U.S. Attorney and First Judicial District Attorney Sign Agreement to Support Federal Investigations and Prosecutions in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties

ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Mary Carmack-Altwies, the First Judicial District Attorney, signed a memorandum of understanding today whereby Assistant District Attorneys from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office may be designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. Through this agreement, cross-designated state prosecutors will support federal investigations and prosecutions of criminal offenses committed in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties involving firearms, controlled substances, acts of violence, and child exploitation.

“Crime knows no jurisdictional boundaries,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “With this agreement, we will work hand-in-hand with our state and local partners in pursuit of public safety. Together, we will bring federal resources and sentences to bear against the most pernicious and violent offenders in the communities of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos.”

"We are proud to partner with the U.S Attorney's Office in this agreement to ensure the worst offenders throughout the First Judicial District are exposed to the full force of the law," Carmack-Altwies said.  "The agreement signed today will bring welcome additions to our office's efforts to secure justice for everyone affected by criminal elements in our communities."

The United States Attorney’s Office and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office share an interest in ensuring public safety, securing justice for victims, enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office and the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. SAUSAs from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office currently screen every single felony criminal complaint filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged over 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.

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