LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) – New details have emerged about a former New Mexico judge and his wife, who are now in federal custody. They are accused of assisting a suspected gang member living in their home and hiding evidence.
Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano, now disbarred, and his wife, Nancy, were arrested by Department of Homeland Security agents on Thursday at their home in Las Cruces. This arrest follows the investigation of an alleged Venezuelan gang member who had been staying with them.
Federal court documents indicate that Cristhian Ortega-Lopez was arrested in February by federal agents on suspicion of living in the country illegally and having ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Upon his arrest, the documents revealed that Nancy Cano maintained communication with Ortega-Lopez and attempted to help him delete his Facebook account, which contained evidence relevant to his criminal case.
Additionally, the federal documents state that one of the phones used by Ortega-Lopez was still in the Cano home and may have contained further incriminating evidence. A search warrant was issued in March to locate the missing phone, but police reported that Joel Cano admitted to destroying the device and disposing of the pieces.
As a result, Cano is facing charges of tampering with evidence, while his wife is charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence.
