM, pointed a gun at him and took his GMC Denali pickup truck. The victim was able to track his vehicle and gave the location of the vehicle to the officers. As law enforcement officers searched the area, a Chaves County Sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle near Peach and Orchard Street. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect fled and a pursuit ensued.  

 

During the pursuit, an RPD officer in the area assisted in the pursuit. Contreras came to a stop for a moment, but then sped off, and the pursuit continued through the city of Roswell and east onto U.S. Highway 380.

 

At around 5:06 p.m., the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) and the Lea County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) were notified and requested to assist. As Contreras continued to flee east on U.S. Highway 380, a LCSO deputy deployed tire deflation devices near milepost 218 to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After Contreras drove over the tire deflating devices, he continued to travel east on U.S. Highway 380. 

 

Near milepost 222, two New Mexico State Police officers parked off the roadway and exited their police vehicles. One of the officers, NMSP Sergeant Robert Ramirez, overheard on the radio that Contreras was driving toward them at speeds over 100 miles per hour and without any regard for the safety of other motorists. When the vehicle pursuit approached the two NMSP officers, Sergeant Ramirez observed Contreras driving recklessly and perceived the vehicle was veering in the direction of both officers. At that time, Sergeant Ramirez discharged his department-issued rifle multiple times towards the vehicle, striking it at least once. After the shooting, Contreras continued to travel east on U.S. Highway 380. The pursuit came to an end after Contreras crashed and rolled the GMC onto its side near East Broadway and South Cobern Avenue in Tatum, NM.  

 

After the crash, Contreras was taken into custody without further incident by RPD. Officers learned that a 23-year-old female passenger was also in the vehicle during the pursuit and crash. 

 

No officers were injured during the incident. Joel Contreras was booked into the Chaves County Detention Center after being treated and released at an area hospital. The female passenger was detained and later released. For information regarding the carjacking incident and criminal charges for Joel Contreras, please contact the Roswell Police Department. 

 

Sergeant Ramirez has been employed with the New Mexico State Police for approximately seven years. Following the incident, he was placed on standard administrative leave.

 

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents work to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings are shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.

 

The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office.

Courtesy of :NMSP Dusty Francisco

Stephen Judy Letter To the American People.

My fellow Americans one thing I despise dearly is crooks trying to steal our votes , defile our capitol , or use our great nation for their own selfish needs , this country was founded by the people and for the the people , and just like we gathered en mass to save it when they tried to steal our vote , we will continue to gather en mass to make our voices heard for our rights! We will keep the pressure on till true representation of the people rest in our Capitol , our country has always faced the toughest challenges and we’ve always as one people have risen to the occasion , innovated , persisted and succeeded , the time is now , within the next two years I call on all Americans to begin the political fight to rout this evil once and for all , many big industries and lobbyist have a hand in ruining our healthcare system our government our way of life , we must change that , so we can improve the lives , rights and future of all Americans not just a select few , We must bring the power of this country back into the hands of every American and not that of lobbyist , big corporations or criminal presidents ,we must remember clearly who we were before this darkness came and one day we will see that light again , our country will be victorious, we will remove every piece of this cancer together as one just like we always have since our founding , we will fight as one nation till we secure our country, I wish Godspeed and great blessing to you and your family , I hope in your heart you will find great resolve knowing that this isn’t the end but just the beginning , the beginning of the New America , A new America where we turn from all the misinformation and division and evil we have witnessed ,where sickness and mental illness are easily treated from the coffers of a well managed abundant nation , where our veterans are respected and assisted because of the sacrifices they made when they signed on the dotted line , where women have rights over their bodies , a nation that protects our voting system dearly , and is guided by the premise that if it doesn’t bring power to all people in our country then we don’t want it , a nation of accessible housing , racial equality , a nation that takes honor in protecting our government and finances from those who wish to exploit the people , my fellow Americans let it be known throughout all the world that we the people have seen this evil , have identified it and have decided that we will work until our country is governed justly , we will resist by remembering who we are , we would never attack the Capitol , or tamper with votes , or betray our countrymen for lobbyist and dark money ,they have attacked our customs, our values , our traditions , they have Betrayed their offices and will be replaced , Do not be dismayed , we will hold on to our nation and we’ll defend it politically from all enemies foreign and domestic ,May God bless you and may God bless the land of the free and home of the brave !

NMSP involved in OIS in Tatum, NM

  

Tatum, NM – On June 20, 2022, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate an Officer-Involved Shooting involving a New Mexico State Police officer near Tatum, NM.  

 

Agents learned at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Roswell Police Department (RPD) responded to an armed robbery and carjacking at the Allsup’s gas station in Roswell, NM. As RPD arrived on the scene, the victim told officers the suspect, later identified as Joel Contreras (27) of Roswell, NM, pointed a gun at him and took his GMC Denali pickup truck. The victim was able to track his vehicle and gave the location of the vehicle to the officers. As law enforcement officers searched the area, a Chaves County Sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle near Peach and Orchard Street. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect fled and a pursuit ensued.  

 

During the pursuit, an RPD officer in the area assisted in the pursuit. Contreras came to a stop for a moment, but then sped off, and the pursuit continued through the city of Roswell and east onto U.S. Highway 380.

 

At around 5:06 p.m., the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) and the Lea County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) were notified and requested to assist. As Contreras continued to flee east on U.S. Highway 380, a LCSO deputy deployed tire deflation devices near milepost 218 to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After Contreras drove over the tire deflating devices, he continued to travel east on U.S. Highway 380. 

 

Near milepost 222, two New Mexico State Police officers parked off the roadway and exited their police vehicles. For reasons still under investigation, when Contreras approached the two NMSP officers, one of the officers, an NMSP supervisor, discharged his department-issued rifle toward the vehicle at least once, striking it. Contreras continued to travel east on U.S. Highway 380. The pursuit came to an end after Contreras crashed and rolled the GMC onto its side near East Broadway and South Cobern Avenue in Tatum, NM.  

 

After the crash, Contreras was taken into custody without further incident by RPD. Officers learned that a 23-year-old female passenger was also in the vehicle during the pursuit and crash. 

 

No officers were injured during the incident. Joel Contreras was booked into the Chaves County Detention Center after being treated and released at an area hospital. The female passenger was detained and later released. For information regarding the carjacking incident and criminal charges for Joel Contreras, please contact the Roswell Police Department. 

 

The identity of the State Police supervisor who fired his weapon will not be released until the interviews are complete. The State Police supervisor has been placed on standard administrative leave.

 

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration. The New Mexico State Police acts solely as factfinders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office.

###

Press release courtesy NMSP Officer Dusty Francisco.

Get your business in 5000+ Duke City Times newspapers strategically placed all over Albuquerque!

Hello Duke City ! We’re getting ready to print 5000 Newspapers and are looking for businesses who would like to advertise and get their advertising in people’s hands ! People love our newspapers when they see them, get your message out today, papers are delivered to strategic locations around Albuquerque, your ad is also entered in our Duke City Times online network Which boast of 10000 active online members including Albuquerque Auto Sales , New Mexico Models and New Mexico film Network ! For more info call stephen at 505-933-1595 ! Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you !