A federal grand jury indicted former Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy Paul Jessen Jr. in a DWI corruption case spanning nearly six years, KOB reported, citing court documents. Prosecutors charged that Jessen used his official position to help a scheme, running from March 2018 to January 2024, to dismiss DWI cases. They say he failed to appear at required court settings for offenders who hired attorney Thomas J. Clear III, knowing his absence would let Clear seek dismissals. Court documents allege he accepted gifts including a grill and smoker, a television and tools, along with free legal services, alcohol and hotel rooms. Jessen faces a charge of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by extortion under color of official right, punishable by up to 20 years. KOB reported that 13 people have pleaded guilty to related federal charges and that Jessen was convicted in July in a separate case of obstructing a DEA investigation and making false statements to the FBI.
Why it matters
Prosecutors allege a deputy used his official position to help DWI offenders avoid penalties in exchange for gifts and benefits. Jessen is charged in this case, and the separate July conviction concerned tipping off DEA agents and false statements.
Charged: Prosecutors filed criminal charges. A charge is not proof of guilt, and the person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Researched with AI assistance from the sources listed here and reviewed under our methodology.