ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The feds could charge more officers in the local DWI Deception investigation.

Last week, two former Albuquerque police officers owned up to their roles in a major racketeering scheme dating back to 2007. 

Meanwhile, the local defense attorney we’ve identified at the center of this investigation, says he shouldn’t be disciplined because he’s not practicing. 

KOB 4 sat down with U.S. Attorney of New Mexico, Alex Uballez, following the federal plea deals for two former Albuquerque police officers.

Joshua Montaño and Honorio Alba, Jr. admit they were part of a scheme to get drunk driving cases dismissed by not showing up to court in exchange for bribes. Those admissions come two weeks after former paralegal, Rick Mendez, also took a deal, admitting to his role in the scheme.

Uballez says even these plea deals aren’t typical.   

“You’re not seeing complaints and indictments, what you’re seeing is convictions. You have three plea agreements from three people who say, I’m admitting not that it’s being alleged, and you know, I’m going to contest it after I look at the evidence, but I’m admitting and taking responsibility for this conduct that’s in my play,” said Uballez. 

Montano and Alba Jr. admit they would arrest someone suspected of DWI but wouldn’t charge or book them. They would instead send them to Mendez, who worked for local attorney, Thomas Clear III. 

Clear III has not been charged in this case, but both a federal court and our state Supreme Court are seeking possible discipline against him unless he can prove otherwise.

Clear III responded to one of the courts, saying since he’s no longer actively practicing law he shouldn’t be disciplined, and is asking to resign. 

Meanwhile, Uballez says this is just the beginning and his main goal is holding everyone accountable.

“The fact of the corruption and the criminal conduct is disappointing, and it lets the community down, and it erodes their trust in their institutions. But the fact that we caught it, the fact that we’re moving this quickly against it, and the fact that we are going to bring it to an end, should bring them trust that there’s also accountability when the law is broken,” said Uballez. 

Montano and Alba Jr. admit – in those plea agreements – they would accept cash, jewelry, hotel rooms, even tires as part of the bribery deal. 

They, along with Mendez, face up to 110 years in prison for the charges they’re facing. But it’s likely they’ll receive less time.