Former judge detained: Gang ties and evidence tampering allegations
A former judge and his wife have been detained after a search was conducted at their home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The searches were in connection with allegations that a suspected member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was residing on the property.
On Thursday, the home of former district county judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, was searched under an immigration service warrant. Both were also detained due to the potential for a crime having been committed.
The former judge is accused of tampering with evidence, while his wife is accused of being involved in a conspiracy to manipulate evidence.
Gang member in the judge's home?
According to investigators, 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an immigrant from Venezuela who entered the USA illegally, was living in the guest house behind the Cano residence. Authorities claim that Ortega-Lopez is linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The man was reportedly hired by Nancy Cano for home repairs. The couple then offered him accommodation in the guest house.
During the search, four firearms were discovered, allegedly belonging to the judge's daughter, April Cano. Ortega-Lopez admitted to having discharged them. The man faces up to 15 years in prison.
Judge Cano resigned from his position in March, and on Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court issued a ruling permanently barring him from holding any judicial office in the state.
