Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman

District Attorney Sam Bregman is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Bernalillo County.

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[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club for hosting a great community discussion!
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman was the guest speaker and shared an update on public safety. He noted that overall crime trends are decreasing, with the exception of juvenile crime, and highlighted that the Juvenile Laws have not been updated in more than three decades.
Bregman also discussed efforts to strengthen prosecutions, expand diversion programs, and address root causes of crime. Since taking office in 2023, Bregman has hired 80 attorneys to help manage rising caseloads and improve outcomes in court.
The Kiwanis Club is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities. They also honored an APD Officer for his outstanding work in the community.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

SIXTH TEEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH HOMICIDE NEAR OLD TOWN --
Today, a judge ordered a sixth suspect detained in connection with the May 18, 2025 homicide of 19-year-old Luis Ortiz near Old Town.
Police say 19-year-old Alonzo Cuarenta was involved in the robbery and fatal shooting. Investigators believe Ortiz met a group of teens to sell them alcohol when they fired multiple shots at him. Ortiz later crashed his vehicle near 23rd Street NW, and authorities say his pistol and the alcohol were stolen. Six teens have now been charged in the case.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

17-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH MURDER WILL REMAIN IN CUSTODY —
The suspect was 16 years old at the time of the crime and is accused of taking part in the robbery and murder of Luis Ortiz.
Background
The crime happened on May 18, 2025. Investigators say a group of teens met Ortiz in a parking lot near Old Town, where they had planned to buy alcohol from him. During the encounter, multiple shots were fired at Ortiz.
Police say Ortiz drove away from the scene before crashing his car near 23rd Street NW. Investigators believe the teens initially fled the area, then later returned to the crash site. Officers recovered additional shell casings at the scene.
Authorities say Ortiz was also robbed of his pistol and the alcohol.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office plans to charge the teen as an adult. Under New Mexico law, our office is not allowed to release juvenile suspects’ mugshots.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

Man Convicted of Shooting Victim Multiple Times Sentenced to Life in Prison -
Today, a judge sentenced Samuel Jimenez Perez to Life in Prison in the New Mexico Corrections Department.
In February, a jury convicted him of First-Degree murder for the shooting death of Rosendo Martinez.
September 2024, Jimenez Perez went to Martinez’s home at approximately 5:45 in the morning, prepared for violence. He was wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Martinez was shot seven times in a barrage of gunfire that claimed his life. Investigators recovered 25 spent bullet casings at the scene.
Under New Mexico law, a life sentence for First-Degree Murder means Jimenez Perez will not be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

MAN CONVICTED OF SHOOTING WOMAN IN THE HEAD SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON
A man convicted of shooting a woman in the head at a Southeast Albuquerque apartment complex has been sentenced to life in prison.
In April, a jury convicted Houston Coate of First-Degree Murder for the fatal shooting of Barbara Chavez on August 29, 2024.
The shooting happened in the 1000 block of Valencia Drive SE. Coate went to the apartment, knocked on the door, and demanded his belongings. When the situation escalated, he fired several shots into the apartment, striking Chavez in the head and killing her.
Under New Mexico law, a life sentence for First-Degree Murder means Coate will not be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH FATAL CRASH INVOLVING BCSO SERGEANT --
Miguel Orlando Perez has been charged in connection with the February 23, 2026 crash that killed Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Schlattman on Interstate 40 near the Carnuel exit.
Perez is charged with Careless Driving and Operation of Vehicle on Approach of Emergency Vehicle.
The Rio Rancho Police Department investigation found Sgt. Schlattman had completed a traffic stop in the westbound lanes of I-40 and was returning to his patrol vehicle when it was struck from behind by a semi-truck driven by Perez. The impact pushed the patrol unit into Sgt. Schlattman, causing fatal injuries.
Investigators determined the semi-truck was traveling approximately 64 mph at the time of the crash and that no brakes were applied before impact. The investigation also found no mechanical issues with either the semi-truck or Sgt. Schlattman’s patrol vehicle. Contributing factors identified by investigators included sun glare, the position of the patrol vehicle, and driver inattention.
Perez holds a valid Florida Class A commercial driver’s license. The case was investigated by the Rio Rancho Police Department and later submitted to the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review and charging consideration.
Perez is due in court next month.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

WELCOME INTERNS! 👏⚖️
The Bernalillo County District Attorney��s Office and District Attorney Sam Bregman are proud to welcome 14 interns to our office this summer!
Our interns come from the University of New Mexico School of Law, the University of New Mexico, local high schools, and even as far away as New Hampshire.
Today, the interns had a chance to sit down and chat with DA Bregman, who asked them about their future goals and aspirations and what inspired them to pursue this opportunity. After the conversation, we took photos together to mark the start of the summer program.
They’ll be learning more about the criminal justice system and criminal law while helping serve our community throughout the summer. We’re excited to have them on the team.
Welcome! 🎉

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

TEEN SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM PENALTY UNDER NEW MEXICO LAW FOR TWO ALBUQUERQUE MURDERS -

This morning, a judge sentenced Andres Herrera to 40 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department for two separate homicides he committed when he was 16 years old. Herrera was a juvenile at the time of the murders, but he was prosecuted and sentenced as an adult.

In July 2025, Herrera entered no contest pleas to two counts of First-Degree Murder in connection with the deaths of Phillip Apodaca and Damion Alday.

BACKGROUND:
October 6, 2023 – Murder of Phillip Apodaca
Phillip Apodaca was fatally shot outside Resource Brewing Co. in Albuquerque after being struck multiple times in the back. Investigators connected Herrera to the homicide through surveillance evidence, including the clothing he wore and the vehicle he was driving at the time.

December 27, 2023 – Murder of Damion Alday
Nineteen-year-old Damion Alday was shot and killed at Sundoro Park in northwest Albuquerque. Surveillance footage captured Herrera firing at Alday at close range. Prosecutors said Herrera later posted statements on social media bragging about approaching Alday and shooting him multiple times in the head.

Because of the severity of the crimes, Herrera was charged as an adult under New Mexico law and ultimately received the maximum sentence allowed.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

On behalf of the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This Memorial Day, we thank you for your service, courage, and selfless dedication. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

FORMER CHURCH PASTOR CONVICTED OF RAPE-

Late this afternoon, a jury convicted former church pastor Andrew Miller of Criminal Sexual Penetration Resulting in Personal Injury.

Miller used false pretenses, including posing as a reality show producer connected to New Hope Church, to gain access to the victim. He then sexually assaulted her.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Lisa Roybal and Senior Trial Attorney Crystal Cabrido.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office thanks the victim for her courage throughout the investigation and trial process.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

Today at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Memorial in Santa Fe, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities and our state.
Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. May we always remember their sacrifice and keep their families and fellow officers in our prayers.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

FOURTH SUSPECT IN EXECUTION-STYLE MURDER DETAINED
Today, a judge ruled that Jaylen Hopewell will remain in custody as his case moves through the judicial process. Hopewell and four other suspects are charged in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Eden Rock.
Rock and one of the suspects had been involved in a feud earlier that day. Investigators believe a woman lured Rock into an alley behind the restaurant, where four male suspects, including Hopewell, were waiting behind a dumpster. The suspects then ambushed Rock and shot him execution-style.
As always, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted in a court of law.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

MAN CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING GIRL --
Today, a jury convicted Abraham Zuniga of criminal sexual contact of a minor (ages 13–18) while in a position of authority.
In August 2024, the 16-year-old victim was staying at Zuniga's home when he sexually assaulted her. The victim locked herself in the bathroom, then Zuniga texted her and apologized.
The following day, the victim reported the incident to school staff, which led to the investigation and prosecution.
Zuniga faces a possible sentence of 3 to 15 years in prison. Sentencing will take place at a later date.
Deputy District Attorney Rebekah Reyes and Attorney Julia Oliver prosecuted this case.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

TEEN WHO SHOT AND KILLED HOMELESS MAN -PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDER -
Today, the 16-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder and Receiving and Transferring a Stolen Vehicle in connection with the July 2, 2025 fatal shooting of 45-year-old Frank Howard in Albuquerque.
The teen, who was 15 at the time of the crime, was part of a group that stole a black Hyundai in Santa Fe before driving to Albuquerque, where they encountered Howard near Menaul and Eubank around 3:20 a.m. The group approached and confronted Howard as he was sleeping on a bus bench. As Howard ran from the group, the teen who pled guilty to murder today, fired the fatal shot that killed Howard.
SENTENCING & NEW MEXICO LAW --
Sentencing will depend on whether the court finds the teen amenable to treatment. If found amenable, under New Mexico law, he will remain in custody until age 21. If found not amenable, he could face more than two decades in prison.
*New Mexico law does not allow the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office to publish a juvenile's mug shot online.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

JUDGE ORDERS THREE MEN CHARGED WITH MURDER OUTSIDE POPULAR ALBUQUERQUE RESTAURANT DETAINED --
Today, a judge ruled three men charged with the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Eden Rock will remain in custody as their cases go through the judicial process. The suspects are Tenard Weekly, Junior Lewis, and Evan Rogers.
The shooting happened May 13 just before 11:00 PM near the Frontier Restaurant along Central Avenue. Detectives believe the attack was planned after surveillance video showed suspects hiding behind a dumpster before rushing and shooting Rock in an alley near Cornell and Stanford.
All three have been charged with First Degree Murder. A fourth suspect in this case is due in court tomorrow.
As always, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they're convicted in a court of law

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

NEVER FORGET -- Today, we gathered to honor the brave men and women of law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. The riderless horse, with the boots reversed in the stirrups, stood as a powerful symbol of a fallen hero’s final ride — a solemn reminder that they will never return, but will never be forgotten. Surrounded by the families of the fallen, we reflected on the courage, dedication, and sacrifice behind every badge. Their loss is carried not only by their loved ones, but by an entire community grateful for their service. We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD SOLICITATION BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE -- DETAINED.
Today, a judge ruled Benny Trevino will remain behind bars as his case goes through the judicial process.
Investigators say on May 13, 2026, Trevino solicited an undercover detective posing online as a 12-year-old male for sex.
Detectives say when they arrested Trevino, he admitted to talking to someone he thought was a child.
As always, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they’re convicted in a court of law.

[Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman @BerncoDa]

JURY CONVICTS MAN OF SECOND-DEGREE MURDER FOR SHOOTING DEATH OUTSIDE ABQ GAS STATION --
Today, a jury convicted Frank Porras of Second-Degree Murder and Aggravated Burglary in the 2021 fatal shooting of 34-year-old Matthew Werth.
The crime happened Jan. 20, 2021, outside an East Central gas station when Porras was on a “quest for drugs.”
After fatally shooting Werth, Porras took off to California, where he was later arrested in connection with a separate attempted murder case stemming from a Jan. 28, 2021, shooting. Porras was taken into custody in Long Beach after shooting a gas station clerk in the face. The clerk survived.
When Porras was arrested in California, he was carrying a handgun that forensic testing matched to a shell casing recovered at the scene of Werth’s killing.
Senior Trial Attorney Gabe Kallen and Deputy District Attorney Larry Hansen prosecuted this case.
“Today’s verdict holds Frank Porras accountable for the senseless murder of Matthew Werth and the danger he brought to our community. This case shows the relentless work of law enforcement and prosecutors who pursued justice across state lines and never gave up." -Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.