2 Plead Guilty In Swastika Case
FARMINGTON — Two of three men accused of branding a swastika on the arm of a Navajo man with mental disabilities are likely to spend more than 8 years in prison.
Paul Beebe, 27, and Jesse Sanford, 25, pleaded guilty Tuesday in District Court under an Alford plea. Beebe pleaded guilty to second-degree felony attempted kidnapping and third-degree felony aggravated battery. Sanford also pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and third-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated battery. Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but agrees the state has enough evidence that a guilty verdict is likely.
In May, a jury found the third defendant, William Hatch, 29, guilty of conspiracy to commit aggravated battery.
Date Proposed For Special Session
SANTA FE — Legislative leaders are suggesting Sept. 12 for the start of a special session of the Legislature on redistricting.
A spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez said Monday that she hasn’t settled on a session date but is looking at calling lawmakers back to work in early September.
It’s up to the governor to set the session agenda, and Martinez wants lawmakers to consider issues besides redistricting, including a politically thorny proposal to ban driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants.
The Legislative Council has voted to recommend a Sept. 12 session start date.
The council’s co-chairmen sent a letter to the governor asking that the session be dedicated to redistricting. They suggested that potentially divisive legislation should be handled separately in a second special session, which could be held immediately after the redistricting session.
Cochiti Lake Will Reopen Tuesday
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is again postponing the reopening of Cochiti Lake.
The lake and recreation areas were shut June 29 because of the Las Conchas fire. Campgrounds, nearby pueblo schools and other facilities are being used to house and feed about 1,200 firefighters battling the blaze.
Officials say Cochiti Lake’s campgrounds, docks, boat ramps, picnic areas and swimming locations will remain shut until Tuesday.
— This article appeared on page C2 of the Albuquerque Journal
