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Juan Corral Las Cruces BulletinThe New Mexico Supreme Court issued an order on Tuesday, April 22, disciplining Doña Ana County Magistrate Court Judge Joel “Jose” Cano.
According to the order, Cano can never hold a seat in judicial office again, be a candidate for a judicial office nor exercise any judicial authority in the state. This includes officiating weddings, according to the Supreme Court order.
The two disciplinary cases were filed by the New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission (NMJSC). The NMJSC is an independent agency that investigates alleged misconduct committed by state court judges.
Cano resigned after federal authorities arrested an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member living in a casita behind Cano’s home.
Cano submitted his resignation letter on March 3. Federal authorities arrested the Venezuelan native, 23-year-old, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, after executing a search warrant on Feb. 28 at Cano’s home.
The state supreme court intended to hear oral arguments on Thursday, April 24, regarding Cano but since the cases were resolved, the court vacated the argument.
The order states Cano’s resignation was effective as of 5 pm on March 21.
History
Ortega-Lopez, faces federal firearm charges after the warrant execution at Cano’s house on Feb. 28.
His ties with Cano date back at least one year when court documents show Ortega-Lopez filed a request for immigration relief using Cano’s Las Cruces home address.
Cano was elected in 2010 as a magistrate judge and continued for three full terms. He won his fourth term in 2022.
When federal authorities searched Ortega-Lopez’s residence, they also searched the home of April Cano, who is Cano’s daughter. Authorities recovered four firearms from April Cano’s home, according to court documents.
Ortega-Lopez faced U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian Martinez on March 3.
He was charged with being an unlawful alien in possession of firearms and ammunition which carries a 15-year maximum penalty.
Ortega-Lopez is in custody with no bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center awaiting a hearing.
