ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A judge sentenced a New Mexico caregiver to 30 years in prison for the April 2023 death of a woman with developmental disabilities.
Angelita Chacon received a 30-year sentence Monday after pleading no contest in April to several charges for the death of Mary Melero. In February 2023, Melero was found in dire condition in the back of a van at the Mexican border.
Investigators found Melero was in the care of Chacon and Patricia Hurtado in a state-run program for people with developmental disabilities who pay other people to take care of them. Authorities arrested Melero and Hurtado in May 2023.
In September 2025, Hurtado reached a deal to testify against Chacon and pay restitution.
Chacon pleaded no contest to abuse of a resident resulting in death, false imprisonment and conspiracy, Medicaid fraud, conspiracy to kidnap and tampering with evidence. She and Hurtado will have to pay a total of $3.3 million:
- $2.5 million to Melero’s estate.
- $861,649.47 to the state of New Mexico.
This case led to a closer look at other abuse and neglect cases in New Mexico.
“Today’s maximum sentence sends a clear message. Those who abuse vulnerable New Mexicans and violate the trust placed in them will be held accountable. This case was especially egregious and our office will continue working to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are protected and that those responsible for harming them face justice,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez.
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