DWI scheme forces 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to drop 7 active cases

BERNALILLO, N.M. — An ongoing scheme involving New Mexico law enforcement is forcing a district attorney’s office outside of Albuquerque to drop multiple DWI cases.

The 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office had to drop seven active cases because of a pending investigation into “a particular state police officer” who brought forth charges in those cases. According to the District Attorney’s Office, that officer is possibly linked to the scheme.

KOB 4 confirmed that officer is Toby LaFave. New Mexico State Police placed LaFave on leave last week due to his possible ties to the scheme. His dismissal forced the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office to dismiss 22 DWI cases.

This dismissal marks the first time another district attorney’s office, besides the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, has had to drop cases involving this scheme.

The 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office stated they don’t plan to dismiss any more cases as the seven cases were the only ones involving LaFave.

“While these seven cases account for a very small portion of our outstanding caseload, it is imperative that prosecutors carefully observe ethical responsibilities and preserve justice on behalf of the communities we serve,” the DA’s Office stated.

The 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office encompasses Sandoval, Cibola and Valencia counties.

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