After hearing more than seven weeks of evidence, a Santa Fe jury took less than two days to decide that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, prioritized profits over the safety of children who were targeted and exploited on its platforms. The jury set a fine of $375 million, a maximum available of […]
Courts, Justice & Safety
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho man faces felony charges after allegedly brandishing rifle during teen fight
A Rio Rancho man was arrested last week after he allegedly emerged from his home armed with a rifle and forced three 13-year-old boys to fight in his driveway while threatening them with the weapon, according to court records filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court. The 38-year-old man was arrested March 19 in Enchanted Hills […]
Posted inCorrales, Corrales Comment, Courts, Justice & Safety
Bosque attacks lead to more Corrales police patrols
Corrales police have increased patrols in the Rio Grande Bosque area after a neighboring agency issued a warning of attacks in the area. Police Chief Victor Mangiacapra told the Corrales Comment his department made the change in response to a warning from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office concerning edged-weapon attacks which have taken place in […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Sandoval Signpost, Town of Bernalillo
Internal documents show Bernalillo school official shielded abusive teacher for years
The state court lawsuit against a Bernalillo Public Schools teacher, previously reported by The Sandoval Signpost, settled earlier this month though officials remain mum on the details. But a new federal lawsuit expands on the allegations in the state case and an investigation by the Signpost into the school district’s hiring and disciplinary practices reveal […]
Posted inCorrales, Corrales Comment, Courts, Justice & Safety
A new lifeline for the Bosque: Corrales moves beyond ditches for fire suppression
The Village of Corrales is constructing a dedicated pressurized water main along the Interior Drain to bolster Bosque fire suppression capabilities, a project officials say addresses growing concerns about the reliability of traditional water sources used by firefighters. The “red line” project — named for its color-coding on village infrastructure maps — will run south […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
20-year-old man facing charges after allegedly battering woman holding an infant
A 20-year-old man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly battering a woman who was holding her infant and damaging several vehicles during a March 15 incident in Corrales Heights. The man was charged with attempt to commit child abuse not resulting in death or great bodily harm, two counts of criminal damage to property over […]
Posted inTown of Bernalillo
Teacher forced student to urinate at desk: New federal lawsuit alleges shocking abuse by Bernalillo Elementary teacher
Fifth-grade students in a Bernalillo Elementary School classroom documented ongoing abuse by their teacher towards a 10-year-old student, according to new details from a federal lawsuit related to similar allegations against the teacher moving through state court reported by the Sandoval Signpost last week. Last week, the Sandoval Signpost reported on a lawsuit alleging a […]
Posted inElections & Politics
Whatever happened to Daniel Chavez, mayoral candidate charged with touching staffer?
By Jesse Jones, City Desk in The Paper. — In September, City Desk reported that prosecutors charged Albuquerque mayoral candidate Daniel Chavez after a campaign staffer accused him of inappropriate touching, a misdemeanor battery charge. Prosecutors have now dismissed the case. The 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed the case on Feb. 20, 2026, in […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho fire chief selected for elite national leadership program
Rio Rancho Fire Chief James Wenzel is one of 24 fire service leaders selected nationwide to participate in the 2026 Fire Service Executive Development Institute, a prestigious year-long leadership development program administered by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Wenzel, who was in Baltimore last week for the program’s first on-site session, said the cohort’s […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
Son arrested after mother suffers severe, bloody head injury in domestic dispute
A 33-year-old Rio Rancho man was arrested Sunday night after his mother was hospitalized with a serious head injury following a domestic disturbance at a southeast Rio Rancho residence, according to court records filed Monday in Sandoval County Magistrate Court. Officers responded at approximately 10:15 p.m. March 8 to the 500 block of Pecos Loop […]