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Man arrested for threatening Sandoval County judge
The 13th Judicial District Court in Sandoval County, pictured here, will now accept credit and debit cards to pay court fines and fees. File photo
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A judge at the 13th Judicial District Court in Sandoval County received death threats June 25 resulting in the arrest of Robert Jaramillo, 54, of Albuquerque.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Sandoval County Sheriff's Office deputies, an assistant to one of the judges received several calls from Jaramillo stating he was going to beat up the judge and kill him. The judge stated these kind of calls have been going on for about a month before deputies became involved.
Court administration was able to send recordings of the calls to the deputies.
Deputies were also able to request an emergency phone ping from the phone provider and were able to see Jaramillo was located in Las Cruces, where he was taken into custody. Jaramillo also had a warrant for threatening Las Cruces Judges.
For the safety of the judge, they will remain unidentified.
Jaramillo could face about a year and a half if convicted.
Artie Pepin, director of the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts, confirmed Jaramillo's case is open in the courts.
"I am not able to share some details about the incident due to the need to keep confidential our plans and training for threat responses and because there is an active criminal case as a result of the incident," he said.
However, he is grateful to be able to report that due to the responsiveness of local law enforcement officers and training of court personnel there was an arrest without injury to anyone.
"Protecting the safety of judges and court staff – as well as the public entering courthouses – is of paramount concern to the Judiciary in New Mexico. Threats of violence against judges and court staff strike at the core of our democracy; that judges and courts serve the public in resolving legal conflicts in a fair, unbiased and independent manner," Pepin added.
"Protecting the safety of judges and court staff – as well as the public entering courthouses – is of paramount concern to the Judiciary in New Mexico. Threats of violence against judges and court staff strike at the core of our democracy; that judges and courts serve the public in resolving legal conflicts in a fair, unbiased and independent manner," Pepin added.
Pepin says security in courts is a legislative priority for the New Mexico Judiciary.
"... including requesting funding for security upgrades at courthouses. In 2022, the Judiciary proposed to lawmakers a measure specifically to protect judges. The Legislature approved and the Governor signed a bill creating the crime of threatening a judge or an immediate family member of a judge. It is a fourth-degree felony, which is punishable by 18 months in prison. The legislation also created a misdemeanor crime of 'malicious sharing of personal information of a judge or an immediate family member of a judge.' The individual arrested in this case has been charged under the new statute," he explained.
"... including requesting funding for security upgrades at courthouses. In 2022, the Judiciary proposed to lawmakers a measure specifically to protect judges. The Legislature approved and the Governor signed a bill creating the crime of threatening a judge or an immediate family member of a judge. It is a fourth-degree felony, which is punishable by 18 months in prison. The legislation also created a misdemeanor crime of 'malicious sharing of personal information of a judge or an immediate family member of a judge.' The individual arrested in this case has been charged under the new statute," he explained.
US Marshals released data in recent years that showed an increase in threats towards judges, prosecutors and other court staff. According to statements made in congressional committee by Marshals Director Ron Davis, threats have almost doubled nation wide.
"The Judiciary will continue to prioritize the protection of judges, court employees, and the public. Such threats are increasing nationwide. We will continue to provide training to court personnel and judges while also working with local law enforcement to assess and take action in response to threats. Courts treat each threat seriously," Pepin said.
"The Judiciary will continue to prioritize the protection of judges, court employees, and the public. Such threats are increasing nationwide. We will continue to provide training to court personnel and judges while also working with local law enforcement to assess and take action in response to threats. Courts treat each threat seriously," Pepin said.
