APD Places Internal Affairs Commander on Leave Amid DWI Unit Scandal

By: ABQRAW staff

Posted: 02/13/2024 @ 7:05PM

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Albuquerque – APD says they have placed the commander of the Internal Affairs Division on administrative leave as part the department’s ongoing investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by DWI officers.

Mark Landavazo, who has been with APD since 2007, became commander of the Internal Affairs-Professional Services Standards Division in 2021. Landovazo is now the highest ranking official APD has put on leave regarding the DWI scandal.

“We are investigating every aspect of these allegations, from the role of officers to supervisors,” Chief Medina said.

Five officers were placed on administrative leave this month. One of those officers has since resigned. None of the officers have been formally accused or charged with a crime by any agency at this point in the investigation.

Medina told media last week that APD’s Criminal Investigations Division Commander Kyle Hartsock will be leading the investigation into the DWI unit. We have learned from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s public affairs office that Hartsock was a member of the BCSO DWI unit during his time with that department.

Hartsock was also in charge of court services when the scandal over excessive court no shows was discovered recently. Hartsock was employed by APD during this time. It is unclear if anyone at any point who was associated with the DWI unit will eventually also be put on leave. The major in charge of internal affairs Zach Cottrell was also a member of the DWI unit for many years.

At a press conference last month, APD Chief Medina gave an update into APD’s handling of the DWI investigation and said:

“We’ll be as transparent as we can. It was an internal investigation. Please be patient and understand that releasing any details can affect witnesses or other evidence that we’re still trying to get in the very early stage of this investigation. That being said, I won’t be able to take too many questions, but appreciate your support. You know, I know, Commander Hartsock, as they have begun the process of an administrative investigation.”

At that press conference tougher questions started to be asked by media outlets and Medina walked out without allowing other reporters to ask their questions.

So far no one has been federally charged, however just under 200 cases have been dismissed by District Attorney Sam Bregman because the officers associated with the raids had cases pending with the courts, and there has been no timeline from the FBI when they will release court documents related to the raids.