⏱ 2 min read
A Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy, Paul Jessen Jr., 36, was convicted on July 10 of obstructing Drug Enforcement Administration investigations and making false statements to the FBI in New Mexico. Jessen, who was a detective with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, compromised DEA operations by providing confidential information to a known drug trafficker. The conviction came after a five-day trial and three hours of deliberation by a New Mexico jury.
Jessen’s actions not only betrayed his position of public trust but also jeopardized the safety of fellow law enforcement officers. He was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, two counts of obstruction of justice, and one count of making a false statement. The trial was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas due to a recusal by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould stated that Jessen’s actions were a clear violation of his oath and a betrayal of his position of public trust. Raybould also praised the agents who investigated and the Northern District of Texas AUSAs who prosecuted the case, saying that they held Jessen accountable for his crimes. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s South Central Region also investigated the case, with Special Agent in Charge Cloey Pierce stating that Jessen failed to conduct his work with honor and integrity.
The conviction of Paul Jessen Jr. serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers who abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable by the Department of Justice. The case was a significant public corruption case in New Mexico, and the outcome demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Justice to rooting out wrongdoing and ensuring that justice is served.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Public Corruption
- Defendant: New Mexico
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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