An Albuquerque attorney, Thomas Clear III, has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a widespread corruption case that involved dismissing driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases through bribery and racketeering. This plea agreement, filed recently, has unveiled a major scandal wherein Clear operated a 'DWI Enterprise' by providing gifts and monetary bribes to law enforcement officers to evade DWI convictions. This guilty plea arrives shortly after Clear was suspended from practicing law by the New Mexico Supreme Court.
The case also implicates several former officers, including Neill Elsman, who admitted to accepting bribes and attempting to interfere with commerce by extortion. The revelations have rocked the Albuquerque Police Department, as Chief Harold Medina emphasized the magnitude of this misconduct, revealing that a significant internal investigation, in collaboration with the FBI and federal prosecutors, is underway to root out corruption. This proactive stance has already led to the departure of 10 officers from the force, with further revelations anticipated.
In his confession, Clear divulged insights into the extent of this illicit operation. He worked closely with numerous officers from Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, who accepted gifts or financial incentives to abstain from court proceedings, ultimately leading to case dismissals. The enterprise reportedly expanded over the years, thus entrenching corruption deeply within the police department.
The integration of the DWI unit into the scheme was systemic, with officers themselves reportedly encouraging this misconduct by referring new cases to Clear's law firm. Notably, some officers even took active roles in recruiting and mentoring peers to perpetuate the enterprise. This organized network resulted in generational involvement, where the scheme became ingrained among much of the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit over an extended period.
Reflecting on the unfolding scandal, Chief Medina stressed the department's commitment to transparency and justice. As we delve deeper, we expect more misconduct will emerge. We owe it to our community to ensure accountability, even if it requires revisiting actions from decades ago, Medina stated emphatically, underscoring a determination to restore integrity.
This case not only casts a shadow over those directly involved but also raises substantial concerns about the oversight mechanisms in place within the law enforcement framework. The broader implications call for a reevaluation of policies and procedures to deter future misconduct and ensure ethical standards are adhered to diligently.
As the investigation continues, Albuquerque's law enforcement community remains focused on uncovering any additional wrongdoing. The commitment to thorough scrutiny promises further developments in this high-profile case, aimed at eradicating corruption and enhancing trust in public institutions.