Retired New Mexico State Police Officer Kent Wingenroth has added his name to the list of those who will apply for the magistrate judge vacancy created by the removal of Carlos Garza.
Wingenroth, who worked for the state police for 21 years, confirmed he will apply, but said he doesn’t want to comment further during the application process. Wingenroth has applied unsuccessfully for a vacancy on the magistrate court in the past.
Former Las Cruces Police Department Sergeant Joel Cano and former Magistrate Judge Maria Rodriguez also plan to apply.
Las Cruces attorney Fred Kennon, who was mentioned as a possible candidate and who has applied unsuccessfully for a district judgeship in the past, said he won’t apply.
That’s because he’s supporting Wingenroth.
“Kent Wingenroth is a fine man and a fair man; with his law enforcement background, he would be an excellent choice,” Kennon told me.
Interested candidates must send applications, signed background check forms, résumés and letters of recommendation to Governor Bill Richardson, Attention Legal Division, State Capitol Building, Suite 400, Santa Fe, NM 87501. They must be received by Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. Materials may be sent via e-mail to marcia.maestas@state.nm.us, by mail or by hand delivery.
The application and background check form may be obtained by calling (505) 476-2200 or by clicking here.