State high court permanently disbars Taos prosecutor

The New Mexico Supreme Court permanently disbarred Cosme Ripol on Monday, ending his ability to practice law in the state. The five justices voted unanimously to adopt the disciplinary findings against the prosecutor with the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Taos. The order took effect immediately, removing Ripol from the practice of law following a review of his conduct in three criminal cases between 2022 and 2024.

The state’s attorney disciplinary authorities examined Ripol’s performance in State v. Desiree Lensegrav, State v. Daniel Chavez, and State v. Cruz Castillo. In the Lensegrav murder case, Ripol allegedly introduced evidence that was not admissible and used inflammatory language. He repeatedly referred to the defendant as a “bruja,” the Spanish word for witch. The court later vacated Lensegrav’s murder conviction.

In the Chavez murder trial, Ripol reportedly called the defendant a “killer,” a “macho man,” and a “prowling mad dog.” The third case involved Cruz Castillo, where Ripol referenced evidence that a Taos District Court judge had already excluded. That action led to a mistrial.

A hearing committee for the New Mexico Supreme Court Disciplinary Board reviewed the facts and issued conclusions of law. The board recommended disbarment in July. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on October 13. Disciplinary counselor Joseph Gonzales argued in favor of the disbarment during that hearing.

8th Judicial District Attorney Marcus Montoya issued a statement on Monday acknowledging the decision. He noted that prosecutors face a higher standard because they have a unique responsibility to seek justice. Montoya said that when improper tactics are used in court, that standard is not met, even by an attorney with more than thirty years of criminal law experience.

Montoya thanked Ripol for his many decades of work as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor. He described the disbarment as an unfortunate end to Ripol’s career. Ripol had served in the 8th Judicial District, which covers Taos County and surrounding areas. The decision closes out the disciplinary proceedings that began with the review of those three specific cases.

The ruling means Ripol can no longer appear as an attorney in New Mexico courts. The state high court’s order confirms the lower disciplinary board’s recommendation. The three underlying criminal cases involved serious charges, including murder in two instances. The disciplinary process reviewed the specific language and evidentiary choices Ripol made during those trials.