Former judge and wife detained over gang ties allegation
A former judge and his wife were detained after a search conducted at their home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The searches were related to allegations that a presumed member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was living 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 likelihood of a crime having been committed.
The former judge was accused of evidence tampering, while his wife was 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 U.S. 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 accommodations in the guest house.
During the search, four firearms were found, allegedly belonging to the judge's daughter, April Cano. Ortega-Lopez admitted to firing them. He 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.
