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Former veterinarian arrested
Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies have arrested and charged former Rio Rancho veterinarian Debra Clopton with possession of controlled substances that she may have used in her practice.
The New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine pulled her license last year, and continuing to possess the medications violates the law.
Clopton was booked into the Santa Fe County Adult Correctional Facility on Tuesday, according to the Rio Rancho Observer.
Santa Fe Sheriff’s deputies on Monday executed a search warrant at Clopton’s Edgewood home.
Deputies put on hazmat gear before entering Clopton’s home. They removed 48 dogs and found one dead animal. They also found two controlled substances that are commonly used in veterinary medicine: euthasol, a narcotic that is used to euthanize animals, and dexamethasone, a steroid.
While she was practicing as a mobile veterinarian in Rio Rancho, the veterinary board yanked Clopton’s license. In March, the board and Attorney General Gary King’s office served a petition for preliminary and permanent injunction against her for continuing to practice medicine without a license.
Rio Rancho police charged Clopton with 19 violations in that city, police Sgt. Nicholas Onken said.
Part of state gun law blocked
SANTA FE — A gun-rights group has won a preliminary injunction that will keep New Mexico from enforcing part of its concealed handgun carry law.
The Second Amendment Foundation sought the injunction on behalf of Rio Rancho resident John Jackson, a legal immigrant who was denied a concealed carry permit. Under New Mexico law, permits are granted only to U.S. citizens.
The ruling handed down late last week by Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Armijo blocks the state from enforcing the citizenship provision when it comes to qualified applicants who are legal residents.
The Second Amendment Foundation argued that the citizenship requirement violated constitution rights to equal protection and to bear arms. The group says the provision is also pre-empted by federal immigration law.
The state Department of Public Safety did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment on the ruling.
Arrest in park toilet explosion
CONCHAS — State Police officers have arrested a man suspected of using an explosive device to blow up a portable toilet at Conchas State Park in northeastern New Mexico.
Forty-two-year-old Todd Parey of Albuquerque was taken into custody Monday. He was booked into the San Miguel County jail on charges of dangerous use of explosives, possession of an explosive device and criminal damage to property.
State police say a search of Parey’s home in Albuquerque turned up bomb making materials.
Parey allegedly told officers that he didn’t intend to hurt anyone.
Officers were called to the state park Monday afternoon in response to reports of a large explosion and plumes of black smoke. They found the toilet in pieces. Debris had been blasted more than 30 yards away.
Board faces free-speech suit
The civilian board that reviews allegations of Albuquerque police misconduct and excessive force is facing a freedom-of-speech lawsuit for abruptly limiting public comment during a mid-December meeting.
On Dec. 13, several commissioners on the nine-member panel interrupted critics of the board’s then-chairwoman, Linda Martinez, who they said had a conflict of interest because of her membership on the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary. The FOP opposes civilian oversight of police, according to the Order’s website.
On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico filed a legal complaint in state District Court against the board that seeks punitive and compensatory damages on behalf of several censored attendees.
The commissioners said at the time that, since the board had just voted unanimously that Martinez had no such conflict of interest, the board was wasting its time discussing old business.
— This article appeared on page C02 of the Albuquerque Journal
