Mendez given sentencing date for DWI Deception scheme

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A federal judge set Rick Mendez’s sentencing for May 2027 in the DWI deception scandal tied to paid-off cops, skipped court and dismissed cases.

Mendez walked out of federal court as a judge pushed prosecutors and his defense team to move the case forward. Mendez admitted his role in the scheme nearly two years ago.

Thomas Clear III sat at the center of the deception and used Mendez, described as his so-called paralegal, to help make the scheme work.

An international trip, and what’s next

Mendez also got permission to leave the country before sentencing. His attorney said Mendez traveled for a family need and came back.

“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,” Wayne Baker said.

Baker represents Mendez. Baker said he cannot yet say what punishment will look like for Mendez.

“Unless there’s a mandatory minimum – which there aren’t in this case. Then it’s all based on the guidelines,” Baker said.

When asked what would be a fair sentence, Baker declined to answer at this stage.

“That’s way before – you know – it’s not the time to address that at this point and I’m not going to get into the factual,” Baker said.

The DWI Deception scheme

Mendez admitted he played a vital role in the scheme that got everyone paid for officers to skip court and helped drunken driving defendants avoid consequences.

He also said people connected to the scheme have been implicated, but not all of them have been charged.

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