Felony warrant enforcement program leads to 1,664 arrests, including 26 individuals accused of murder
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), in collaboration with District Attorney Offices across the state has successfully completed the first year of the felony warrant enforcement program. This initiative led to the arrest of 1,664 individuals, many of whom are accused of serious crimes such as murder, robbery, rape, assault, etc., and had outstanding felony warrants.
“This program sends a clear message to criminals—if you break the law, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable, no matter how long it takes.” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The success of this program is due to our ongoing partnerships with district attorneys and police departments statewide. By standing firm against crime, we are delivering results that speak for themselves.”
“This initiative is working. We have partnered with other agencies and are making a huge difference when it comes to fighting violent crime in our community, including the arrest of 26 people accused of murder,” said 2nd Judicial District Attorney Sam Bregman.
During the 2023 Legislative Session, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation providing $10 million to DFA to develop a program with District Attorney Offices and law enforcement departments to execute and clear the backlog of felony warrants in the state. DFA funds the law enforcement hours needed for the operations. The program will continue through fiscal year 25.
“This program demonstrates our expanding role in public safety of being strategic stewards of the money and collaborating with appropriate entities for impactful crime reduction results,” said DFA Sec. Wayne Propst.
Statewide arrest breakdown by District Attorney Office:
1st 73
2nd 1,402
3rd 32
4th 9
7th 10
9th 62
12th 48
13th 28
Total 1664
High profile arrests in Bernalillo County include:
- Fabian Gutierrez — was arrested by agents on October 23, 2023, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, aggravated assault (deadly weapon), aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, receiving, or transferring stolen motor vehicles, and tampering with evidence. Fabian accepted a plea deal on November 17, 2023.
- Kristopher Darling — was arrested by agents on January 4, 2024, and after being released, he was rearrested on June 18, 2024, on charges of shooting at or from a motor vehicle. These charges were later elevated to homicide after further investigation. The case is still pending, and Darling remains in custody.
- Arianna Hawkins — was arrested by agents on November 6, 2023, on charges of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Arianna was involved in a setup robbery scheme that resulted in a homicide.
- Ralph Martinez — was arrested by agents on July 28, 2023, on charges of criminal sexual penetration linked to multiple cold cases from the 1980s and 1990s. Martinez accepted a plea deal and is currently serving 30 years in the Department of Corrections.
- Freddy Day — was arrested by agents on June 27, 2024, on charges of aggravated battery (deadly weapon). The case is currently pending trial.