Paul Pacheco

The mind-blowing law enforcement DWI scandal won't only play out in the courts but also the political arena, so let the games begin. . . 

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen isn't up for re-election until November 2026 but it appears that the Republican who ran and lost against him in 2022 is back on the trail and prepping a campaign to oust Allen as the Sheriff's department becomes more embroiled in the federal bribery investigation. 

Already Undersheriff Johann Jareno--second in command at the department--has been forced to resign and a deputy being investigated was placed on leave, has now also resigned, pleaded guilty to bribery and implicated an unnamed supervisor.

That brought out retired APD officer and Allen GOP rival Paul Pacheco who came with this on social media:

 Sheriff John Allen and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department are facing serious scrutiny as the FBI investigates allegations of corruption within their DWI unit. At the center of this scandal are Undersheriff  Johann Jareno, who recently resigned, Deputy Jeff Hammerel, who was placed on administrative leave, and Ricardo "Rick" Mendez, a paralegal and longtime friend of Allen, who was recently charged by the FBI. Mendez has been accused of bribing law enforcement officers since 2008 and was also a contributor to Allen's 2022 campaign for sheriff, raising further concerns about his influence within the department. Allen personally elevated Jareno from the rank of sergeant to undersheriff, a significant leap in rank that now raises serious concerns given his involvement in the investigation. With three of Allen's close associates now implicated in misconduct, the integrity of his leadership is under serious fire. 

ALLEN VS. PACHECO

That campaign contribution to Allen from now convicted felon Rick Mendez was for $200. An Allen spokeswoman told us last week:

Sheriff Allen

John Allen had no idea Mendez was involved in a DWI corruption scheme that involved the city, state and BCSO and he has since donated the $200 contribution to MADD, a group John has supported for years. 

A spokeswoman for Allen did not respond to an inquiry for comment on Pacheco's statement. 

Pacheco, a former two-term state representative from ABQ's westside, lost to Allen 54 to 42 with a third candidate getting 4 percent. 

Corruption has always been a gateway issue for Republicans to break the lock on a Democratic hold. Pacheco is obviously putting Allen on notice. 

ABQ Mayor Tim Keller, seeking re-election to a third term this November, has not yet drawn a political opponent seen as a heavyweight contender who could make hay over the scandal. But the year is young and Pacheco has broken the ice. 

RIDING WITH RUSK

Mayors Keller & Rusk

From the city of ABQ:  

Former ABQ Mayor David Rusk, 84, was honored with the dedication of ABQ RIDE’s original transit facility and the KiMo Theatre’s orchestra pit and foyer, now bearing his name. Rusk, who served as mayor from 1977-1981, advocated for smart and inclusive growth, sustainability, and public safety in transit. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the KiMo Theatre. . .into an arts and entertainment center.  

We covered Rusk's mayoral term and recall how one of his first acts as mayor was to announce that he would ride the bus to City Hall each workday from his SE Heights home. He enjoyed meeting people during those rides. Sadly, that might not be a wise choice today.

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