Albuquerque –
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is once again facing further fallout from an ongoing investigation into its disgraced DWI unit. Another former DWI officer has resigned and a commander has now been terminated as the department digs deeper into allegations of misconduct.
Former DWI Officer Officer Neill Elsman, who had been on military leave since October 2023, resigned this week. He was scheduled to return to work but stepped down before an interview with Internal Affairs could be conducted. Despite his resignation, Elsman will still be asked to participate in a voluntary interview with APD officials.
Meanwhile, Commander Mark Landavazo has now been fired following a third investigation stemming from the initial DWI probe. He was previously disciplined for two policy violations but the most recent findings led to his termination. APD did not outline the policy violations in their release.
APD formed an Internal Affairs Task Force in early 2024 to examine the conduct of current and former DWI officers. The task force, led by Commander Kyle Hartsock, goal is to submit its findings to the Superintendent of Police Reform for review.
In addition to the internal investigation, the FBI is conducting a criminal inquiry into the allegations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will determine if any federal charges will eventually be filed.
It should be noted APD Commander Hartsock was once upon a time part of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s offices DWI unit when he was employed with them. APD top brass has decided Commander Hartsock is the best man for this investigation possibly because he once worked for the unit himself.
No federal charges have been filed against anyone related to this case.
So far, six other officers have resigned: Justin Hunt, Honorio Alba, Joshua Montaño, Harvey Johnson, Nelson Ortiz and Daren DeAguero.
¡Savages!