Judge sets May 2027 sentencing for DWI scheme aide Rick Mendez

A federal judge in Albuquerque has set Rick Mendez’s sentencing date for May 2027. This decision finalizes the next procedural step in the DWI deception scandal that involved paid police officers and dismissed drunk driving cases.

Mendez admitted his role in the scheme nearly two years ago. He operated as the so-called paralegal for Thomas Clear III, who sat at the center of the deception. The judge urged both prosecutors and Mendez’s defense team to keep the case moving forward during the recent court appearance.

Mendez also received permission to travel internationally before his sentencing. His attorney, Wayne Baker, explained that Mendez left the country for a family need and has since returned.

Baker pushed back against local media coverage during the hearing. “Unfortunately I think the reporting on this case has been, uh inaccurate in many instances in regards to Mr. Mendez. Factually and legally, now is not the time and place to go forward with that,” Baker said.

Baker stated that no mandatory minimum applies to Mendez’s situation. “Unless there’s a mandatory minimum, which there aren’t in this case. Then it’s all based on the guidelines,” Baker said. He declined to specify a fair sentence at this stage, noting that the factual record is still being addressed.

Mendez admitted to helping officers skip court and enabling drunk driving defendants to avoid consequences. He noted that other individuals connected to the scheme have been implicated, though not all have been charged.