Former Judge and Wife Accused of Concealing Evidence Linked to Violent Gang Member

Former New Mexico Judge and Wife Charged with Evidence Tampering

A former judge in New Mexico and his spouse stand accused of attempting to conceal crucial evidence related to an alleged gang member, as revealed by the Justice Department on Friday. This case underscores serious concerns about the judicial integrity and the fight against organized crime.

Joel Cano, a 68-year-old ex-Magistrate Judge from Doña Ana County, and his 67-year-old wife Nancy were arrested following a federal raid at their home in Las Cruces. Authorities have charged the couple with tampering with evidence connected to Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal immigrant suspected of having links to Venezuela’s violent Tren de Aragua gang.

Judicial Integrity at Stake

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison commented on the case, expressing strong disapproval of the actions allegedly taken by the Cano couple. He stated that judges are expected to uphold the law, meaning their involvement in tampering with evidence for a suspected gang member is particularly egregious.

Ellison emphasized that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is determined to dismantle this foreign terrorist organization by addressing its criminal activities in New Mexico. He highlighted that this includes scrutinizing those who aid gang members, including individuals in judicial positions.

Tracking Ortega-Lopez

Ortega-Lopez came to the attention of the Department of Homeland Security when a tipster alerted them to his illegal status and possession of firearms. He reportedly entered the United States on December 15, 2023, near Eagle Pass, Texas. Initially taken into custody, he was released shortly after due to overcrowding at the U.S. Border Patrol facility.

Federal prosecutors reported that Ortega-Lopez shared multiple images and videos on social media, showcasing him and other undocumented immigrants handling firearms at a shooting range in Las Cruces. The weapons included high-powered firearms, such as a SIG Sauer P365 and an AR-15 equipped with a suppressor.

Evidence of Gang Affiliations

Investigators revealed that Ortega-Lopez’s social media activity indicated strong connections to the Venezuelan gang. Evidence included tattoos that suggested gang affiliations, hand gestures, and specific clothing styles. He even poked fun at a $5,000 reward posted for information leading to the capture of TdA members, further indicating his blatant disregard for the law.

Notably, federal agents developed leads pointing to Ortega-Lopez living with other undocumented immigrants on property owned by the Cano couple, who were still in their judicial posts. During a search in late February, authorities seized four firearms and three cellphones linked to Ortega-Lopez.

Attempts to Conceal Evidence

During this search, Ortega-Lopez was allowed a phone call before being transferred to the Doña Ana County Detention Center. Interestingly, he indicated that the phone he wished to use was not among those retrieved. Subsequently, investigators discovered that Nancy Cano was in possession of another phone believed to be linked to Ortega.

Calls between Nancy Cano and Ortega-Lopez allegedly involved discussions about deleting incriminating content from his Facebook account, which contained evidence of gang-related activities and firearm handling. In a striking confession, Joel Cano later stated that he had destroyed a phone containing incriminating material by smashing it with a hammer and discarding it.

Implications of the Charges

The couple now faces severe repercussions. Each could be sentenced to up to 15 years in federal prison for their actions. The events surrounding this case raise critical questions about the responsibilities of those in judicial roles, especially regarding the upholding of law and order.

Broader Context of Judicial Misconduct

This incident echoes a larger issue involving judicial misconduct in the United States. Recently, another judge in Wisconsin was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents attempting to apprehend an illegal immigrant charged with multiple domestic abuse offenses. The arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan serves as another stark reminder that legal professionals are not immune from the law they are sworn to uphold.

Judge Dugan reportedly confronted federal agents in a courthouse and demanded they leave while attempting to execute an arrest warrant for Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had a history of domestic violence. The complexities of these cases highlight the intersections between immigration, local jurisprudence, and federal authority.

Protecting Community Safety

Officials such as Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have strongly condemned the role of sanctuary jurisdictions that protect criminal entities. He pointed out that such policies undermine public safety and create a dangerous environment for innocent citizens.

As the legal proceedings unfold for both the Cano couple and other judicial figures under scrutiny, public trust in the judicial system remains at stake. The ramifications of these incidents could lead to significant changes in how legal professionals are monitored and held accountable for their actions.

A Call for Judicial Accountability

Amidst these troubling allegations, a collective call for greater accountability within the judicial system is gaining momentum. Citizens expect judges to adhere to the law, without exception, regardless of personal connections or biases.

As these stories of misconduct continue to emerge, they serve as important reminders of the need for transparency, accountability, and a robust legal framework that protects the rights of all individuals while upholding the law. The outcomes of these high-profile cases will likely shape the conversation around legal ethics and the responsibilities of those in positions of power.