3 Albuquerque firefighters charged with second-degree rape

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Three Albuquerque firefighters are fighting serious rape allegations. 

A woman claims all three men raped her in July at an apartment complex. But those suspects’ attorneys are pushing back, saying everything was consensual. 

44-year-old Anthony Martin, 32-year-old Angel Portillo, and 46-year-old Aden Heyman are accused of second-degree rape. 

They were firefighters with Albuquerque Fire Rescue back on July 15. That’s when a woman told police all three men raped her at one of their condos at The Villas off Menaul.

She said the day began with a golf event. She had invited two of them – after meeting them through her sibling, who also works for AFR. 

They began drinking alcohol, and continued when they invited her to the condo complex pool. The third firefighter later joined them.

She initially told police she had consensual relations with one of the firefighters – before they all raped her.

She later said at least two of them raped her, and nothing inside that bedroom was consensual.

She says one of them was “coaching” the other two “how to rape.”

Police say she climbed out of a bathroom window and two people found her and called police. She later had a rape kit done.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue released the following statement from Chief Emily Jaramillo: 

“We were made aware of APD’s criminal investigation in July and took immediate steps to launch an internal investigation to determine if the employees violated AFR policies. The three employees were immediately placed on administrative leave. The allegations were alarming and we determined a thorough investigation was necessary to determine the facts.

We are fully cooperating with APD investigators and treat these allegations seriously. Now that criminal charges have been filed in court, we will respect the judicial process and refrain from commenting on details of the case.”

Anthony Martin has since retired, according to APD.

An AFR spokesperson says the department, “takes the accusations seriously,” and “the actions of a few don’t represent the high standards of the whole.”

They added that the department was, “just as shocked to hear about the allegations as anybody.”

Attorneys for the men are firing back. They believe their clients are innocent, and say they’re cooperating with police.

Attorney Heather LeBlanc, representing Angel Portillo: 

“Angel Portillo adamantly maintains his innocence in this matter.  As a respected firefighter in our community, he has dedicated his life to helping others.  He is fully aware of the gravity of these charges and has fully cooperated with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.  We will be vigorously defending against these allegations to ensure that the truth prevails.”  

Attorney Ben Ortega, representing Anthony Martin: 

“He is 100% innocent. All three engaged in nothing but consensual activity. The allegations that it wasn’t consensual are false. We’re going to get to the bottom of why she’s falsely accusing them. These false allegations are trying to ruin the lives of these distinguished firefighters and it’s tragic for these gentlemen.” 

Anthony does not have a record. He’s been a firefighter for 18 years. He’s been cooperating with police. “

All three men have been taken into custody.