Repeat-offender case review · 2020–2026
In the Courtroom of Judge Jill Martinez
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
43 cases adjudicated · 32 problematic dispositions
- 2Incompetent findings
- 11Failure to prosecute
- 19State dismissals (nolle prosequi)
- 0Deferred dismissals
Analysis
Repeat-offender dismissals in this courtroom
This page reviews 43 criminal case dispositions of known repeat offenders in the courtroom of Judge Jill Martinez from 2020 through mid-2026. 32 of those cases ended in a non-merits resolution — 74% — meaning the underlying charge was not resolved by acquittal, conviction, or plea.
In the featured examples below, many of the same defendants were charged again after the case was closed.
What counts as “problematic.” Across a study of more than 5,000 cases involving 150 prolific repeat offenders in New Mexico, a disposition is treated as problematic when it does not resolve the charge on the merits. That includes findings of incompetence, failure to prosecute, State notices of dismissal (nolle prosequi), and deferred dismissals. Valid reasons can exist in individual cases. The question this record raises is pattern and consequence, not a single file.
Disposition snapshot
Cases not resolved on the merits
32 problematic · 11 not problematic, of 43 reviewed.
ProblematicNot problematic
How the 32 problematic cases closed
Non-merits (problematic) disposition types in this courtroom:
Problematic dispositions by time period
Open a period to read the featured cases from the narrative. Each card keeps the original paragraph and flags the disposition type.
2020–2021 Early Signals of Recurring Dismissal 1 featured case
January 2020
Matthew Jones
In January 2020, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Burglary of a Vehicle case against Matthew Jones, who had 14 prior cases. Jones faced new charges of Burglary of a Vehicle in March 2020.
2022–2023 Peak Volume and Same-Day Clusters 6 featured cases
February 2022
Dana Delouth
In February 2022, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence case against Dana Delouth, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 16 prior cases. Delouth faced new charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony in April 2022.
February 2022
Maximiliano Contreras
In February 2022, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Battery (household member) case against Maximiliano Contreras, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 2 prior cases. Contreras faced new charges of Attempt to Commit a Felony, to wit: Shoplifting (Over $500 but not more than $2,500) in April 2022.
August 2022
Dana Delouth
In August 2022, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence case against Dana Delouth, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 27 prior cases. Delouth faced new charges of Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence in October 2022.
May 2023
David Morales
In May 2023, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Aggravated Battery (Misdemeanor)(No Great Bodily Harm) case against David Morales, who had 4 prior cases. Morales faced new charges of Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence in June 2023.
June 2023
Johnny Montano
In June 2023, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence case against Johnny Montano, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 14 prior cases. Montano faced new charges of Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence in July 2023.
December 2023
Pierre Williams
In December 2023, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Criminal Trespass case against Pierre Williams, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 12 prior cases. Williams faced new charges of Criminal Trespass (Posted) in January 2024.
2024–2026 Continued High-Prior Dismissals and Reoffending 24 featured cases
January 2024
Misty Frazee
In January 2024, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Criminal Trespass case against Misty Frazee, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 24 prior cases. Frazee faced new charges of Criminal Trespass in January 2024.
April 2024
Candido Robles
In April 2024, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Battery (household member) case against Candido Robles, who had 23 prior cases. Robles faced new charges of Criminal Damage to the Property of a Household Member (Under $1,000) in April 2024.
April 29, 2024
Candido Robles
On April 29, 2024, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute two cases against Candido Robles on the same day—one for Battery (household member) and one for Criminal Damage to the Property of a Household Member (Under $1,000)—with Robles having 24 to 26 prior cases. Robles faced new charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony in May 2024.
May 2024
Phillip Beckom
In May 2024, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Shoplifting ($250 or Less) case against Phillip Beckom, who had 22 prior cases. Beckom faced new charges of Attempt to Commit a Felony, to wit: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedules I – III) in May 2024.
June 2024
Misty Frazee
In June 2024, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Criminal Trespass case against Misty Frazee, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 37 prior cases. Frazee faced new charges of Shoplifting (Over $500 but not more than $2,500) in June 2024.
July 2024
William Powell
In July 2024, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Shoplifting ($250 or Less) case against William Powell, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 9 prior cases. Powell faced new charges of Aggravated Stalking in July 2024.
July 2024
Nathaniel Nunez
In July 2024, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (PA) case against Nathaniel Nunez, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 25 prior cases. Nunez faced new charges of Criminal Trespass (Damage) in September 2024.
November 2024
Kelly McCain
In November 2024, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Park Property: shall not disfigure/remove property/trees/plants; remove natur.resources; erect struct. case against Kelly McCain, who had 10 prior cases. McCain faced new charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony in February 2025.
December 2024
Marlin James
In December 2024, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Criminal Trespass (Posted) case against Marlin James, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 17 prior cases. James faced new charges of Tampering with Evidence (Highest Crime a Third, Fourth or Indeterminate Degree Felony) in January 2025.
December 2024
Donald Fletcher
In December 2024, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Battery case against Donald Fletcher, who had 9 prior cases. Fletcher faced new charges of Criminal Damage to Property (Under $1000) in April 2025.
January 2025
Mike Chavez
In January 2025, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Harassment case against Mike Chavez, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 49 prior cases. Chavez faced new charges of Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence in January 2025.
January 2025
Nathaniel Nunez
In January 2025, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (PA) case against Nathaniel Nunez, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 27 prior cases. Nunez faced new charges of Criminal Trespass in February 2025.
March 2025
Valentin Garcia
In March 2025, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Unlawfully Obstructing Movement case against Valentin Garcia, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 13 prior cases. Garcia faced new charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony in March 2025.
July 2025
Sonja Garcia
In July 2025, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Misdemeanor Offense Not Identified case against Sonja Garcia, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 20 prior cases. Garcia faced new charges of Battery upon a Peace Officer in August 2025.
July 2025
Tyler Hammond
In July 2025, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Criminal Trespass case against Tyler Hammond, who had 31 prior cases. Hammond faced new charges of Possession of Burglary Tools in July 2025.
October 2025
Richard Sanchez
In October 2025, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Battery (household member) case against Richard Sanchez, who had 43 prior cases. Sanchez faced new charges of Harassment in November 2025.
December 2025
Richard Romero
In December 2025, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (PA) case against Richard Romero, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 42 prior cases. Romero faced new charges of Aggravated Shoplifting in January 2026.
February 2026
David Gregory
In February 2026, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Unlawful Camping in any publicly owned area case against David Gregory, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 26 prior cases. Gregory faced new charges of Unlawful Camping in any publicly owned area in February 2026.
March 2026
Breanna Benavidez
In March 2026, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Crossing at Other than Cross Walk case against Breanna Benavidez, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 21 prior cases. Benavidez faced new charges of Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer in March 2026.
March 2026
Misty Frazee
In March 2026, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Criminal Trespass case against Misty Frazee, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 62 prior cases. Frazee faced new charges of Criminal Trespass in March 2026.
March 2026
Steven Hamilton
In March 2026, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed as incompetent the Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer case against Steven Hamilton, who had 29 prior cases.
April 2026
John Johnson
In April 2026, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed for failure to prosecute the Criminal Trespass case against John Johnson, who had 38 prior cases. Johnson faced new charges of Criminal Trespass in May 2026.
May 2026
Mike Chavez
In May 2026, Judge Jill Martinez dismissed as incompetent the Criminal Damage to the Property of a Household Member (Under $1,000) case against Mike Chavez, who had 57 prior cases. Chavez faced new charges of Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence in June 2026.
June 2026
Breanna Benavidez
In June 2026, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) in the Pedestrians on Roadways case against Breanna Benavidez, assigned to Judge Jill Martinez at the time, who had 25 prior cases.
Notable dispositions approved, ordered, or endorsed
| Period | Offender | Key charge(s) | Disposition by Judge Martinez | Priors | Notable subsequent charge(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Matthew Jones | Burglary of a Vehicle | Dismissed by Judge Martinez for failure to prosecute | 14 | Burglary of a Vehicle [Mar 2020] |
| 2022 | Dana Delouth | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 16 | Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony [Apr 2022] |
| 2022 | Maximiliano Contreras | Battery (household member) | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 2 | Attempt to Commit a Felony, to wit: Shoplifting [Apr 2022] |
| 2022 | Dana Delouth | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 27 | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence [Oct 2022] |
| 2023 | David Morales | Aggravated Battery (Misdemeanor)(No Great Bodily Harm) | Dismissed by Judge Martinez for failure to prosecute | 4 | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence [Jun 2023] |
| 2023 | Johnny Montano | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 14 | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence [Jul 2023] |
| 2024 (Apr 29) | Candido Robles | Battery (household member) / Criminal Damage to Property of a Household Member [same-day] | Dismissed by Judge Martinez for failure to prosecute | 24–26 | Possession of a Controlled Substance – Felony [May 2024] |
| 2024 | Misty Frazee | Criminal Trespass | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 37 | Shoplifting (Over $500 but not more than $2,500) [Jun 2024] |
| 2024 | William Powell | Shoplifting ($250 or Less) | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 9 | Aggravated Stalking [Jul 2024] |
| 2025 | Mike Chavez | Harassment | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 49 | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence [Jan 2025] |
| 2025 | Richard Sanchez | Battery (household member) | Dismissed by Judge Martinez for failure to prosecute | 43 | Harassment [Nov 2025] |
| 2025 | Richard Romero | Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (PA) | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 42 | Aggravated Shoplifting [Jan 2026] |
| 2026 | Misty Frazee | Criminal Trespass | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 62 | Criminal Trespass [Mar 2026] |
| 2026 | Steven Hamilton | Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer | Dismissed by Judge Martinez as incompetent | 29 | [No subsequent listed] |
| 2026 | John Johnson | Criminal Trespass | Dismissed by Judge Martinez for failure to prosecute | 38 | Criminal Trespass [May 2026] |
| 2026 | Mike Chavez | Criminal Damage to the Property of a Household Member (Under $1,000) | Dismissed by Judge Martinez as incompetent | 57 | Violation of Restraining Order Prohibiting Domestic Violence [Jun 2026] |
| 2026 | Breanna Benavidez | Pedestrians on Roadways | Notice of dismissal (nolle prosequi) | 25 | [No subsequent listed] |
Summarizing the record
The pattern of problematic dispositions in the courtroom of Judge Jill Martinez includes 2 incompetent findings, 11 dismissals for failure to prosecute, and 19 State notices of dismissal (nolle prosequi). High-prior individuals in these records include Misty Frazee (priors reaching 62), Mike Chavez (priors reaching 57 and 49), Richard Sanchez (43 priors), Richard Romero (42 priors), and John Johnson (38 priors). Repeat names across separate dated dispositions include Dana Delouth, Candido Robles, Misty Frazee, Nathaniel Nunez, Mike Chavez, and Breanna Benavidez.
Learn More About This Judge Below
Judges Whose Courtrooms Have High Rates of Repeat Offender Case Dismissals:
Brittany Maldonado Malott is a judge in Division X of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She presides over criminal and civil matters and serves as the presiding judge for the Behavioral Health DWI Court and the Behavioral Health Court. A Democrat and an EMERGE NM alum class of 2019, she was ...
Bruce Fox is a district court judge in Division X of the New Mexico Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. He primarily handles felony criminal matters, expungement cases, and presides over the Mental Health Court Program. A Democrat, he was appointed to the bench on February 8, 2021, by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Christine E. Rodriguez is a judge in Division II of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She primarily handles criminal matters and serves as the Presiding Judge of the court’s DWI Recovery Court Program. A Democrat, she was elected to the bench in November 2016 after defeating the incumbent in the general ...
Clara Moran is a district court judge in Division XXVIII of the New Mexico Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. She primarily handles criminal matters. A Democrat and an EMERGE NM alum 2016, she was appointed to the bench on July 2, 2020, by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to fill a vacancy.
Douglas R. Driggers is a district court judge in Division VII of the New Mexico Third Judicial District Court in Las Cruces. A Democrat, he was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson in 2003. He has been retained by voters in multiple nonpartisan retention elections, including 2008, 2014, and 2020.
James Lawrence Sanchez is a district court judge in Division I of the New Mexico Thirteenth Judicial District Court, based in Los Lunas, Valencia County. He presides over general jurisdiction cases including criminal, civil, family, and domestic matters. A registered Republican, he was appointed to the bench in May 2012 by Governor Susana Martinez to ...
Jarod K. Hofacket is a district court judge in Division IV of the New Mexico Sixth Judicial District Court and serves as Chief Judge of the entire district. He presides over general jurisdiction cases in Luna County. A registered Republican, he was appointed to the bench on October 21, 2016, by Governor Susana Martinez. He ...
Jennifer J. Wernersbach is a district court judge in Division XVI of the New Mexico Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. She primarily handles felony criminal cases, appeals from Metropolitan Court, bind-overs, detention hearings, and other criminal proceedings. A Democrat, she assumed the bench on February 5, 2021, following appointment by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Jill M. Martinez is a judge in Division VIII of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She serves on the DWI Bench Book Committee and instructs on the Fourth Amendment for the Judicial Education Committee. A Democrat, she won the 2014 Democratic primary and general election.
Joshua J. Sanchez serves as a judge for Division IV of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in New Mexico. He is also the Chief Judge of the Metropolitan Court, a position he was elected to by his peers in April 2023. A Democrat, he was appointed to the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court by Governor Michelle ...
Manuel I. Arrieta is a district court judge in Division I of the New Mexico Third Judicial District Court in Las Cruces. He handles a variety of civil matters, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, land use, and other civil litigation. A Democrat, he has served on the court since his appointment in January 2009 ...
Vidalia G. Chavez is a judge in Division XIV of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She handles civil disputes (up to $10,000), landlord-tenant matters, and other civil dockets. A Democrat, she won the 2014 general election, defeating Peggy Ann Holguin with 50.9 percent of the vote.