(Deming) – The lawyer for Sixth Judicial District Attorney Francesca Martinez-Estevez is rebuffing calls by New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas for his client to step down.
Jim Foy said Tuesday that Martinez-Estevez, who pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor charges stemming from a 2016 traffic stop, will not resign and that the decision by the judge was fair to issue a conditional discharge given that she had a clean record.
Martinez-Estevez was ordered to serve one year of probation for reckless driving and disorderly conduct.
She initially faced multiple charges after the traffic stop near Silver City two years ago, and was accused of abusing her power.
Prosecutors are appealing an earlier decision to drop charges related to governmental conduct rules.
At the time of the stop, officers thought Martinez-Estevez was impaired but didn't test her. Internal investigations were done and the officers were disciplined for how they handled the stop.
Balderas said he was frustrated with the outcome and that the integrity of the district attorney's office needs to be upheld.
The Sixth Judicial District includes Luna, Grant and Hidalgo counties.
Jim Foy said Tuesday that Martinez-Estevez, who pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor charges stemming from a 2016 traffic stop, will not resign and that the decision by the judge was fair to issue a conditional discharge given that she had a clean record.
Martinez-Estevez was ordered to serve one year of probation for reckless driving and disorderly conduct.
She initially faced multiple charges after the traffic stop near Silver City two years ago, and was accused of abusing her power.
Prosecutors are appealing an earlier decision to drop charges related to governmental conduct rules.
At the time of the stop, officers thought Martinez-Estevez was impaired but didn't test her. Internal investigations were done and the officers were disciplined for how they handled the stop.
Balderas said he was frustrated with the outcome and that the integrity of the district attorney's office needs to be upheld.
The Sixth Judicial District includes Luna, Grant and Hidalgo counties.
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