Albuquerque Lawyer Pleads Guilty in DWI Corruption Scandal

News Summary

Albuquerque attorney Thomas Clear III has pled guilty to federal charges including racketeering and bribery as part of a DWI corruption scandal. Clear led a 30-year criminal enterprise that bribed law enforcement officials to dismiss DWI cases, undermining public trust in the judicial system. The fallout has implicated multiple police officers and raised serious concerns about corruption within the Albuquerque Police Department. The community now faces a crisis of confidence in law enforcement.

Albuquerque Attorney and Former Cop Plead Guilty in DWI Corruption Scandal

30-Year Criminal Enterprise Takes a Fall

In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the Albuquerque legal community, Thomas Clear III, a prominent attorney, pled guilty to multiple federal charges, including racketeering, bribery, and interference with commerce by extortion. Clear, 67, who had his law office boarded up following an FBI raid in January 2024, admitted to leading a criminal racketeering enterprise that systematically bribed law enforcement officials to dismiss Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases for nearly three decades.

Clear’s guilty plea was entered during an unannounced hearing on Wednesday, adding to an already tumultuous series of events stemming from a federal investigation into his practices, implicating numerous officers from the Albuquerque Police Department.

The Conspiracy Unraveled

The investigation unearthed a conspiracy involving Clear and his former paralegal, Ricardo Mendez, who had previously pled guilty to various charges connected to this extensive corruption scheme. Clear and Mendez’s operation primarily involved officers from the APD’s DWI unit, and also included personnel from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. This corrupt network facilitated the dismissal of approximately 200 DWI cases from 2008 to 2023, raising troubling questions about the integrity of local law enforcement.

In their scheme, law enforcement officers reportedly accepted a wide range of bribes in the form of cash, legal services, hotel rooms, gift cards, and other perks. They also generated business for Clear by referring DWI arrestees to his law firm, resulting in significant financial gains for him.

Implications for Democratic Integrity

The ramifications of this scandal extend beyond Clear and Mendez, implicating at least a dozen police officers, who now find themselves under scrutiny. As part of the corrupt practices ingrained in the police culture, Clear and Mendez allegedly advised new recruits within the DWI unit on which officers to avoid, particularly those who were meticulous in upholding the law—further entrenching a culture of distrust among the forces.

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina has vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation. He acknowledged the serious ramifications this conspiracy has on public trust, claiming that the corruption may stretch as far back as two decades. The chief’s own recent personal scandals raise questions about the overall integrity of the police leadership during this period.

A Community in Crisis

This investigation has sent shockwaves through Albuquerque, severely damaging public confidence in the criminal justice system. Several officers involved in the corruption scandal have either resigned or been placed on leave as federal investigations continue to unravel the extent and details of the corrupt culture within the DWI unit.

Although the FBI’s inquiry was initiated following a tip received by the Albuquerque Police Department, early internal investigations found no substantial evidence. However, as the corruption scandal widened, questions arose about the overall integrity of the police department and its ability to maintain trust among its citizens.

Meanwhile, both the New Mexico State Police and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office have stated their willingness to cooperate with federal authorities. However, as it stands, no formal criminal charges have been filed against the implicated police officers. The community now finds itself waiting for further disclosures as the investigation continues to unfold.

Next Steps

With Clear and Mendez’s guilty pleas ringing in the ears of Albuquerque residents, the question on everyone’s mind is: what will happen next? Will additional charges be filed against the implicated officers? What measures are being taken to restore trust and ensure justice in the face of such stunning breaches of the law?

In the wake of these revelations, it remains crucial for the people of Albuquerque to demand accountability and transparency from their law enforcement agencies. As the dust settles on this egregious case of police corruption, the coming weeks will undoubtedly play a critical role in determining the future integrity of the city’s judicial processes.