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NM Corrections Officer Violated Civil Rights

NM Corrections Officer Violated Civil Rights

Introduction

Civil rights violations continue to be a problem in America, and a recent case involving a former New Mexico corrections officer highlights this issue. In October 2012, Demetrio Juan Gonzales was found to have violated the civil rights of inmates at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. The case is a reminder of the importance of upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

The Case

Demetrio Juan Gonzales worked as a corrections officer at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2012, he was accused of physically assaulting inmates and violating their civil rights by using excessive force.

Gonzales was indicted on five charges, including violating the civil rights of inmates and falsifying reports to cover up his actions. He was found guilty on four of these charges and was sentenced to 41 months in prison.

The Implications

The case against Demetrio Juan Gonzales highlights the ongoing problem of civil rights violations within the criminal justice system. Individuals who have been incarcerated are some of the most vulnerable members of society, and it is essential that their rights are protected.

The case also highlights the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. Police brutality and other forms of abuse of power are all too common, and it is only through holding accountable those who commit these acts that we can hope to prevent them from happening in the future.

The Importance of Civil Rights

The case against Gonzales is a reminder of the importance of civil rights in America. Every individual is entitled to certain fundamental rights, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or any other factor.

The criminal justice system has a responsibility to uphold these rights, even for individuals who have been incarcerated. Failing to do so not only violates the rights of individuals but also erodes trust in the system as a whole.

Conclusion

The case against Demetrio Juan Gonzales is a stark reminder of the ongoing problem of civil rights violations within the criminal justice system. It highlights the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of our justice system, it is essential that we remain vigilant in our efforts to uphold civil rights and promote justice for all. Only by working together can we hope to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.


On October 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that a former corrections officer, Demetrio Juan Gonzales, at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of a person in his custody.  Gonzales pleaded to sticking then choking a victim in the shower room and dress-out of the Metropolitan Detention Center.  

According to court documents, Gonzales was assigned to the Receiving Discharge Transfer (RDT) Unit at the MDC during the morning hours of December 21, 2011.  This is the area where inmates are booked after they are arrested.  Gonzales was in charge of photographic and fingerprinting.  

The victim was arrested for a DUI, and during the booking process, he was not cooperating—although he never made a physical threat to anyone.  The court documents show that Gonzales become angry and escorted the victim over to the shower room and dress-out area where he knew there were no surveillance cameras.  

The victim had marks on his neck the next day that indicated Gonzalez beat and choked him.  Because of his action, Gonzalez faces a maximum penalty of 10 year in prison.  He is currently on supervised release until his hearing.  

Other MDC correction officers were also indicted for charged that related to the same incident.  The defendants are Kevin Casaus and Matthew Pendley.  Causas was accused of violating the civil rights of the victim after he shoved and struck the victim.  He then proceeded to make false statements to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.  Matthew Pendley is charged with obstruction of justice for making false statements and tampering with evidence after he cleaned up the blood from the shower room and dress-out area. 

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albuquerque Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark T. Baker and Trial Attorney Fara Gold prosecuted the case.  

 

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation