Santa Fe County sheriff looks back on ‘Rust’ case, discusses DEA controversy and future of AI use

Santa Fe County sheriff looks back on ‘Rust’ case, discusses DEA controversy and future of AI use

A local who was elected Santa Fe County sheriff in 2018, Adan Mendoza’s eventful two-term tenure has included efforts to improve staffing, managing the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple stints under the national media microscope. Mendoza’s time in office will concluded at the end of the year when he will likely be succeeded by current Santa Fe police Chief Paul Joye, who won the Democratic primary in June and faces no Republican challenger in the November general election. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Mendoza joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to reflect on his time in office, discuss his department’s involvement in the Rust case, offer his thoughts on his likely successor and share his plans for the future. Mendoza, who has worked in law enforcement for 27 years, begins by discussing efforts to modernize the department’s policies. He also talks about the use of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. Asked how the department has been able to improve its staffing levels and retention, Mendoza points to implementing a “4/8/40” work schedule that gives employees full-time pay for working four eight-hour days each week, allowing for an extra eight hours of administrative leave to devote to their mental or physical well-being. Mendoza then shares his support for Joye, who he endorsed in the primary race for county sheriff, and discusses his own future. He said he’s interested in the role of Santa Fe’s police chief and will be applying for the position. Chacón later asks Mendoza to offer his thoughts on the recent story that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration knowingly allowed New Mexico to be flooded with fentanyl. Mendoza is then asked about his time in the national spotlight as his department worked the case for the on-set shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the discovery of the bodies of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe home. Chacón brings up a judge’s dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter case of Alec Baldwin, largely over a box of ammunition that was entered into evidence under a different case number than all other evidence related to the shooting of Hutchins. Mendoza said he bears responsibility for the handling of the evidence since it took place under his department. Mendoza is finally asked what he will miss the most and least when he moves on from his sheriff’s role, and shares thanks to the community for the chance to serve. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

'So horrific': NM Epstein truth commission member speaks on breadth of potential crimes, support for survivors

Even before legislation was passed to form New Mexico’s “truth commission” to investigate the activities and potential crimes of Jeffrey Epstein in the state, Marianna Anaya said she spent time digging through the publicly released files related to the financier and convicted sex offender. With a background in advocacy for sexual assault survivors, the Albuquerque state representative said a pitfall in the past was that people didn’t listen to survivors, thinking allegations were “too out of this world to believe.” With what’s been learned through the Epstein files, Anaya said “the things that happened to survivors are so horrific that there’s nothing that’s off the table.” In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast,” Anaya joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Clara Bates to discuss how she became one of the four members of the bipartisan truth commission, the progress of the panel so far, and the breadth of potential crimes committed in the state related to the Epstein case. Anaya shares her history as an organizer, activist and lobbyist, and how decision to run for the state House came in the spur of the moment following a narrow defeat of paid family and medical leave legislation she had been supporting. The Democrat then speaks on her involvement in the truth commission, and how her advocacy for victims of sexual assault has informed her work on the panel. She says she’s proud of the work of the bipartisan commission, which she said has avoided making their work political and has remained focused on seeking justice for survivors. Bates asks Anaya about The New Mexican’s recent reporting [https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/epstein/zorro-smiles-epsteins-girlfriend-was-licensed-dentist-in-new-mexico/article_2bd5b2d4-2378-44d9-9c5e-6558e5f87737.html] on Epstein having a private ambulance at Zorro Ranch and possibly a dental office. Anaya said there has been testimony from survivors that some woke up in medical settings in New Mexico. She then goes over the types of potential crimes committed in the state related to Epstein, including sex trafficking, medical crimes and financial crimes. Anaya is also asked about the one year the commission has to come up with a full report for the Epstein investigation. She said members have never thought one year was enough time, and that she hopes the Legislature will be able to extend the life of the commission at the end of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

GOP Lt. Gov. nominee David Gallegos talks governor's race, Trump and bringing balance for rural NM

State Sen. David Gallegos won a three-man race for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor earlier this month and will be the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull on the GOP ticket in November’s general election. A longtime resident of the town of Eunice in the Permian Basin, Gallegos said if he and Hull win he’d use the office to bolster the voices of rural New Mexicans. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Gallegos joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to chat about the governor’s race, lay out his priorities and discuss his position on President Donald Trump’s policies. Gallegos, who worked for 30 years in the natural gas industry and is now a manager for his family’s construction company, said he is developing a good relationship with Hull, the former mayor of Rio Rancho. He said the two bring a balance to the GOP ticket, with Hull offering a perspective on urban New Mexico and Gallegos bringing an understanding of a rural way of life. Gallegos offers his perspective the situation regarding the Democratic ticket, which saw Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver recently suspend her campaign for lieutenant governor due to health issues. A handful of people are now vying to step in and be the running mate for Deb Haaland. Chacón later questions Gallegos about strife among the state’s Republican Party leadership, and how it impacts the party’s candidates. Gallegos also shares his thoughts on Trump, saying New Mexico Democrats have prevented the state from receiving federal funds due to being uncooperative with the administration’s policies. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sen. Peter Wirth discusses decision not to seek reelection and reflects on legislative legacy

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, made headlines Tuesday with the announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2028 for a sixth term in the Senate and that he will relinquish his position as floor leader. “An important part of leadership is knowing when to hand the baton to the next generation,” Wirth said Wednesday in an interview with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Wirth joins Chacón to discuss his decision to step away from the Senate (after serving out his remaining two years) and talk about his legacy over 22 years in the Legislature. In the interview, Chacón asks Wirth about what it takes to serve in the role of floor leader, a position Wirth has held since 2016. He also asks Wirth about the toll the position has taken over the years, and if he knows of any legislators who may be lining up to step into the role. Wirth then discusses what he has planned for the future, after he serves out his remaining time in office, and is asked if he could see himself returning to politics at some point. Chacón asks Wirth about legislation he is most proud of during his more than two decades in the Senate. Wirth also asks about the state’s large investments in programs like early childhood education and behavioral health, and when New Mexico may see a return on investment. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

NM CD2: Republican Greg Cunningham on the border, Trump, and big money in the race

All eyes will be on the midterm elections come November as control of Congress is up for grabs, and a national spotlight will once again be on New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. Republican Greg Cunningham is vying to unseat incumbent Democrat Gabe Vasquez, who defeated Yvette Herrell in tightly contested races in 2022 and 2024. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Cunningham joins Santa Fe New Mexican politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss the high-profile race, his professional background and his positions on issues impacting New Mexicans. He shares how he decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps and what drew him to become a member of the Albuquerque Police Department. Chacón asks Cunningham about his thoughts on some of President Donald Trump’s policies, including the creation of a military border zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. Cunningham also talks about Trump’s tariffs and tax policies, and his views on the war with Iran. Cunningham is asked to share his thoughts on Vasquez’s performance during his two terms in office, and explains how he differs from the incumbent. He also discusses the importance of the race and the money that’s expected to pour in to support the two candidates. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.