LAS CRUCES, NM – Jesse Denver Hanes, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, admitted today to a litany of federal crimes stemming from a violent spree on August 12, 2016, that left Hatch Police Officer Jose Chavez dead. Hanes entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack in Las Cruces, acknowledging his role in a carjacking and multiple firearm offenses as he desperately tried to evade capture after allegedly gunning down Officer Chavez.
The plea agreement stipulates a life sentence without the possibility of release. Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney didn’t mince words, stating, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made a commitment to prosecute those who seek to harm the courageous officers who put their lives on the line…This federal prosecution is part of that commitment.” The feds are moving forward while state charges remain pending, ensuring Hanes faces justice on multiple fronts.
The events unfolded after Officer Chavez initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Hanes in Hatch, New Mexico. Court filings detail that Hanes allegedly shot Officer Chavez in the upper torso, a wound that proved fatal. Rather than stay and face the consequences, Hanes embarked on a desperate flight, culminating in a brazen attempt to carjack two individuals at a rest stop near Radium Springs. He didn’t hesitate to use violence, shooting a man in the leg to steal his vehicle.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the Albuquerque Division underscored the impact of Chavez’s death. “Whenever a brave police officer like Jose Chavez dies in the line of duty, everyone in the law enforcement community feels the loss,” Wade stated. “Officer Chavez’s sacrifice has inspired all of us…to renew our resolve to serve and protect.” Agents recovered the handgun used in both the carjacking and the alleged murder of Officer Chavez when Hanes was apprehended by Doña Ana County Sheriff’s deputies.
Hanes pled guilty to a five-count superseding indictment including attempted carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm – a critical point, as Hanes was already prohibited from owning weapons due to a prior conviction. This isn’t the end of the legal battles for Hanes, however. He’s also facing first-degree murder charges in state court in Doña Ana County for Officer Chavez’s death.
Adding to his legal woes, Hanes is also facing an unrelated state murder charge back in Ohio. While he’s pleaded not guilty to the New Mexico state charges, and hasn’t yet been extradited to face the Ohio case, today’s federal guilty plea ensures a lifetime behind bars. The combined sentences promise a grim future for the man accused of shattering the lives of a fallen officer and his community. The investigation involved the FBI, Hatch Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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