Seventh Former APD DWI Officer Pleads Guilty in DWI Case Dismissal Scheme

Albuquerque –

Former APD officer Louis Henckel pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting to his role in the longtime conspiracy with a local attorney and his paralegal to get DWI cases dismissed.

Henckel was terminated by APD in April 2021 – prior to the investigation into DWI officers. He was hired by APD in 2008 and worked in the DWI unit from 2017 to 2019. He was later terminated by APD in 2021 for violating policies related to truthfulness and not reporting officer misconduct.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office added Henckel to the Brady-Giglio disclosure list today, which raises concerns about an officer’s credibility if he testifies in court.

The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into allegations of illegal conduct. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will determine whether any criminal charges will be filed against individuals accused of violating federal laws.

As of this publication, 13 current APD officers, one retired APD officer, one terminated APD officer, three BCSO deputies, and one NMSP officer have either been implicated or placed on administrative leave due to the DWI investigation.

Seven former APD officers who have left or been terminated from the department have since plead guilty to federal charges for their roles in the DWI conspiracy: Neill Elsman, Honorio Alba, Joshua Montaño, Nelson Ortiz, Harvey Johnson, Lucas Perez and Louis Henckel.

Former BCSO deputy Jeff Hammerel also pleaded guilty to federal charges. In total, eight law enforcement officers have pleaded guilty.