Enchantment State News

Members of the New Mexico State Police and a senior advisor with the Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham were honored during the Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards hosted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico on Friday.

“Proud to celebrate our outstanding state police, and my senior advisor, Ben Baker, for their exceptional dedication and service to our state,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Honored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico for excellence in law enforcement, they exemplify professionalism and commitment every day. Thank you for your tireless efforts and unwavering bravery.”

The following individuals were recognized at the Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards ceremony in Albuquerque:

Senior Public Safety Advisor Benjamin Baker was recognized for his perseverance in pursuing a multi-million-dollar international fraud case, U.S. v. Bruce Beckner, et al., for more than 10 years after he left his post as a case agent for the New Mexico Securities Division. The $14 million fraud case concluded when the defendant was extradited, tried, and convicted by a jury in 2022.

New Mexico State Police Sgt. Ruben Franco was acknowledged as the first law enforcement officer to respond when Defendant Johnathon Bindues, a high school girls' track and basketball coach at the time, was accused of engaging in sexual relationships with minor female students. Franco’s investigation gathered critical evidence that ensured a solid prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Bindues was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

New Mexico State Police Sgt. Sharron Duran received the Valor Award for her work on the case U.S. v. Robert B. Nelson, where she was shot at point-blank range during a routine traffic stop but managed to return fire and apprehend the suspect despite being severely injured. Nelson was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to murder Task Force Officer Duran.

New Mexico State Police Officer Jolean Jones was honored for her life-saving efforts at Taos Feast Day 2023, where she collaborated with other emergency personnel to rescue a 67-year-old male who had collapsed and was unresponsive on Pueblo land.