ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A federal grand jury indicted former Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputy Paul Jessen Jr. in a DWI corruption case that spans nearly six years.
According to court documents, prosecutors charged Jessen with using his official position to help a long-running scheme to dismiss DWI cases in New Mexico.
Court documents say the scheme ran between March 2018 and January 2024. Jessen was convicted earlier this year of obstructing a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation and making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to court documents, Jessen conspired with attorney Thomas J. Clear III and paralegal Ricardo Mendez to help DWI offenders avoid criminal and administrative penalties tied to their arrests.
Prosecutors say Jessen failed to appear at required criminal court settings for DWI offenders who hired Clear, and knew his absence would let Clear seek dismissal of the cases.
Court documents allege Jessen first raised concerns to a co-conspirator, a senior Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputy, about taking cash payments for his role in the scheme.
Jessen then agreed to accept gifts instead, according to court documents. Court documents allege those gifts included a Pit Boss grill and smoker, a Sharp large-screen television, Craftsman tools and a toolbox.
Court documents also allege Jessen received free legal services, including representation while he was under investigation for tipping off DEA targets, along with alcohol, hotel rooms and other benefits.
Jessen faces a charge of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by extortion under color of official right. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
To date, 13 people, including Clear and Mendez, have pleaded guilty to federal charges tied to the conspiracy.
Jessen was convicted in July of tipping off DEA agents in a separate case.
